Lindsay BlakeIt started with a simple desire: To be a family that serves God together.
Now, that “yes” is taking four families—7 adults and 8 kids ranging from just 9 months to 11 years old—all the way to Costa Rica.
This June, families from Valiente Dual Academy will step into something bigger than a trip. They’ll step into the global Church.
And they won’t be going empty-handed.
Learning a Language… and Living It
Valiente Dual Academy began just two years ago with a vision: create a space where children could learn Spanish through fun, connection, and culture.
Games. Crafts. Laughter. Friendship.
But beneath it all was something deeper—the belief that language opens doors.
“We wanted our kids to learn about other cultures and languages while having fun,” Savannah Vasquez, co-founder of the school, shared. “But also to connect.”
Now, those lessons are about to come alive.
“I think they’ll be surprised how much they already understand,” she said. “And inspired to keep learning so they can continue building relationships.”
Because in Costa Rica, Spanish won’t just be something they practice.
It will be how they love people.
A Bigger View of the World
For Savannah and her husband, this trip is deeply personal.
Both have served in missions and lived overseas. Those experiences shaped something foundational in them:
God’s Kingdom is global.
“When you experience other cultures at a young age,” Savannah said, “you’re less likely to believe false ideas about the world. You’ve seen it. You’ve built relationships.”
And that changes you.
It reminds you that even across languages and cultures, we’re not so different after all.
We’re all searching for purpose. For belonging.
What They’re Really Going to Learn
Yes, they’ll be leading children’s ministry.
Yes, they’ll be serving.
But that’s not the full story.
“What I’m most excited for,” Savannah shared, “is that they’ll realize missions is less about giving of yourself and more about making room for God to work in your heart.”
That shift—from doing to becoming—is where transformation happens.
She hopes each person walks away seeing people the way God does:
Not as different. Not as distant.
But as reflections of His image.
Seeing It Through a Child’s Eyes
And maybe the most powerful perspective comes from the kids themselves.
“I think it will be like helping other people and telling them about God.” – Emmanuel, 9
“Because most of the kids speak Spanish, so I can communicate with them.” – Emmanuel
“To fly on an airplane and playing games!” – Jonathan, 5
Honest. Joyful. Expectant.
Even their fears are real:
“Flying.” – Jonathan
But so is their willingness to go anyway.
It Started in the Classroom… and It Didn’t Stay There
After spending the year learning about Spanish-speaking countries, the group decided to bring Costa Rica to their community through a fundraiser event.
Coffee. Crafts. Community support.
A glimpse of what was ahead.
But the bigger picture?
This isn’t just about one trip.
It’s about a way of living.
Just Go
Savannah said it simply:
“If God is nudging you to do it—do it. He will make a way.”
That’s the invitation.
Not just for these families.
For all of us.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t have to go alone.
Grab a group. Bring your family.
Go across the street.
Go across the world.
