Well my friends, I am now back in the States and jumping back into "normal" life. Lots of things are changing and I'm getting some clarity on what God has for me! But first, how about a last few weeks recap on Costa Rica? Testing went well, some things were harder than I expected, but I survived! The week before finals I had the opportunity to go to a Saprissa Fútbol game! Oh that was so exciting, and so fun cause I went with my best friends, Hope and JT.
Me and Hota Te
The Saprissa Dragon!!
JT, me and Hope after the game
Paige, Sarah, LeAnn & meThe day parents got in we did one last (sort of) Battle Cry. My parents did not get in till later that evening so I had a lot of time to be up in the pool room and pray on my own. I loved getting to pray, thank God for my new friends, pray for my new friends, write them notes, and just sing praises to God. Some days I wish I could trade places with Kari Jobe just so I could lead thousands of people in worship. Anyway, I had one last game of volleyball shared with our Torchbearer friends as a final hoorah with them. I was so excited for my parents to get into the country! We had a great time, Tuesday I took them into downtown San José, had Costa Rica Coca Cola, and went to El Sabor (the best place ever) for dinner! The next morning we went to Punta Leona and had a fun time at the beach. Mom and I got stung by jellyfish then dad and I went snorkeling. That wasn't much to brag about, but it was good daddy daughter time! Thursday morning we headed out to Arenal for two days. We did cliff jumping Thursday afternoon and went to hot springs at a super fancy resort on Friday. Friday night my roommates and I really started the packing process. That was my last night to sleep in my Costa Rica bed. Saturday morning I took my parents to Cosechas and our bread store one last time then the rest of the day was preparation for graduation that night! I had to say bye to all of my Tica friends, who I love dearly! I will see them all again one day, either on earth or in eternity. Life will never be the same because of this fantastic experience I had! God taught me so much this year. Not just about Him, but about myself. He showed me what it really means "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". He showed me that through Him, I can love. He showed me how to love others. I mean REALLY love others. The kind of love that looks past faults, extends forgiveness to the fullest, calls out sin in Christian love. Jesus' love. I read my Bible all the way through for the second time. The first time was to make myself look good, this time I hungered to know Jesus. After my conversion this summer, this year at GAP has been the best thing for me! Everything I already knew in my head became real in my heart. It was so fun really discovering who Jesus is! One way God has really spoken to me is showing me where my heart lies, and it's definitely in ministry in the States. I have NO idea what that could possibly look like, but I'm just taking it day by day. One thing I do know for sure is what God has for me this summer. I have applied and received a job at my home church in Texas as a youth intern! In the last few months God has really put the kids in my youth group on my heart. For some time now my youth group has been without a consistent youth pastor. People who invested in my life during that time without a youth pastor really impacted my life. I want nothing more than to give back and really impact lives for Christ! So this is where I am for now, as for next year it is all still up in the air. I am just praying that God will show me what He wants and make it all happen! For everyone out there who has supported me the last nine months, thank you so much! Thank you for your prayers, your sweet notes of encouragement, and your financial support! This last year could not have happened the way it did without y'all! I love you and thank God for you!
Peace and Blessin's
Allysa
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