It has been 3 weeks. 3 weeks since I have been sent here to the foreign field. Sometimes it feels like I have been deployed out here. 21 days of learning this new job of mine that's tough to provide an accurate job description. It doesn't seem that long; yet I have been learning so much. I'm realizing that it's not what you do but who you are that really matters. The experience, the memories, and the lessons learned are truly what I will take away from all this.

Me and people:
I may have mentioned this in a previous post (or not) but I would not nearly be as passionate or excited about my job with Strong Missions without the people that I work with at Strong Missions or with the very different U.S. groups of people that come to do work and support this ministry. The people that I interact with everyday here in Costa Rica are huge blessings. Whether it be talking about football with people from the groups or poking fun with the cooks as they prepare the daily meals, it all helps me see why God has me here- which I still haven't quite fully figured out yet.

Me, myself, and I:
Whether I like or not- the fact of the matter is that I am working in full-time missions. I'm a leader and guide for the people in the groups who need my help and insight (I am not a pastor- far from it) No longer am I able to clock in and out from my work. So this work is pretty much 24/7 at times. With that being said, I highly value the random times when I can be by myself. I need my alone time- to simply clear my head, rest, and pretty much just regain my focus. This whole leadership position is cool but at the same time- 'heavy is the head that wears the crown'.
Simply said, whenever me, myself, and I can all chill and hangout randomly together, we have a great time;)

Me and God:
The big enchilada. Me and God. We have always had an interesting relationship. We talk, we don't talk, we fight, we makeup, etcetera etcetera etcetera... I remember sharing with a good friend when I was still in San Diego before I had to leave- that though me and God haven't always been on the best of terms with each other- one thing has always remained true- He is all I have; All I ever will have. And though I have fallen away and kicked and screamed against Him, God has graciously dragged me through my own mess and has carried me into His perfect plan for me. I am in not way a saint. But never have I been left behind by Him...
And as I have been here in Costa Rica working and serving in ways I never have before- He is teaching me so much. Teaching me who I really am and how I need to keep loving people. Teaching me that I need to be reaching beyond the people in the church and start being with those hurt people who are need someone to listen and actually care. Though I will be away from the states for at least a year, I am looking forward to a lot of things. Looking forward to what God will do next in my life. Looking forward to seeing my best friends again. Looking forward to spending time with that special someone. Looking forward to being romanced by San Diego.
The irony of it all is that I have no problem waiting for it all. I know that its all worth waiting for and that I am where I need to be right now.

In the end, what will be waiting for me?
A Red Rose?
Or just the Sea of Green?...
In the end, there is no doubt.
Only God Knows.

Much Love and Respect.
ybic, Christian Andres