Well, here we are again. Time has flown by and all my stories are still in my head or journal. Oops! I can promise you this, the last two months in Costa Rica have been all but uneventful! Basically the only time I spent NOT doing something was the 2 days I spent sick in bed in San Jose. It felt like every other moment was filled with one thing or another. Still, I apologize once again for the lack of communication and already have blogs planned to fill in the spaces. Here’s a little bit about what’s up in the meantime.
A Recap…
January and February: Team Lightning and Team Storm Chasers (AKA Lightning Chasers) served together in Chichicastenango, Guatemala with Pastor Juan and his family at New Generation
March and April: our entire squad (5 teams total) served and lived together in Jaco, Costa Rica at Ocean’s Edge
April 5th-22nd: during the all squad months, Lightning Chasers (funny how we ended up together yet again…) got to spend 2.5 weeks away in San Jose, Costa Rica serving at The Hope Project
The first week of May was spent in the mountains of Costa Rica. My squad regathered to debrief our first set of teams, continue training with our mentor, change roles, and be introduced to our new teams. It was a much needed time to rest, reset, and recharge before heading into our next leg of the World Race.
A Change…
After a layover in Panama City, flight to Santo Domingo, and overnight bus ride to the Northern coast, we arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on Saturday. The Dominican Republic is a country surrounded by beaches, filled with jungle-like forests, and scarred by the wars fought here. The people are beautiful and welcomed us warmly. This country change comes with other fairly major changes…
A Goodbye…
My time with team Storm Chasers has come to an end. Storm Chasers was united by our introvertedness (yep, all 6 of us were introverts) and a heart to serve. From carpooling to Training Camp in October to Launch in January to Guatemala to Costa Rica, they’ve been by my side every step of this journey so far.
Through our time together, I learned to be more flexible with time, aware of the emotional effects of my logistically-minded actions, and to choose to love others in the love language they understand and need. They exemplified true servants’ hearts, willingness to do the dirtiest work, and grace with mistakes as we learned to be in constant Christ-centered community together.
Tito our humble leader, Kevin our prophetic gentleman, Josiah our wise fact giver, Sarah our sweet caretaker, and Jackie our joyous encourager, I love you all and will forever be grateful for our time together as Storm Chasers (even though we were struck by Lightning and coated in dust half the time)!
A Hello…
My squad’s leadership asked me to lead a team of 5 other passionate, talented, on fire women. I see God at work in each of them in unique and exciting ways. They have a desire to go deep in vulnerability, pursue God fiercely, and share the gospel boldly. I already know I have a lot to learn from and alongside them in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic during this new season. I’m truly honored to be a part of team Girlz on Fire!
Left to right: me, Lynneal, Antoinette, Abbey, Elizabeth (aka Wagz), and Jenn
That’s all for now, folks! 🙂
P.S. If you have any specific questions or stories you want to hear about in future blogs, let me know!
You are obviously loving your journey into the hearts of those who need Jesus! I think back to your conflicted feelings about this time in your life, and I hear God saying, “Testing…testing!” Victoria, I pray for your health and safety through this adventure in missions! Love…Nana
So excited for you and your new team!! You’re an amazing leader!!!
Thanks, Alyssa! 🙂 That means a lot coming from you. I’m so proud of the way you are leading where you are too!
You’re so right! I was just thinking the other day that this month would be my final one if I hadn’t decided to stay. I honestly can’t even imagine leaving this squad or the World Race right now! I know God isn’t done working in me yet.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. I love you!
I love this! Way to be honest and communicate clearly and in sweet little snippets! It’s crazy out here. What we do all know is that you’re going to be an amazing team lead and people already look to you so theeeeeere you go- easy peazy- you were made for this my sis!
Thanks, Lindsey! You’re a pretty grand example of a leader to follow. So excited to figure this out with you!