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The Lord works in mysterious ways. Two weeks ago my team and I were traveling to Jaco to have mini debrief and go through team changes. On the way from San Jose to Jaco my backpack with my passport and everything I found valuable was stolen. Realizing this in front of 10 people in a moment where you are stepping into “logistics” mode was HARD. All I wanted to do was cry but felt like I couldn’t because there were things to be done and it was HOT. 

 

The next few days were hard. We experienced team changes where I was on a team with 5 other people. One of girls was on my previous team but announced she was going to be leaving the field. 

 

I didn’t have a real way to process because my journal was gone and felt like I was being overcome with waves. As I was sitting in prayer one morning I heard the soft voice of the lord telling me that this is the season of hard. The season He is asking me to really let go of all the things that I find important. He is walking me through truly finding my identity in Him, not allowing my circumstance dictate my identity. That people and things are not where I get my identity from. 

 

The Lord is sweet and timely. He called me into a brand new team that went from 6 people to 5. It was hard to be the only one with no familiarity with teammate and navigating all the emotions. We left Jaco to head back to San Jose as a new team for a time of unscripted ministry. The first few days we took the time to lay foundations as a team and get to know each other when another member announced she felt the Lord calling her back home. In the matter of 9 days my backpack was stolen and my team of 6 turned into a team of 4 people. 

 

While I’m still struggling to fully understand the purpose and sad with people leaving I know the Lord is working through this. He has promised me blessing through the end. That truly experiencing freedom in identity in Him. 

 

I want to encourage you that through hard seasons that the Lord is still working. That it’s okay to not fully see the purpose yet. If you are in a season that is difficult bring all the things and sit at the feet of Jesus. He is faithful and sweet in the timing He walks us through.

 

If there is anything that I can be praying for you, walking along side you, or anything please don’t hesitate to reach out and invite me into that space. I would be honored. Until next time. 

 

Pura Vida 

 

P.S. My team and I are in a blogging competition and whoever wins will receive a cash prize to enjoy a nice dinner or go on an epic adventure day. Please share this blog with everyone you know, yes even your nail persons daughter. Love y’all! 

CLICK THESE to help us win:

Alex van Leersum 

Amanda Ruth

Jerod

11 responses to “Three team changes in one week and a stolen backpack…”

  1. Woah! So encouraging to see how you deal with al those changes. Happy you’re on my team!!

  2. I wish I had a nail person just so I could share this blog with her daughter.
    In all seriousness I am so proud of the way you have walked through this wild last few weeks with strength and grace. You have continuously laid down your comforts and boldly stepped into where the Lord is leading you and it has shown a lot of faith in his provision and plan. And all with a smile! I’m so inspired by you Alex!!

  3. May our God’s Holy Angels protect you, the Holy Spirit guide you and Jesus’ annointing be over you and your incredible team.

    You are doing GREAT work for The Kingdom!

  4. I am so proud of you and the hard work you are doing. Love you, Aunt Becky

  5. Staying through the hard is like being sculpted in the fire, right? And then you add the Costa Rican heat and you’re like “Lord, I don’t wanna melt. Help!” Hehe but honestly- your seeking of Our Father’s voice and comfort and TRUTH through all the change is empowering. You’re a bold warrior, my friend.
    (Miss you oodles??)

  6. I’ll be praying for you! The biggest blessings come from hard seasons.

  7. The word that kept ringing in my head as I was reading this was hope. It was such an honor to be teammates for the beginning of this race, and it’s exciting to see how the hope inside (that I got to witness and experience first hand) continues to gain strength and shine brighter than before. I can’t wait to continue hearing about how you are meeting God. So excited for you and praying for you constantly!

  8. Praying for you that God will give you back manyfold ,first in Himself,second in ministry for His kingdom and lastly may He bless you in providing you back with everything that was stolen.
    Praying in Jesus name, be blessed

  9. Alex, you continually lead this squad in more ways than you realize. The way you handle every situation with grace, hope, and trust is so encouraging. You radiate Jesus to people and I’m so thankful for you and your friendship. Love ya long time.