As we reflect on Celebrating Lives Changed in 2024, we return to the words our Executive Director shared recently: “Changed lives change lives.” The work God is doing in Latin America through our missionaries, partners, and friends begins with transformation in their own hearts and lives.
For one of SAM’s newest missionary families, the Ryans, that transformation began long before they landed in Bolivia. Zola Ryan shares a powerful reflection written during their time at The Spanish Language Institute in Costa Rica. The Ryans graduated on December 8 and just two days later began calling Bolivia their new home.
Zola’s Reflection About «Home»
I know some of you have moved often and called many places (or no place) “home”. But for me, home has only ever been one place. Harney County, Oregon. The place where I was born and raised. Where all three of my children were raised. Where both of my parents were raised. And where even my dad’s parents were raised.
So imagine my surprise when I stepped into our tiny cage of a house in bustling San José, Costa Rica—a city of two and a half million people—and thought to myself, ‘Ahh…home.’ And, I am pretty sure every member of our family referred to San Jose as “home” at least once. Eric even commented on how strange it seemed to refer to our house here as “home”.
It didn’t make sense. My family doesn’t love big cities or loud motorcycles roaring through the neighborhood. We miss having a yard. And windows. But it is home. And I found myself wondering why does this feel like home?
We’re here as a family. We’ve experienced this transition as a family, and when we’re together, we’re home.
We’re where we’re supposed to be. Twenty years ago, God called us to missions. For two decades, He refined, taught, and equipped us. And a fair amount of that refining hurt. I had a lot of questions. Why was it taking so long? Why couldn’t we just go already? Had we misunderstood or somehow disqualified ourselves? After all that time, God has finally brought us to this place. We knew God was calling us to Kingdom work, and now this is where we are supposed to be.
God made it home. Looking back now, I see His faithfulness. Wherever we lived or season of life, God had us exactly where He wanted us. And now He’s brought us here, to Costa Rica, to prepare us for Bolivia. This sense of ‘home’ doesn’t come from comfort or familiarity; it comes from our good and glorious God.
A Testament to God’s Work
Zola’s words remind us that God transforms lives so we can share His hope with others. The Ryans’ journey reflects this truth: when we follow God’s call, we find peace, purpose, and a place to call home—even when it’s unexpected.
As we Celebrate Lives Changed, we thank God for sending families like the Ryans to serve in Bolivia. We’re also grateful for you, our partners and friends, who help send and sustain those following God’s call.
💛 How has God made “home” feel unexpected for you?
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The Ryans – Eric, Zola, and their three daughters – Glenna Mae, Shannon, and Fiona – serve in Bolivia. Eric grew up as a pastor’s kid in Texas. Zola is the daughter of a ranch hand in Harney County. They met while studying rangeland management at Texas A&M University and married in 2003. The Ryans have long felt God’s call on their lives to serve in missions. Their call includes sharing the Gospel, discipling new believers, and participating in economic and agricultural development initiatives.