Preparing my <3

      So these last few days leading up to leaving for Costa Rica have been very unique to say the least.  I'm full of mixed emotions, but nevertheless I have been very emotional about it.  First off, the even THINK that God would bring me to this point in my life just a few months ago would have been UNthinkable to me.  That just goes to show you that we do serve a God who does immeasurably more than we can ask or even IMAGINE!  (Ephesians 3:20)  I surely don't deserve God's grace and mercy, but they are new every morning and GREAT is His faithfulness, even when mine seems to fail.  Secondly, I am overwhelmed by the amount of people who have stepped up to stand alongside me by supporting me, whether it be by prayer, encouragement or financial support.  I just can't believe how so many have sacrificed to help make this happen and I am forever grateful and inspired!  Last but certainly not least, I struggle to think of the loved ones I will leave behind, friends AND family.  As many of you may know I have undergone one of the toughest  seasons of my life, but through it all God opened doors for me to cultivate new and uplifting relationships, and grow deeper in the ones I already had.  You know who you are... my dear friends and family who have supported me along the way through everything, THANK YOU.  I love you dearly and will miss you terribly!!!

Queridos Padres

I want to give a SPECIAL THANKS to my parents.  I would have never made it out of the seemingly endless tunnel had it not been for the light they provided me with through their selfless support, not only financially for the past year of my life, but also emotionally and spiritually.  Mom, Dad... I will never forget what you both have done for me, you really made me feel like I wasn't alone and that I am truly LOVED.  I love you so much. Thank you for helping me get to where I am today.

I also want to give a special THANKS to my church body at Church by the Glades for coming alongside me and partnering with me to make this a reality.  CBG has not only supported me on the mission, but also in my LIFE as well. I would not have been able to be where I am today had it not been for the love and support of various members of this church body. 

The following are just a FEW of the MANY people who will be MISSED, who have impacted my life and who I loved deeply!!  *(if your picture is not shown, it just means I love you even more! :P ) 

"My other twin, and strongest woman I know'' 

''My PERO LIKE'' lol

"My confidant, biggest encourager and best friend''

"Match made in heaven...we hit it off from the START''

"My twin...separated at birth"

"Una Vida Sencilla"  

Translation: "The Simple Life'' 

My brother, Eddie, and his wife, Deanna and their 1 year-old son, Jaden will have been living in Costa Rica for a week this Thursday.  If you are not following their blog, please do so at: 

 BerriosBlessings.blogspot.com

They have been blogging about their unique experience, from the people and food, to the ambiance and  the local wildlife (the one thing I'm a BIT nervous about)  giving me a little sneak peek into the new world I will be living in for the next three months. I think the silly thing that scares me the most are the unique bugs I will most likely encounter.  A friend of my said, "oh but they can't hurt you!'' MY response was: "I don't care if they can't hurt me... they can CRAWL on me!"'  So pray for my Floridian blood to act as a miraculous bug repellent  keeping them away for MILES. :::a girl can dream, can't she?:::

photo taken by: Deanna Berrios 

WELL, I know I have a lot to learn... and a lot of fears to overcome, BUT I am so ready to take on this challenge of learning a new language, being involved in a community of people who love Jesus and who love each other....  bring on the PURA VIDA!!!  Farewell!