pura vida

pura vida: translated “pure life”

One of our first lessons regarding Costa Rican culture was the centrality of PURA VIDA. It beautifully encompasses the attitude and relational base of the people of Costa Rica. In conversation, pura vida can be used in multiple ways, such as hello, goodbye, response of “I’m well,” and as an encouragement to release heaviness. This word is a valuable representation of our ministry work here with Hope Project / Til He Returns.

Initial training focused on the 4 main relationships in all of our lives:

1) God  2) Self  3) Others  4) Creation

Brokenness in any of these four relationships = POVERTY

This was a new way to look at poverty for me; even thinking about where there may be poverty in my own life and relationships. One of the ambassadors, Enrique, asked us a question at the end of orientation, “Do you know your neighbor?” I was convicted because my answer living in the States has often been, “no.” As I thought more about it, a picture formed in my mind of an apartment with a long wooden table, two benches, and a contemporary table setting. People freely coming in and out of the space to join in meals, community, and life together. When I return to the States, this is something that I feel called to provide, but that doesn’t mean that the practice cannot start here. 

Building relationship can be around a table, but it’s also in everyday life. Walking down the street, shopping at the store, or going to a dance class. If you’re interruptible, relationship can occur anytime and anywhere. For example, talking to an Uber driver from Russia through GoogleTranslate, and we shared back and forth about life before and life now for us both. The three of us girls, who were in the car, even shared that we enjoyed his jovial laugh, which brought us to smile and laugh as well. Total time on the ride, probably 20 minutes, but you never know what moment, what conversation, or what encouragement may play on someone’s heart for years to come.

For our team, relationship includes meal times gathered around; sharing our day, our frustrations, and our interests. Like any family, it’s not always easy or happy, but I’m learning that through the moments when I’m emotional, hurt, or frustrated, some of the biggest growth occurs, as I learn not to lean on my own understanding, but that of the Lord:

[Isaiah 55:8-9]

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'”

[Philippians 4:8]

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I hope that these words will encourage you that you’re not alone; if you have broken relationships, they can be mended; and if you don’t know Jesus, begin!