For years and years I spent most of my time in the dance studio training to be a classical ballerina. Dedicated hours to create images and expressions for performance and future careers.
I had been dreaming up a life for so long I lost sight of who I really was and everything else I had going for me. One thing led to another and dance basically left my life in the middle of high school.
But there was something there that never left me, and I’ve been waiting ever since to dance again.
While partnering with Hope Project in San Jose, Costa Rica our squad has participated in a series of ministry opportunities. My team specifically has been involved with English Club, Evangelism, Cooking, Hospitality, Coffee&Art, and Dance Class.
House of Raw is a dance academy based out of the lower level of Hope Project’s Community Center. Teens and adults will come together multiple nights a week to learn and dance. It’s crazy to think this group is so well-known in the area and the world of dance, yet they are on fire for Jesus and shedding a light for Christ – you don’t see it often!
For our first week part of the squad would join in on some classes before heading home to the base. House of Raw is really involved in Hip Hop, Krump, and Dance Hall – AKA not really my style, but so so fun to join in on!
For so long I never thought that ministry and the world of dance could co-exist, and never in the way it’s happening at Hope Project. But it is! Jesus is moving and people are being set free!
This past week our team was actually going to join in on a ‘Healing Dance’ but the plans changed (classic World Race) and instead Pablo came down to teach a class. With Pablo, I was not expecting to join in on anything contemporary or freestyle, but that is exactly what we did.
We started with our eyes closed and lights off. A space to move and dance as you felt, with no pressure from the people around you. The class was really encouraged to release some emotions and dance freely, with no structure or choreography.
Long story short, I was thriving. I’ve always talked about dance and how much I loved it, but had never taken the time to just dance again. I’m excited to continue partnering with House of Raw, in whatever way or style that looks like, because I’ve experienced first hand what that can be for so many other people here in Costa Rica.
The Lord has yet again been morphing a redemption story in my life. If you’ve ever heard my testimony you’ll hear about dance and how I lost myself in it (both positively&negatively), and that stepping away was the best decision i could have made.
But just one night of dance can begin a renewal of love and I’ve seen how worship and dance come together so beautifully. Dance doesn’t have to be left in the past, it can slowly intertwine back into my life, partnering well with my relationship with Christ.
Is there something you’ve left behind that the Lord wants you to dive into again?
I believe fully He is writing a redemption story with you and me today!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, we may think we can place the desires of our heart in a box in the corner, stacking all kinds of stuff on it, hoping to bury it and disconnect from the lost dreams or hurts it conjures, but the Lord knows exactly where the box is. Your story is a beautiful display of His love, returning to you something you love to use in a an extraordinary way, a way only He could have made possible. I know, because He’s doing it for me too. Dance girl dance!!
Loved reading this. Love you. Love what you are doing and learning. And miss you!
I hope you know I miss you and love you so much.