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...

Change of Scenery

At the first of the year, we moved into a new house.... apartment actually.

After much time praying, seeking the counsel of others, and a long "pros vs. cons" list, we decided the move would be good for our family.

We now live on a 2nd floor (which means we can leave curtains and doors open for sunlight and fresh air and we also have great views of the surrounding mountains)

A great park (which the girls love) is also right across the street.
Best of all, we are closer to the rest of the MCO Cusco team members, and Ike & Joanne Holton just moved into the same building this past week!

The new place has really been a blessing and we are thankful for God's faithfulness in our lives once again!

Christmas Celebrations

On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed the "typical" Costa Rican meal of tamales and coffee. (yes, with coffee!) Tamales in Costa Rica are made of corn meal and usually contain some pork and vegetables.

We bought 6 piñas (6 packets of tamales- each piña contains 2 tamales). They are wrapped in plantain leaves and tied with twine.

Next, they were boiled in water for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

Then, we enjoyed them with Lizano sauce and coffee!

¡Que Rica!

Our Family

I just want to take this opportunity to thank God for my precious family!   

God has been so good to David and I by giving us 3 beautiful children, each with unique personalities and gifts.  

 Anna Grace is sweet, loving & reminds me of God’s tender heart.

Eliza is funny, outgoing & reminds me of God’s loving-kindness. 

Caleb is just plain cute and chubby and reminds me of God’s faithfulness and provision.

Thank you for loving and praying for our family!  You are our family, too, and remind us of God’s goodness!  Please keep us updated on how we can pray for you.