HIC SVNT LEONES Fall 2023
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
We did it! Over 500 miles/830 kilometers on foot.
We had great days and hard days, rainy days and sunny days, exciting days and boring days. We met wonderful people and God met us in wonderful ways.
The time as a family was amazing and time with friends was encouraging.
We learned that we can do really hard stuff, that perseverance is more mental than physical and that to enjoy the view at the top of the hill you have to climb it first.
We learned that going downhill can be just as exhausting and painful as going uphill and that the larger your burden the more likely you’ll get injured.
We learned the beauty of long silences and the opportunity for deep conversations that come out of that silence.
We learned to make a plan and change it on the fly.
We learned that food tastes more delicious when you eat it outside.
We learned to follow, to walk forward even when the way wasn’t clear, and to have faith that we would figure it out or that if we did make a wrong turn it was just going to be a part of the journey.
We learned that the shortest route wasn’t always the best and that the paved road was the fastest but the most painful.
We learned that this world is broken and full of pain and suffering and that even though we don’t deserve it God has surrounded us with unbelievable beauty because that is how much He loves us.
To finish up our sabbatical we were able to see the Free Methodist world come together at the General Conference in Florida, we were refreshed and encouraged to see all that God is doing around the world through this body that we are a part of.
We were able to spend some time with family and friends in California.
We got Elias all moved in at Westmont College.
One of the best things about taking a sabbatical is letting others lead and we are so proud of the team we left in charge in Costa Rica, they led with wisdom and integrity while we were away. Instead of going back and taking over our old roles, we look forward to expanding the ministry and moving into some new roles that God is leading us toward (more on this soon).
Thank you for all your prayers during this journey, we felt your love and if anyone wants to know more about Sabbatical or El Camino we would love to share our experience.
We are currently in California meeting with ministry partners and working towards being fully funded for this year. We are currently at 80% so if you feel the spirit leading you to financially support the ministry click here.
Pray for us as we transition back to Costa Rica on October 1st, this is the longest we have been away and we go back without Elias and will be faced with the reality of Dennis’ mom’s passing. Pray for the church and leaders as we work with them to expand the current ministries and start some really exciting new ones.
Pura Vida, The Leon Family