As December is coming to a close I cannot help but to look back and reflect on the past 6 months of my life & ministry in Costa Rica. In doing this the faithfulness of God has been clearly displayed. I’ve not only seen Him faithful in my triumphs but also in my failures, not just at times, but always. I have a heart abounding in gratefulness to Him. In these months He has done such a work in San Isidro, Costa Rica and in my heart personally. I look forward to being a part of the work He will continue to do this coming year.
I realize that my last blog was in September. For this I'm incredibly sorry! During this time I started to write newsletters, and I fully intended to write both blogs and newsletters. However, each of these take so much time and thought that my focus went to the letters instead. I apologize. I hope to be more diligent in informing you on the work of God in and through my life.
With that said, and the huge gap that I created in time, let me tell you overall about the Fall '11 semester. I was personally blessed by each one of the students that came. It was obvious that the Lord had chosen each of them to join us for a specific work in them and in us through them. They were a great group of students! After the first week of the semester we became short staffed. In the beginning it was hard, we all felt stretched out thin over all the work that needed to get done. However, soon enough by the grace of God we got the hang of things. There was definitely challenges that came and went, but throughout the semester there was great joy. I can honestly say that I have never grown so much in such a short amount of time. Talk about the spiritual growth spirt! Oh, to be more like Christ! I pray that I will never slow down in becoming more like Him. The theme of the semester for me personally was...
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."- Galatians 2:20
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:2-3
We've died, now Christ lives through us. It's a concept that we all know well. We've heard it before. Many a time. I found for me it was only head knowledge and something that I've never lived. However, at my arrival in Costa Rica I remember the Lord making these words real to me. He began to teach me what these verses meant and He showed me a depth that they hold. Throughout the semester, with all the busyness, I started to loose sight of this. It wasn't till towards the end of the semester the Lord reminded me of these verses and how they have no value if not lived in a life. My life. I truly desire for my life to be simply Christ in me. If when people look at the life I live and only see Jesus, I would be completely satisfied. I'm so thankful to be learning what these verses mean. I believe I will always be learning what they mean. To live life with a heavenly perspective is key. There is nothing that this world can offer me that has a greater reward then to live a life of Christ: A humble servant, Who's greatest desire is to do the Father's will. "You can have all this world, just give me Jesus."
Gerry & Ryan at Graduation |
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My family (Dave, my brother is not pictured) |
After the close to the semester I was blessed with the opportunity to come back to California to spend Christmas with my family. I’m so thankful to be back with them. I know the Lord has called me to serve Him wherever He calls. There is nothing greater that I desire to do! It is because of this I see how precious this time is with my family. I don’t know when another opportunity will come so I’ll soak this one up! However, in the midst of enjoying time in the states, I’ve been busy with preparations to return to Costa Rica. Honestly, I miss the people that I’ve built friendships with and look forward to seeing them again. It will be nice to get back to the ol’ grind and have some kind of schedule.
Tomorrow is a new year and I'm looking forward to see the Lord work. I'm excited to become more like Him! May I walk worthy of the calling in which He has called me. Thank you for your prayers and your support. In this coming year, I WILL be more diligent to write monthly updates.
May the Lord bless you richly!
May the Lord bless you richly!
In Christ Jesus,
Vanessa Sanchez
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