What a week!

We are back into the swing of things at school! Lots of studying, lots of Spanish and lots of "aha" moments. By "aha" moments, I mean finally understanding the structure; therefore, the true meaning of something I've heard a million times here. "Aha" could also be those humbling moments of realizing that you have been so wrong in the way you've been trying to communicate a certain thought or idea.

For example: I've been using "por otra mano" for months now- directly translated to "for other hand" for expressing "on the other hand." Wrong! The correct phrasing is "por otro lado" or "por otra parte" (translated "for other side" or "for other part"). The more I have learned of Spanish, the more I have realized how little I actually know! This realization can be a little overwhelming at times, but also sweet, as I have learned to place my trust and significance in God and his provisions (even in learning a new language).

Besides having a full week in classes, we also had a great mid-week visit from some dear friends from Augusta. Thank you Aaron and Anna for spending some of your vacation with us! We all had such a great time with you, so much so, that Friday morning little Eliza asked me, "Where are my friends?"

Anna Grace story:
The other morning Caleb had a stinky surprise for me, and Anna Grace came in the room to help me out, but.... she started gagging from the smell and buried her nose in a blanket. I proceeded to ask her if she will be able to change her baby's diaper when she is mommy. She responded "Do you think you could come help me with the stinky ones?" with such sincerity that I had to answer "Of course I will!"

We also had an earthquake yesterday afternoon in San Jose. We often have small tremors (sometimes you don't even notice them), but this was our 2nd "real" earthquake since arriving in August. Quite exciting, a little bit scary, and thankfully only a 6.0; therefore, no damage, only lots of shaking and a few things falling off the top of our refrigerator.

Finally, I wanted to share a great photo of Caleb, though I must admit I am a bit jealous- if only I could sleep in any position, too!

Just "Monkeying Around" Between Trimesters

Our final trimester of language school is going to begin this Wednesday.  It is hard to believe that we have lived in San Jose for over 8 months!

Monkey Anna Grace

Monkey Eliza

We were fortunate to have a brief break between trimesters to rest our brains from Spanish.  We have been able to relax and spend sweet time together as a family.

We were even more fortunate to have some wonderful visitors!
My parents came for a visit, and we really enjoyed our time celebrating Easter with them.

Also, David's good friend Brandon came for a long weekend to encourage us and spend time with our family.  With Brandon, we had the opportunity to visit an animal rescue center and learn about many of the different wildlife found in Costa Rica.

AG and Brandon with howler monkey

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our family as we continue to trust God for learning Spanish so that we can bring the hope of the Gospel to Peru!

Past the Midpoint

We have adjusted to the routine of life in Costa Rica- parenting 3 young children, worshipping the Lord, studying Spanish, MCO team time and then just life maintenance (groceries, baths, bills, haircuts, doctor's visit.... fill in the blank).  Life seems "normal" or at least very close to it.

We've passed the half-way point of our time in language school. This is exciting in many ways- the greatest being that we are much closer to arriving in Cusco to begin ministry there, which is what we have been praying for over the past 5 years!

But, we are also overwhelmed at times but how much we have yet to learn of the Spanish language.  Even today, we were talking about how we have to think through the simplest sentence structures or "mentally prepare" ourselves for speaking in Spanish.  Eliza, on the other hand, just breaks out with Spanish words in the middle of her sentences!  It's funny, she isn't "mentally preparing" herself for speaking in Spanish, the words just flow.

Reminds me a lot of how faith like a child is strongly encouraged in the Bible. This type of faith is not something you "prepare" for, but it's just there- real, honest and raw.  I pray that God would continue to draw and transform my heart to this child-like faith; faith that just flows out of a heart in love with its Savior.

Sweet Baby Caleb

I just have to take a moment to share about our sweet Caleb.  He really has been an amazing baby- what a blessing during this phase of life and transition!  We could really count how many times we've actually heard him cry, and he has been easy-going and such a joy.

Since we moved to a 2 bedroom apartment, Caleb sleeps in our room.  The other night, as David & I were settling into bed, Caleb woke up and looked at us from his crib.  With the pacifier still in his mouth, he would give the biggest grin and giggle at us, look away, then look back to make sure we hadn't left.  Again, he'd grin, giggle, look away, look back.  How precious- David and I couldn't help but return his grin and laughter with our own!

The girls have been such great helpers and big sisters.  Eliza has especially taken her role with great sensitivity and pride.  She is quick to bring him a toy, pacifier or just entertain him.

God has been very gracious to our family and we thank him for his continued faithfulness and love!

The Perpetual Bog-Like Mud Puddle

So, our girls love to play princess (like most 2 and 3 year olds!)  And we remind them frequently that we think they are so beautiful, not only on the outside, but more importantly on the inside.

One afternoon the other week, the girls took the time to get all "dolled-up" in their princess outfits (with shoes, jewelry and accessories) and then wanted to visit their friends as princesses.  We loaded everyone up into the strollers and then hiked down the road to a nearby park, where common fixtures include the Daniel & Wilson children.

In the park, other fixtures include slides, swings, see-saws, grass, trees, and a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle. (I think you can see where this is going!)

Fun was had by all, until we looked over and saw Eliza running across the park, toward the perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.  By perpetual, I mean the mud has been there since we arrived in August, and rainy season has been over for 2 months!

I-n s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n, Eliza runs through and then falls into that perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.
In the next moment, poor Princess Eliza was screaming for help and deliverance!

Daddy came rushing to the rescue, gathering her in his arms and returning her to safety.  He brought her home, washed the mud off and restored her to a beautiful princess once again.

Yes, it was hilarious, and I thought we'd never get the sticky, stinky mud out of her hair, ears and clothes! More importantly, it reminded me of how I can come to God with whatever struggle I am having, no matter its size because He DELIGHTS in me and wants to be my Rescuer time and time again.

Likewise, I am often like Eliza, stuck in a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle of pain, struggle or sin.  Thank goodness I know God as my Father and Rescuer! All I have to do is call out to Him, and He gathers me into his arms, washes me with Living Water (Jesus) and restores me as His dearly loved daughter because he DELIGHTS in me.

Psalm 18

vs. 6 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him into his ears."

vs. 16 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."

vs. 19 "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he DELIGHTED in me."

Our "Clean" Princesses

Museo de Niños

San Jose has a great children's museum, and we went last weekend with The Holtons.  We had a great time learning about Costa Rica as well as getting to practice our Spanish.

As many of you know, coffee is a major export in Costa Rica.  David and I got the chance to "dress up" like coffee pickers- notice the baskets full of picked coffee as well as my slender waistline. Ha Ha Ha!

Dr. Holton enjoyed sitting with the girls in the giant molars.... and Anna Grace & Eliza loved to brush the teeth!

The girls also got to do some grocery shopping with miniture-sized carts and went through the checkout lines- all in Spanish!  I'm glad they didn't choose to buy the octopus from the meat department- yuck!

 It was funny- we didn't have to tell Eliza what to do.... she filled her cart and then unloaded it at the cashier without one bit of help. (Please note her "I'm all business" face.)

Dancing Lessons- Tico Style

Summer vacation is just ending here in Costa Rica (yes, summer!)  Anna Grace took a 2 week dancing class at a nearby dance studio.  It was not only an opportunity for Anna Grace to learn dance, but Spanish as well!  She was the only "English-speaking" student.

The time did not only benefit Anna Grace, but me as well.... I would sit in the waiting room with the other mothers, while they helped me with my Spanish homework and gave me crash courses in real-life Spanish conversation.

It is a Christian dance studio, so the dancers pray together before the class.  I was impressed with the teacher's ability to keep the attention and cooperation of a bunch of 3 and 4 year old girls!

Anna Grace is a great, little dancer!  (But she has a little trouble walking with her hips)  I bet you can guess who CAN move her hips on the dance floor...