Dear Costa Rica, 

Goodbye. You were not always easy for me, but I could not be more thankful for you. You taught me more about my one true love and how much He loves me. You taught me how there is joy in struggles. You taught me how to love others past language barriers. You taught me the power of prayer and how it is one of our biggest strengths. You taught me how to be carried by my Savior. You taught me how sweet it is to be dependent on the Lord. You taught me how vibrant God’s creation is! You taught me how to rest in the Lord daily. You taught me so many things that I will cherish in my heart. May the Lord bless and keep you, Costa Rica.  

Dear Elsi and Rasta (our base hosts), 

Thank you so much for showing us Jesus in the way you work, love, and talk. Thank you for caring about Puerto Viejo so much that you gave up a normal life in Columbia to serve the Lord in mighty ways. Thank you for pushing my squad and me to grow in what we thought we could not do or what we were uncomfortable to grow in. Thank you for your patience with us. Thank you for loving us like your own children and making us feel as at home as possible. Thank you for just being so in love with the Lord that it overflows into everything you do. I going to miss you tons, but I know one day when we all return to heaven it is going to be a beautiful celebration with lots of hugs and amazing stories of what the Lord has done! Praying for you guys and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you! May the Lord bless and keep you, Elsi, and Rasta. 

Dear YWAM team (Kisha, Sammy, Jordy, Steven, and Connor), 

Wow, I love you guys so much and miss you tons! Thank you for devoting yourself and your lives to getting to know and serve the Lord more. Thank you for loving and welcoming us in so well. Thank you for being such amazing friends with each and every one of us! Thank you for listening to our stories and jokes. Thank you for all the loud and crazy dance parties that were always so fun! Thank you for all the deep and vulnerable talks as well as the Spirit-filled devotions! Thank you so much for everything, love you guys bunches!! May the Lord bless and keep you, Kisha, Sammy, Jordy, Steven, and Connor. 

THANK YOU COSTA RICA! Until next time, Esther Collins.