PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN MORRIS
I grew up in Lexington, KY and was a true child of the 90’s. I had a wonderful childhood, and my times of play really are what come to mind first. I truly believe that it takes a village because, though I did not have many experiences that really marked me as a child, there were so many people that marked me, especially within my church and schools; adults that really cared and that spoke words of encouragement that would give me a real sense of self, adults that took the time to listen, adults that saw potential in me. I think that is one reason why words mean so much to me, because they really defined me from a young age.
How did you get from there to Shiroles, Costa Rica?
The answer to that question is longer than most would care to read, but the answer that is the most easy and the most true is just one word: God. The longer answer is just one small step of obedience after another; the first was a mission trip to another region of Costa Rica as a sophomore in high school. I remember being so impacted by those five short days in a rural village called Aguas Claras, and knowing that I would have to return. I didn’t understand the what or the how or the when, I just knew there was more. The second step was a year, right after high school graduation. That year changed in the clearest of ways the entire course of my life. During college it was a constant quest for the next period of time, even if it was small, when I could fly back and visit those people that had impacted my life in the most profound ways. After college I did make the big move down to Costa Rica and shortly after that I met and married my husband Raul. We continued to serve in the slum where we sensed then we were to be. It wasn’t for a couple years that we both began to sense a call from the Lord to serve Him in the small and rural town of Shiroles. We moved there in 2012 and began what is now Esperanza.
I can see people suffering that know the Lord, and I am deeply saddened, but I know that they can find that even when we walk through the deepest valleys – even the valley of the shadow of death, we will not fear, because He is right there and our good Shepherd is offering us His own comfort. But those who suffer, physically, emotionally, that don’t know Him, they break my heart, and I yearn and desire deeply to be an instrument in their lives to illuminate God’s truth and to usher them into His presence.
I heard someone say once that the most successful people find the one thing they do better than anyone else and they focus all of their effort on that. What’s your one thing?
I think that for me that is hospitality. I have really realized through the beginnings of Esperanza the gift of hospitality, its value, and how to focus on really making all people, big and small, old and young, educated formally or not, feel at comfortable and welcome in my presence. Many times this is through the preparation of meals or baked goods, another passion of mine, but many times it Is by learning names, noticing the details, remembering and celebrating birthdays, taking time to greet with warmth and to listen with full attention.
Answer this question: what’s the worst that could happen?
I have nothing to fear so long as I walk by His side. Bad things will surely happen, but He promises to be sufficient through His grace. So I think the worst that I could fear is living a life of worldly success, but that has no eternal consequence.
What did you google last?
Definitely a recipe, I’m always looking up new recipes to try out!
You pour into others every day, who is pouring into you?
You know, I think that there is this assumption that those that are serving on the “mission field” don’t really need this. That would not be further from the truth. If you know someone that has given their life to the work of the kingdom, remember that just as you, they have struggles, doubts, concerns, and they need just as you, encouragement and earnest prayer. The people pouring into me have sustained me through their words and prayers in times of difficulty. They are Jesus to me.
How can I pray for you and support you?
I feel most supported when people write and respond, especially to emails that I send out updating on life and ministry. Of course there is always the financial piece, but I think to most people work on the mission field, support is so much more than that. It is knowing that we are not forgotten, knowing that we are still a part of our church families even though we are a ways away. And pray – really pray – for God’s continued sustenance for life and ministry.
Give me the Esperanza elevator pitch
Esperanza seeks to point others to God in the big and small, always inviting them closer to Him, working across the spectrum with children, youth, women, the elderly, serving families with physical needs – we try to be neighbors that reflect God’s love to a broken world.
Who else’s story must be told?
Anathi Jebasingh from The Friends of the Good Samaritan School (India)
