The Heavens Declare the Glory of God!

       

    

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. -Psalms 19:1

Costa Rican Sunset

   Seeing God's hand in everything that is happening here in Costa Rica puts me in awe. I am continually being challenged not only academically, but spiritually. I have learned countless lessons from the people I am surrounded by and the situations that occur on a daily basis. I can't say enough how much of a blessing it is to be here and learn so many valuable lessons the summer before I start college and my life as an adult begins! 

   Every Tuesday and Thursday morning a few of my host siblings and I head to our church and help with a breakfast program for kids! We feed them breakfast, play games, and tell bible stories! There are a few other people from the church who help out as well and it is truly incredible to have this opportunity. Most of these kids aren't able to eat well balanced meals because of their home situations. It is truly amazing to be able to help and spread the light and love of Christ with these kids.

As amazing as this program is. It costs money to run. In order for us to continue doing this, we need funding. We have many kids that have very sad and hard home situations. So, my host mom and I are starting a monthly funding program for them! For only $25/mo you can provide breakfast for a kid 2-3 times a week and other essential items for them. I have gotten to know these kids personally and they are absolutely incredible! We really need your help to continue doing this! If you would like to sponsor a kid please message me on facebook or email me @ mikaelakwiatek@rocketmail.com

   Besides helping with these kids, my days have been filled with many other wonderful things! I have gone on some crazy hikes, which has been a blast. Definitely been bringing out my more adventurous side :) Everyday I spend more and more time with my host family and it's wonderful! Being apart of a big family is amazing and I absolutely love it! There is always someone to hang out with or something to do; whether it be cooking, watching movies, playing music, or just having amazing conversations, there is never a dull day. 

 

    As my time here approaches its ending, I am spending every moment I can making the most of this trip. With less than three weeks left, I have been trying to speak as much Spanish and get as much practice as I can. It's crazy to think how fast this summer flew by. It feels like just yesterday I stepped one foot onto that plane and my whole summer awaited me. Now it's all coming to a close! God has really worked in my life since I've been here and it's really cool to look back and see where I started, and where I am at now. 

    I ask that you would continue to pray for all the amazing things that God is doing and for my last few weeks here. And I ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting these kids. We need your help, and this really is an amazing opportunity. Just let me know if you would like to! 

I have received so much encouragement from everyone lately. Thank you, it means so much. Blessings!

New Adventures!

     Wow. It's crazy to think that I have already been here a month! I am in such awe of all that God has done since I have been here. I am so humbled because of the way that God has blessed me this summer, it's incredible! He is continuing to show me his faithfulness everyday in new ways and I am learning to trust him with absolutely everything!

     This past week we had extended family here all the way from Mobile, Alabama! It was amazing to get to know Gracie and Charlyn's side of the family. Grandpa Simpson spoke at a conference that our church here has every year. They all touched so many peoples lives and it was such a blessing to have them here. We had many family outings which made this last week a blast! 

Photo Above: (Left) Me, Gracie, Uncle Stephen. (Right) Alex, Aunt Susanne, and Grandpa Simpson

Playing with the kids!

      During the conference I helped with the kids. We played games, talked, and just hung out. It was so fun! These kids were filled with so much joy; it was contagious! I absolutely loved the chance to bond with them and practice my Spanish! They were able to help me a lot, it was awesome!   
         

Hefziba and I with the picture she drew me! 

     I met a girl named Hefziba. She was so sweet and loving. She spoke a little bit of English too! We really bonded during that weekend. She drew me this picture and it brought tears to my eyes. It's incredible to see how in just 2 days we could have such an impact on each other. It was truly amazing.

     Since I have been here, I have grown so much. Experience this beautiful country with such amazing people has taught me so much. Everyday is a new adventure, with something new to learn from it. God has truly shown me his power this week and I've learned that no matter your age, you can make an impact wherever you are! 

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

 - 1 Timothy 4:12 

What Great Love the Father has Lavished on us!

     Waking up everyday with this as the view from my front porch is absolutely breathtaking. (picture below) Being in the midst of Christ's amazing creation and experiencing his daily unfailing love puts me in awe. Being here in Costa Rica has caused me to see the world through a completely different lens. I am reminded of Gods majesty and grandeur constantly.

     Everyday it feels as if my Spanish classes are getting harder; but that only means I'm being pushed to learn more right? Spanish is much more of a complex language than I thought, but I am really enjoying learning it. It is definitely mentally exhausting! After school I usually come home and curl up on the couch with a good John Green book :) My host family helps me a lot! Having so many people to practice with is extremely helpful and beneficial. I have been driving, which is crazy to think about! It's very different from the states and it requires you to be much more aggressive and alert. Its been quite fun nonetheless. I have also been really savoring the food here. It's incredible! There are many talented chefs in Costa Rica and my host mom is one of them :) Every night I have been so blessed to be able to sit down with my Costa Rican family and enjoy an amazing home cooked meal.

     I got to spend the day with my host dad today which was so fun! He is so incredibly wise and is such an inspiration. What better way to share stories and testimonies than over amazing Chinese food in downtown San Jose? Then we got mcflurries from McDonald's to top it off! Such a wonderful day. 

     If not studying or in school, I am usually spending time with my host family which has been great! We play music and sing together, play Xbox, have bible studies, and just spend genuine time with one another. It's been a blast to say the least. Having 14 other siblings is quite fun and we get faced with many wild adventures! Everyday there is thunder and lightening storms. Since I am from Southern California, being in weather like this everyday is awesome!!! I love waking up and falling asleep to the soothing sound of rain. Yes, I know those of you in Cali are probably wondering what rain is....you should check it out its pretty cool! ;) 

     This verse has really stuck out to me this week and I hope I can encourage you with it. 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

There is Power in the Name of Jesus!

Being here in Costa Rica has been absolutely wonderful! Everyday is a new, amazing adventure and I love it. I am in school Mon-Fri learning Spanish. It's hard because my classes are taught in only Spanish and I have never taken a Spanish class before, but I am catching on and trying to understand everything as much as possible. Spanish is such a beautiful language and I am really enjoying learning it. Also, being in a Spanish speaking country and studying/practicing it everyday has helped me learn much quicker! My family here in Costa Rica is absolutely incredible. I have felt so welcomed and loved. I have only been here a few days, yet I have learned so much from everyone. They are all such an inspiration to me. A few nights ago we had a bible study and we talked about Nehemiah 9. It talks about the power of God and how he is so faithful and doesn't desert his people. Nehemiah 9:17 says: "They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them." This verse is such an amazing reminder of the power and faithfulness of our God. There is power in the name of Jesus!!! No matter how wicked and sinful we are he continues to remain by our sides and is with us through everything. That is truly incredible. I have only gotten a little taste of what this summer will entail, but I am so excited!! 

I Made It!

I'm here!!!! After much preparation and a 6 hour red-eye flight, I finally made it! It is absolutely amazing being reunited with everyone. It's so surreal being back; I feel like it was just last week I was here the first time. The whole family I am staying with welcomed me back with open arms and it's lovely to feel so at home right away. I'm hoping to be able to post updates every few days so stay posted! Thank you so much for all the support! :)

My Adventure Begins Now

Hey guys! I leave late tomorrow night for Costa Rica! This blog is so you all can follow what I am doing! I will post once a week or so. Hope you can find some inspiration and joy through this blog! I will be posting links of new blog posts on facebook so make sure to look for them. Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on this amazing journey. I am so blessed. Thank you!