Three Summers in Costa Rica: A Reflection on Faith, Family, and Service
Written by: Sarah Cook
This summer marked my third mission trip to Costa Rica—and it was more meaningful than ever. Each year, I’ve had the privilege of joining a team from Christ United to serve in schools and communities, sharing the love of Jesus through Vacation Bible School, food bag deliveries, and prayer. But this year was especially close to my heart: I was able to bring my oldest daughter with me.
Watching my daughter step into this experience was a gift I’ll never forget. She started the week as a quiet, shy eleven-year-old, unsure of what to expect—but as the days went on, I watched her confidence grow. By the end of the trip, she was serving others with joy, laughter, and a smile that lit up every room. We all encountered God’s presence in such a raw and beautiful way, and it reminded me all over again of why I go back, year after year.
The Power of Presence
Costa Rica is a breathtaking country with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm, resilient people. But many of the communities we serve are marked by poverty and deep need. We visit families who live without consistent access to food or even clean water—yet they often greet us with smiles, hugs, and gratitude that defies circumstance. During our stay, we’re based at Rice and Beans Ministries’ camp, which has become a beautiful home away from home. The grounds are absolutely stunning—surrounded by lush greenery and overflowing with life. They grow much of their own food on the property, including chickens, eggs, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and more, which are then distributed to local schools and communities in need. It’s not just a mission base—it’s a place of hope and sustainability, and it’s amazing to see how God uses this ministry to bless so many lives.
One of the sweetest moments for me this year happened during our food bag delivery and prayer time. We returned to a community we visited last summer, and I saw a woman I’ve been praying for all year. Last year, she was overwhelmed with emotion and in excruciating pain from arthritis—she cried as we prayed over her. In that moment, we watched God move. She felt the Lord take her pain away, and it was as if the emotional and physical chains holding her down were broken. This year, when I saw her again, she was still pain-free. One full year later, and she’s walking in healing and freedom! The Lord is still in the miracle-working business, y’all—and witnessing that kind of power firsthand reminds me why presence matters.
Delivering food and praying with these families is never just about meeting physical needs—it’s about showing up, listening, and inviting God into the moment. And time and time again, He shows us that He’s already there.
Vacation Bible School: Seeds of Faith
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip is working with children in the schools and local communities. We bring simple VBS-style lessons, games, songs, and crafts—tools that help us connect across language and culture. There’s laughter, dancing, and wide-eyed curiosity. There’s also a deep spiritual hunger that you can feel as the kids soak in the stories of Jesus.
This year, having my daughter with me gave this part of the mission a whole new light. She helped with activities and jumped in with fearless love. The local girls her age were instantly drawn to her, excited for the chance to connect and even practice their English with someone just like them. Watching her serve reminded me that faith isn’t taught—it’s caught. And she caught something powerful in Costa Rica. She saw how God moves in the smallest gestures—a hug, a prayer, a smile, a shared piece of candy. She saw lives being touched, including her own.
Lessons I’ll Carry Home
Every time I return home from Costa Rica, I feel like I’ve left a piece of my heart behind. And yet, I come back more whole. The mission field strips away the noise and distractions of everyday life and draws you into a space where you see people clearly—where you see God clearly.
These trips are not about what we give—they’re about what we receive. We receive perspective, compassion, and a deeper dependence on the Lord. We’re reminded that the Gospel is not just something we speak—it’s something we live.
My daughter and I came back with full hearts and a fresh understanding of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And I’m already praying about how God might use us again next summer. Our 9-year-old has already said she wants to come with us next time, and I can see this becoming a family affair for all five of us before long!
A Final Word
If you’ve ever wondered whether short-term mission work makes a difference, let me assure you—it does. Not just for the communities you serve, but for your own heart, your family, and your faith. The people of Costa Rica may have little by the world’s standards, but they are rich in spirit. And every time I kneel beside them to pray, I realize how much I still have to learn.
To those who supported, prayed, and encouraged us along the way—thank you. You were part of this mission, too. And if God is stirring your heart to go, I encourage you to say yes. You won’t come back the same.
