Solo bueno

Solo bueno.

Solo bueno. It’s a phrase that a few of the local guys use here. It’s the phrase I’m using to describe our 2^nd full month here. Solo bueno = Only good.

Now if you are thinking that we escaped the rat race of the 9-5 in the good old US of A, or that we are basking in the sunshine of a luxurious tropical paradise – you may not be entirely correct. Solo bueno does not mean that only good things are happening, or that our new lives here are only good compared to our lives in Virginia. No, it means something else.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” – All things.

So there have honestly been a few rough days here as we adjust to a new life, a new task, a new language, a new culture, and a new dependence on God. Bonnie and I now look back on our first 2 months here and are able laugh at the fact that there have been more tears here in these two months than there have been in our 12 years of marriage. But still, solo bueno.

We have felt frustrated, lonely, confused by the language and culture, impatient – but we have also felt loved, encouraged, renewed, and hopeful.

I got strep throat twice – solo bueno. Bonnie and I have had some exciting discussions, followed by some tears and apologies– solo bueno. Vince and Veronica have felt stressed by their new school and deeply miss their family, home and pets – solo bueno. We have good days with language. We have bad days with language. Still, solo bueno.

So God uses the good things, the bad things, the difficult and the easy. But we must remember that in all things He is in control.

Tonight we read in Acts chapter 10 and 11 about the persecuted church being scattered after the death of Stephen. Steven being martyred – bad thing- right? He didn’t deserve it. Stephen was a good and godly man. But everything is in God’s control – and the result – the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church.

Our ways are not His ways. Bonnie and I wanted to be here in Costa Rica with our family in January. We didn’t get here till July. And now, hindsight 20-20, we see a million reasons why God’s timing was perfect. We were trying to rush God at times. But God doesn’t deal in time. Not the way we do.  Even now we are excited for some things to be happening in the camp. But all in God’s time.

Job said that God gives and takes away. In all things he stayed true to God. So will we here. Everyday – good things and bad. Solo bueno.  Only good, because God is in control of everything. All things are being used to mold and shape us into the image of Christ. What may initially seem like a terrible thing may be being used to shape someone into the image of Christ. So….it’s actually a good thing. Solo bueno.