Construction and Connor Bean

Welcome to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica! 

On December 17th our squad was all reunited and it was so insanely sweet to be back with the whole family. It is crazy how much I missed all of their sweet faces and the wisdom and joy each and every person carries. 

Since then, life has looked like lots of laughter, late night chatter, celebrating Christmas as a squad, doing ministry on base, and loving on both the YWAM (Youth with a mission) staff and on each other. For me, Amelia, and Connor Bean we have have been given the task of framing windows and doors for the housing here at the Puerto Viejo YWAM base. Each day working with these two is filled with silly jokes, hammering or painting, and typically jamming to worship music. 

I have seen so much of Jesus in Connor as I have gotten the opportunity to hear his heart while working with him. Connor has been serving with YWAM for 3 years now and holds so much of the Lord’s joy. He has a passion for serving the students who come and stay at this base and is always down to make you laugh. The amount of silly jokes we have made while working is unreal, but it makes the days go so fast.

There is one moment that sticks out so vividly in my mind of serving alongside Connor. I was having such a hard morning battling Spiritual Warfare in my mind. My mind was filled with so many questions and such exhaustion raged through my body. I was trying to battle through it and was struggling to be successful at ministry. Connor had such an abundance of patience with me. He stood beside me encouraging me as I tried and tried again to nail the wood to the house, never once getting impatient or annoyed. 

Then, after I finally got the wood up, I stepped off the ladder and spilled the nails everywhere. Connor was there, just like Jesus is in each of our lives, to help us pick up the pieces. Never once making us feel silly or looked down upon, but loving us with such intentionality. 

Connor showed me that even in the moments when I am feeling low, the Lord is always right there next to me helping me pick up the pieces. He is not scared or even surprised by the mess, but loves me through and through. 

How can we help but overflow with gratitude for the God who loves me and you so intentionally. Thank you Jesus for Connor and for Construction! 

With Love, 

Kalyssa