Friday, July 24, 2015

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!




Saturday, July 11, 2015

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