Two Girls, Two Countries, One Journey

Two girls from two countries share one incredible journey.

Contrast in Two Girls

Born into a middle-class American family with English as her primary language, Jessica learned of Jesus from infancy. Always an outgoing child, she rarely met a stranger. Her parents completed college and seminary and eventually left the United States to work among the Ngäbe (NAH-bay) of Costa Rica as Christian missionaries. Following traditional, home school, and online classes, Jessica graduated from high school and entered an American university.

Edilsa was reared in a Ngäbe family with Ngäbere (NAH-berry) as her primary language. Spanish is a necessary second language in Costa Rican society. A shy child, she rarely talked to or interacted with anyone outside her family. Although she never finished high school, she learned to read well. She worked briefly as a maid and in a pre-school. Following marriage, she and her husband moved in with his family. Nine brothers and sisters still lived at home. However, with such crowding typical in their culture, they saw no problem. Edilsa soon gave birth to a son.

Conviction of One Girl

Because Edilsa’s father-in-law was a Christian, she began going to church on Sunday mornings. A lady would tell a story in Spanish. Then someone would either tell the story or play it on a tape in Ngäbere. She had heard about Jesus before but always in Spanish. Experiencing the Bible stories in her heart language made understanding easier and fun.

Edilsa also noticed many differences in her father-in-law’s life — how he loved and cared for his family and treated everyone with respect. No yelling, fighting, or beatings. He talked of trying to live as Jesus teaches. So Edilsa began thinking there must be something to this Bible and Jesus. When her son became deathly ill, she asked her father-in-law to pray, and she witnessed God’s miraculous healing.

Jessica’s mother taught a Bible school in Edilsa’s area and asked at the end who wanted to trust Jesus. Edilsa jumped up and said she did.

Connection and Collaboration of Two Girls

Since Jessica was not that much younger than Edilsa, the two soon became close friends.

As Jessica grew in her understanding and practice of Guaymi culture, Edilsa grew in her comfort level with non-family members.

Jessica and Edilsa began a Sunday school class for children which Edilsa continued to teach after Jessica returned to the United States for college. What joy they shared when the class grew numerically and spiritually.

Although their language, education, personalities, and family backgrounds varied greatly, the two held a common love and purpose. Jessica had to travel thousands of miles when she visited family. Edilsa could walk for visits to hers. Yet the two shared one great journey — as sisters in the family of God.

Continuation of Their Task

Until she began university classes, Jessica roamed the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama to share the good news of Jesus. Following graduation, marriage, and the birth of her children, she now shares Jesus with family, friends, and neighbors in the United States. Edilsa’s daily responsibilities center on the care of her immediate and extended family, and she continues to share the love of Jesus where she lives. Whatever their task or challenge, Jesus has put a smile on both of their faces and a song in their hearts. They share that song with all they meet.

Challenge from Two Girls

Where is God leading in your journey? Do you strive for unity with fellow travelers, whether they live within walking distance or around the world? Are you willing to adapt to other cultures in order to demonstrate God’s love?

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15: 5-6 NIV).