Leaves and Lizard

In examining certain aspect of my personality and work style I realize I am much more of a detailed orientated person than a visionary dreamer. I like to dream, but quickly become intimidated by the bigness of it. I haven’t figured out the whole business of networking and building strategic partnerships, so I falsely think I have to accomplish the great idea all on my own.

A few weeks ago, a dream opportunity fell into my lap with enough of the big stuff already worked out; there was no way I could say no. I met Debbie and Steve last month when us girls decided to get out of the city for a night. We found their lodge, Leaves & Lizards, on the internet and decided to go for it even though it was further away. We had an amazing stay. Over our family style breakfast, I shared with Debbie and Steve about the kids I work with in the city. Debbie immediately lit up; she has always wanted to be able to bring city kids out there but lacked the connection. Perfect. We spent the rest of the morning dreaming of all the things we could do with the kids. Debbie is already super involved in the community there. All I needed to do was find transportation and convince the parents to le me take their kids for the night. Unbelievable. I was so excited, but still really nervous. How was I going to convince parents I’ve never met to let me take their daughters, who’ve never heard of the concept of a fieldtrip, on an overnight trip 4 hours away? Yikes.

This weekend I was finally able to meet with the mom of 2 sisters, Catalyna and Alicia, that I want to be a part of the trip. We had a wonderful time together. All of the kids were so happy I came to their home, and it was great to finally meet their mom. I shared with her more about the trip and why I wanted the girls to go. After reassuring her I would be with the girls at ALL times, she gave her permission. She continued to thank me for all that I am doing for her and her kids. I just kept telling her how much I love having her kids at the center. It was a very encouraging afternoon.

I still am a little nervous about the project, but I am so excited to see how God has gone before us opening doors and preparing connection I wouldn’t have made on my own. We still have a few more details to work out before our trip on Nov. 14-15, so please keep us in your prayers. I can’t wait to share how it all turns out!

Reading Time

Leah, Alicia, Madai, Winston, Catalyna

Ladies' Night

Most of you know I love playing hostess. It's one of the things that makes me feel at home in a new place. A couple of weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to host a Ladies' Night with several of our friends and fellow missionaries. It was a great evening of fellowship filled with lots of laughter and great stories. Together we represented half a dozens cultures and several different language, but everyone felt included. For me it is a beautiful pictures of the richness of the body of Christ and the blessing of being able to come together and share in fellowship.



Left to Right
Sonia, Tracey, Cailah, Aiyla, Leah, Erin, Kristina, Isabela, Giannina

A Photo Essay of Life

Soccer game for Josh's Birthday




SWAT police protecting our sections. We somehow ended up in the official cheering section.


Fun Day in the Park






Beautiful Creation in Costa Rica

Residency

After being "In Process" for almost a year, I finally received my Costa Rica residency. Yeah!!! This means I get discounts at all the National Parks, can get as many cellphones as I want, and most importantly, I don't have to leave the country every 3 months to renew my visa. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for this process; it is a HUGE relief to know I am approved.

In the same vein, Costa Rica is starting to feel a lot more like a home instead of a long trip. At the end of this month, I will have been here a year! It's incredible to reflect on all that has happened and been developed in this past year. I go back and forth between questioning why it took me so long to "get established" here and amazement that I am already so at home here. I still have a long way to go before I feel "native". Though, I am learning to be content in how far I've come and to recognize I don't have to take everything on at once. Development on a personal or community level doesn't happen overnight; it's a slow process if you want lasting results. Rather than trying to force things along, I'm learning to take opportunities as they come and invest in what is currently in front of me. So I'm enjoying the amazing friends from the States I'm blessed to have living here in Costa Rica, and slowly trying to build natural, deeper friendships with Spanish-Speakers here. I'm joyfully and diligently pouring into my twenty-ish regulars at the tutoring center, and not stressing about how to meet the needs of all the 1,400 students at the school next door. (plus the 3 other schools in Los Guido). This is what God has placed in front of me for now, and I want to give it my all.