The DSL company came yesterday and cut our cable line (on purpose). They are suppose to restore it in the next day or so. So, if you are trying to call us or e-mail, we don't have e-mail or phone until it is restored.
I am writing this from one of the missionarie's brothers home in Costa Rica. They live in the sweetest pad on a mountaineside overlooking the city. We are enjoying a day of no Spanish, good food and hanging by the pool. This was much needed. I snuck up (well, i did ask) to use the internet for a minute so I'll blog about are date later.
We'll be in touch when our DSL service resumes.
P.S. the good thing about not having phone or internet is that I read almost the entire book "To Train Up a Child" last night. WOW! If you are having discipline problems with your kids, I highly recommend this book to get some focus, persective, encouragement and to take back the reigns. Good stuff~ just thought I'd through that in there.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
A Date
Tonight we are going on our first date in Central America. I was jumping up and down as we learned that one of the missionary's daughters would be available to babysit. She is 16 and was born here. I think I’m going to tell her to only speak Spanish to the kids. They’ll love that – not! Does anyone even use that expression – not – anymore? Guess I'm out of touch with pop-culture. I do know "that's hot!" So the babysitter will speak Spanish and that's hot! That doesn't quite make sense, does it?
Anyway, we are super, duper excited. We are going to see the movie Transformers and then eat Chinese from across the street. The only bad thing about living across the street from a Chinese restaurant is that the aroma constantly makes its way into our house. Just this morning Jaxson said, “Mom, I smell something so good. What is it?” To bad my cooking doesn’t taste half as good as the Chinese smells.
So, we are going to a movie for $4 per person. That is half of the price of an American movie. Although groceries, and I’m not kidding about this, are 3-5 times HIGHER than American prices. A lot of services, restaurants and activities are much cheaper. Just last night we ate at a food court in the Hiper Mas (like Super Wal-Mart) and we all ate an awesome Tico (Costa Rican) meal for $10. Our entire family was well fed, with drinks and salads for a mere $10. We were very happy about that. When John asked the babysitter how much she charges per hour she said 1,000 colones per hour – around $2. Another wowie!! Hopefully we can save in cheap activities what we are spending in groceries.
Tonight we will take a taxi. Did I mention it is quite an experience for our family of 6 to fit in a compact taxi? John sits in the front while the other 5 of us squeeze into the back. Normally only 4 people are allowed in a taxi here. I don't think it is like that in Lima. The seatbelts don't work in most cars anyway. So we have to ask a special favor each time we take a taxi ride. Some drivers say yes and some say no. How do the car seats fit in you might ask? They don't! Just as car seats are a must in America, they are a don't in Central America. The baby sits on my lap whether it be in the front seat or the back seat. To answer the question I know you have in your mind....yes, this is scary. Yes, I am constantly praying. The driving is LOCO!!
We have decided we can’t eat like Americans here b/c the cost is outrageous. For example, Ramon noodles are $5 a box (like $1.25 a box in America), cheese is $6 and a Costco size box of M&M’s was about $28. No, I didn’t get them. But beans and rice are cheap, cheap, cheap so we bought a pressure cooker and are determined to eat like the nationals. Plus, we can get a fresh loaf of bread for .50 at the bakery. Yummy!
This has nothing to do with our date, but speaking of money…the only time I have had culture shock is when I go grocery shopping. My pulse goes up, my chest gets tight and I get very quiet (I know, I know…a rarity for me). I mentioned to John that shopping gave me culture shock and he said, “No, I don’t think it’s culture shock, I think it’s sticker shock."
The good news is that we get a field parity supplement from the IMB to help off-set the higher cost of food here. We have budgeted $800 a month for food. I know, that is ridiculous. In the states we spent about $140 every 2 weeks for the 6 of us. So we are looking at a huge jump. I’ll let you know how that goes.
I digress. We are going on a date tonight and I’m happy. It will be fun and cheap and I’m sure an interesting cultural experience. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Anyway, we are super, duper excited. We are going to see the movie Transformers and then eat Chinese from across the street. The only bad thing about living across the street from a Chinese restaurant is that the aroma constantly makes its way into our house. Just this morning Jaxson said, “Mom, I smell something so good. What is it?” To bad my cooking doesn’t taste half as good as the Chinese smells.
So, we are going to a movie for $4 per person. That is half of the price of an American movie. Although groceries, and I’m not kidding about this, are 3-5 times HIGHER than American prices. A lot of services, restaurants and activities are much cheaper. Just last night we ate at a food court in the Hiper Mas (like Super Wal-Mart) and we all ate an awesome Tico (Costa Rican) meal for $10. Our entire family was well fed, with drinks and salads for a mere $10. We were very happy about that. When John asked the babysitter how much she charges per hour she said 1,000 colones per hour – around $2. Another wowie!! Hopefully we can save in cheap activities what we are spending in groceries.
Tonight we will take a taxi. Did I mention it is quite an experience for our family of 6 to fit in a compact taxi? John sits in the front while the other 5 of us squeeze into the back. Normally only 4 people are allowed in a taxi here. I don't think it is like that in Lima. The seatbelts don't work in most cars anyway. So we have to ask a special favor each time we take a taxi ride. Some drivers say yes and some say no. How do the car seats fit in you might ask? They don't! Just as car seats are a must in America, they are a don't in Central America. The baby sits on my lap whether it be in the front seat or the back seat. To answer the question I know you have in your mind....yes, this is scary. Yes, I am constantly praying. The driving is LOCO!!
We have decided we can’t eat like Americans here b/c the cost is outrageous. For example, Ramon noodles are $5 a box (like $1.25 a box in America), cheese is $6 and a Costco size box of M&M’s was about $28. No, I didn’t get them. But beans and rice are cheap, cheap, cheap so we bought a pressure cooker and are determined to eat like the nationals. Plus, we can get a fresh loaf of bread for .50 at the bakery. Yummy!
This has nothing to do with our date, but speaking of money…the only time I have had culture shock is when I go grocery shopping. My pulse goes up, my chest gets tight and I get very quiet (I know, I know…a rarity for me). I mentioned to John that shopping gave me culture shock and he said, “No, I don’t think it’s culture shock, I think it’s sticker shock."
The good news is that we get a field parity supplement from the IMB to help off-set the higher cost of food here. We have budgeted $800 a month for food. I know, that is ridiculous. In the states we spent about $140 every 2 weeks for the 6 of us. So we are looking at a huge jump. I’ll let you know how that goes.
I digress. We are going on a date tonight and I’m happy. It will be fun and cheap and I’m sure an interesting cultural experience. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
A quick thought
I was so scared to give up my life to follow God.
I did. It took God almost 3 years to get me to let go.
We are here and I am reminded everyday that God made me for this.
I didn't want to let go of my comfort, my rights, my routine and my easy American life. I did! God was right - this is better.
I have less than I've ever had, but now I have more God than I've ever had.
I wish I would've let go sooner.
I did. It took God almost 3 years to get me to let go.
We are here and I am reminded everyday that God made me for this.
I didn't want to let go of my comfort, my rights, my routine and my easy American life. I did! God was right - this is better.
I have less than I've ever had, but now I have more God than I've ever had.
I wish I would've let go sooner.
Life, home and pictures
Well, we are in our little home and finally settled in and getting comfy cozy in 650 square feet. I know it sounds tight, and it is, but we are enjoying the small space. Not so much to clean or worry about.
Language school starts at the end of August so right now we are doing something called "barefooting" Mon-Fri. from 7:30 a.m. - 11ish. While the kids are in school, we, along with 4 other missionaries, meet together with a spanish teacher who speaks to us only in Spanish and tries to teach us new phrases and lots and lots of Costa Rican culture. It has been very interesting to say the least. My new favorite phrase is "Epsanol es muy difficile para mi."
The kids are enjoying school and picking up one or two Spanish words a day. John is picking up like 20 a day while I am probably on the same pace as the kids.
Our house is nestled right across the street from a beautiful park. It is on a main road that is very noisy, but our fans drown out the noise at night. Besides, we like hearing all the hustle and bustle of life. A good perk of living on a busy street is that there are cool places all around us. For example, the chinese restaurant is literally in front of our house while the butcher and bakery are catty-corner. How cool is that? The other night we needed dinner and John just walked out our door and returned within 5 minutes with a $4 roasted chicken. Now that's the life! Pura Vida! And then, if we walk one block down there is a small grocery store, a convenient store, a salon, a pharmacy and the taxi line. We truly are centrally located. School is only 8 minutes away. The other missionaries are about 10 minutes from us as we chose to stay in the house we are in. Originally, they were going to move us to "Baptist Row" but we realized this location is amazing. So here we are!!!
There are lots of stories to tell, but that will have to be one day at a time. Just wanted to give you a head's up to our daily routine. You'd be amazed at how much we accomplished in one week. Today we finally got the last of our bags unpacked and it feels great to have a steady home for the next year.
Until tomorrow.....
Friday, July 27, 2007
Our Flight In
So many ingredients that we don't want to leave out the flavor of our arrival.
To sum it up....craziness.
The night before we left we had planned to pack all of our 19 suitcases, 6 carry ons, 2 stroller and 4 small children into our friend's truck. Of course, it would be too easy if it weren't raining. So, we had to change our plans and readjust the entire evening b/c it wasn't possible for all of that stuff to sit in a down-pour uncovered all night. It rained for like 6-8 hours and we scrambled to get the new plan in motion. It all worked out and we made it to the airport at 4:58 a.m. with 25 pieces of luggage, 4 small children, 2 strollers, 1 car-seat and 2 pairs of adult hands! WOW!!! Yes, it was as hectic as it sounds.
Due to the rain the day before, my dad ended up taking us to the airport so we said our good-byes quickly as we hauled our luggage and children out of the van. It happened so fast and he drove off and I was left there sobbing and feeling as if I could not catch my breath. It was difficult to have to keep going with the morning with this pain in my heart.
As we made it to through security, they pulled us aside. Lucky us!!! We were chosen to be frisked and to have every single one of our bags searched. I tried so hard to be patient and loving, but I said kindly, "Did you have to pick a family with four kids under the age of 6 and lots of carry-ons as we are trying to move out of the country permanently?" They even frisked the baby! This sounds funny now, but at the moment it was far from it.
The flights were smooth, easy and without interruption. In fact, on each flight the people who sat around us all chipped in and helped bring our bags and car seat off of the plane. It reminded us that God is in everything and He provides help with all of our struggles. The flight to Costa Rica from Atlanta was neat b/c there was a team going on a mission trip and they took up half of the plane. We were able to tell them we were going on a trip, too....for like 3 years! :)
Once we were in the airport is was LOCO!!! We had to physically take all of our stuff to 3 different check-out points. Oh....did I mention that when we got off of the airplane we went to put our children in their brand new, never before used $600 jogging stroller (thanks St. Cloud Pavement Pounders) that was purchased for Costa Rica (in case you don't know, we don't have a car). I noticed immediately that the stroller had oil on several places. I was kind of like, oh....that's not good. But what really was not good was the fact that wheel was completely broken. It ended up shattering 2 days later. It was quite an ordeal for the 2 of us, but God showed us a lot about our fleshly responses and our need to trust Him for everything. It worked out so far and we were able to have a new wheel overnighted to a team in Nashville who brought it to us and we have a perfectly good, oil-stained stroller that gets the little ones around just fine. :) We are still working with Delta on trying to get them to pay for the wheel and get the covering replaced.
Soooo......all that to say - WE ARE HERE!!! There is so much to write, but I thought I would start off with that. I am going to post the pictures of our luggage and the other 2 family's luggage as well. We had 8 kids under the age of 6 in total and well over 70 pieces of baggage. And no, we did not have any help from baggage handlers inside of the airport. They were not available until once we got outside. The hard part was over at that point. At times I felt like my head was going to pop off. I just tried to smile and stay focused. I think I prayed more that day than I ever have.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
We are here....
WE ARE HERE! No computer, no phone, lots of Spanish - beauty all around us.
More later when we are hooked up electronically.
More later when we are hooked up electronically.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Adios Estados Unidos, Hola Costa Rica
We're outta here....sad but true. We're putting the finishing touches on our 19 suitcases and we'll be leaving on a jet-plane bright and early tomorrow morning.
Don't forget there is a 3 hour time delay from East Coast time. :)
We will not be settled into our permanent home for 2 or more weeks so don't be surprised if you do not hear from us for a bit. We will post as soon as we get Internet.
Thank you for all of your prayers and friendship. We couldn't do this without you ALL!!!!
Excitement, excitement, excitement! I think we are in a state of euphoric disbelief.
Our cell phone has been disconnected and I will e-mail out our new phone number once it is set up (with the computer, of course). It will be a local St. Cloud number that you can call and we can call out for free (thanks, packet 8). Please keep in touch - please!!
We leave, but you have our hearts. Love to you all!!!!
Adios.......
Don't forget there is a 3 hour time delay from East Coast time. :)
We will not be settled into our permanent home for 2 or more weeks so don't be surprised if you do not hear from us for a bit. We will post as soon as we get Internet.
Thank you for all of your prayers and friendship. We couldn't do this without you ALL!!!!
Excitement, excitement, excitement! I think we are in a state of euphoric disbelief.
Our cell phone has been disconnected and I will e-mail out our new phone number once it is set up (with the computer, of course). It will be a local St. Cloud number that you can call and we can call out for free (thanks, packet 8). Please keep in touch - please!!
We leave, but you have our hearts. Love to you all!!!!
Adios.......
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
St. Cloud Pavement Pounders
Friends, Friends, lots of fun
Especially when they like to run
I've made some buds in our home town
We like to go running when we're feeling down
Each Tuesday and Thursday we hit the road
And run the streets while we talk a load
Just for kicks we like to race
We use each other to keep the pace
We share laughs, P.R.'s, bumps and bruises
Our running stories quite amuse us
I'm leaving my club and it's quite sad
Their the fastest friends I've ever had
What could we talk about you might say
Running, running, all the day
Marathons, 5ks and gatorade
We rejoice in the strides we have made
What will I do without them, I ask?
I'll put my shoes away til' I can run at last
St. Cloud Pavement Pounders, you're so much fun
Can't wait to come back and go for a run.....
LOVE YOU GUYS!!! MISS YOU A TON!!! KEEP ON RUNNING THE RACE FOR THE LORD!!!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Some Sweet, Sweet Fellowship
Today we had the privilege of partnering with a local church.
When we were in Virginia we found out that one of Parker's teachers was from Kissimmee/S. Orlando. She arranged for us to visit with her home church. Part of our job is to partner with at least 5 churches and encourage them to Pray, Give and Go! Each church is our lifeline and a vital part of what we will be doing. So, it was a God thing that a church near our hometown (20 minutes) was TOTALLY interested in having us visit. God totally set this up for us and it was super evident to us this morning. One guy even knew John's sister from Miami from over 15 years ago. He was able to make the connection because of our last name. What a small world!
The entire experience was nothing short of Sweet, Sweet, Sweet! The people were sweet. The worship was sweet and the fellowship afterwards was sweet. We could have easily stayed for over an hour chatting with all of the fine folks who were coming up to us. It warmed our hearts. 2 separate Sunday school groups said they were adopting our family in prayer. WOW! We are so honored and thankful. I encouraged one nice lady to think about joining us in Lima in a few years on a short-term trip. She said they were too old - between 50-70. I told her that that age group is usually some of the best, most effective workers and can reach people we can't reach!
Something funny that happened.....today when we were sharing together on stage (there are like 500 people in this church), I was saying that we will be planting churches that are.....I looked at John and said, "What's that word again." He said, "reproductive." I said, "I should know that word since we are so good at reproducing." Everyone burst out laughing and some people even clapped. In case you don't get it - we have 4 kids and have spent the better part of 6 years reproducing. It was unintentionally funny and John playfully pulled the microphone from me so I wouldn't get us in anymore trouble. Then, my hubby did his best job ever in conveying our vision and encouraging the people to join us. I was so proud of him and just wanted to run right up on stage and kiss him and hug him. It made me proud to see him shine!
This morning was nice! I can't express enough how sincere, sweet and friendly this congregation was. They are transitioning to a new Pastor b/c theirs retired after 20 years. We have visited many churches over the years and this one was definitely one of our favorites. If you live around us, check out South Orlando Baptist church - you won't be disappointed.
Thank you for having us - it was truly our pleasure.
Thank you God for allowing us to partner with such a sweet extension of yourself!
When we were in Virginia we found out that one of Parker's teachers was from Kissimmee/S. Orlando. She arranged for us to visit with her home church. Part of our job is to partner with at least 5 churches and encourage them to Pray, Give and Go! Each church is our lifeline and a vital part of what we will be doing. So, it was a God thing that a church near our hometown (20 minutes) was TOTALLY interested in having us visit. God totally set this up for us and it was super evident to us this morning. One guy even knew John's sister from Miami from over 15 years ago. He was able to make the connection because of our last name. What a small world!
The entire experience was nothing short of Sweet, Sweet, Sweet! The people were sweet. The worship was sweet and the fellowship afterwards was sweet. We could have easily stayed for over an hour chatting with all of the fine folks who were coming up to us. It warmed our hearts. 2 separate Sunday school groups said they were adopting our family in prayer. WOW! We are so honored and thankful. I encouraged one nice lady to think about joining us in Lima in a few years on a short-term trip. She said they were too old - between 50-70. I told her that that age group is usually some of the best, most effective workers and can reach people we can't reach!
Something funny that happened.....today when we were sharing together on stage (there are like 500 people in this church), I was saying that we will be planting churches that are.....I looked at John and said, "What's that word again." He said, "reproductive." I said, "I should know that word since we are so good at reproducing." Everyone burst out laughing and some people even clapped. In case you don't get it - we have 4 kids and have spent the better part of 6 years reproducing. It was unintentionally funny and John playfully pulled the microphone from me so I wouldn't get us in anymore trouble. Then, my hubby did his best job ever in conveying our vision and encouraging the people to join us. I was so proud of him and just wanted to run right up on stage and kiss him and hug him. It made me proud to see him shine!
This morning was nice! I can't express enough how sincere, sweet and friendly this congregation was. They are transitioning to a new Pastor b/c theirs retired after 20 years. We have visited many churches over the years and this one was definitely one of our favorites. If you live around us, check out South Orlando Baptist church - you won't be disappointed.
Thank you for having us - it was truly our pleasure.
Thank you God for allowing us to partner with such a sweet extension of yourself!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Saying Goodbye
This week we are faced with saying good-bye to those we love the most.
We have been feeling strengthened, but the sadness is intense and breathtaking.
Last night we said good-bye to our Pastor and his wife. I just wanted to wrap them up and take them with me. I knew the evening was coming to an end and I just kept talking and talking because I didn't want them to leave. Because once they left that meant we would've said good-bye and that means this is all real. By the way, Pastor Steve and Shannon are dear friends and supporters - not just our pastor and his wife. Ugh...it's was soooo sad to see them walk away. We could've swam in my tears. SAD! SAD! SAD! Good, but sad!
Today we said good-bye to Pastor Craig and his wife, Helen. They have been super-duper blessings to our family. Friends, helpers, co-laborers in Christ. Once again.....very hard to walk away. So many memories, emotions, feelings.
Goodbyes are not forever - right? We have the future - even if that means 3 years or so. And if that never happens, there is always heaven.
We have been feeling strengthened, but the sadness is intense and breathtaking.
Last night we said good-bye to our Pastor and his wife. I just wanted to wrap them up and take them with me. I knew the evening was coming to an end and I just kept talking and talking because I didn't want them to leave. Because once they left that meant we would've said good-bye and that means this is all real. By the way, Pastor Steve and Shannon are dear friends and supporters - not just our pastor and his wife. Ugh...it's was soooo sad to see them walk away. We could've swam in my tears. SAD! SAD! SAD! Good, but sad!
Today we said good-bye to Pastor Craig and his wife, Helen. They have been super-duper blessings to our family. Friends, helpers, co-laborers in Christ. Once again.....very hard to walk away. So many memories, emotions, feelings.
Goodbyes are not forever - right? We have the future - even if that means 3 years or so. And if that never happens, there is always heaven.
Even with heaven, I still don't like saying goodbye!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
ILC Pictures
It's hard to describe where we have been for the last two months, but here are some pictures of the ILC campus, our quad main living area, our suite, the auditorium where we had classes everyday from 8:00 to 3:00, the cafeteria and the playground outside our quad.
This was "home" for 8 weeks and we really miss it. We ate, worshipped, learned, cried and laughed with 80+ other missionaries. We truly became a family. I realized that after spending 24/7 with the other families and singles, that we spent more hours with these folks after onnly 8 weeks than most people people from back home. So leaving was yet another hard separation and goodbye. Most of them we will never see again until heaven. But we know they are going out to do the same work and apply the same things we learned at ILC. - John
Williamsburg
Better late than never.......here are some highlights from our phamily trip to Williamsburg. We had a blast!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Costa Rica Living
Here are some pictures of our home for the next year in Costa Rica.
As my good friend Heidi said, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy."
I know, I know....it looks like we'll be living in a cage. Okay...so we might be, but at least we will be safe and will have our own pad. Don't feel sorry for us - we signed up for this.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Reconnecting
Trying to explain to you the bevy of emotions that have been circulating in my mind and heart might just be impossible.
Returning to St. Cloud after saying good-bye at the end of April has been paralyzing for me - literally. Most of the difficulties we have encountered I have been prepared for and prayed up for....in short, I expected them. So it comes to me as a complete surprise that I have been home for 5 days and have found myself unable to connect with friends and church family that I have to say good-bye to in 13 days. I have tried, but it's as if I am physically unable to make the first step.
We had plans to have a special lunch date with our pastor, a girls' night out, kid's baptism, running club (not to run of course, but to hang out with the buds), and to make stops at all of our friend's homes to hug their necks. None of it has happened!! All I can say is that I am sorry. I wasn't joshing you when I said I have been virtually paralyzed.
I guess I'm not the rock that I thought I was. It's ironic because last week I was amazed at how well I had been handeling all of this and this week I have realized that I am not as tough as I think I am sometimes. I have limitations and unexpected setbacks. I'm only as strong as God allows me to be!
God has called me to a life of transparency so I just wanted to honestly share my heart with you....it's not all happy, happy, joy, joy 24/7. I do take refuge in the Lord. However, right now I am grieving and struggling to reconnect with this life we left 9 weeks ago. Normal? Healthy? Selfish? I dunno.......
Returning to St. Cloud after saying good-bye at the end of April has been paralyzing for me - literally. Most of the difficulties we have encountered I have been prepared for and prayed up for....in short, I expected them. So it comes to me as a complete surprise that I have been home for 5 days and have found myself unable to connect with friends and church family that I have to say good-bye to in 13 days. I have tried, but it's as if I am physically unable to make the first step.
We had plans to have a special lunch date with our pastor, a girls' night out, kid's baptism, running club (not to run of course, but to hang out with the buds), and to make stops at all of our friend's homes to hug their necks. None of it has happened!! All I can say is that I am sorry. I wasn't joshing you when I said I have been virtually paralyzed.
I guess I'm not the rock that I thought I was. It's ironic because last week I was amazed at how well I had been handeling all of this and this week I have realized that I am not as tough as I think I am sometimes. I have limitations and unexpected setbacks. I'm only as strong as God allows me to be!
God has called me to a life of transparency so I just wanted to honestly share my heart with you....it's not all happy, happy, joy, joy 24/7. I do take refuge in the Lord. However, right now I am grieving and struggling to reconnect with this life we left 9 weeks ago. Normal? Healthy? Selfish? I dunno.......
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Back in Florida
We are back in St. Cloud, Florida until July 20. We will be staying in Deland, FL with Johns' Mom and Sister from July 7-10. If you want to get in touch with us, please call us at 4073612042. We would love to get in touch in person. :)
We are still reeling from our time in Virginia. We feel like we are almost in a mini-culture shock now that we have left our Christian Bubble. Each day we are more excited to get to Costa Rica. The countdown begins......
We are still reeling from our time in Virginia. We feel like we are almost in a mini-culture shock now that we have left our Christian Bubble. Each day we are more excited to get to Costa Rica. The countdown begins......
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