A Chapter Closed...

Today marks the 11th anniversary of much heartache and loss.
A day we will not forget, knowing where you were when you heard the news of the horror that filled the screens of every TV and filled the airwaves of every radio.  Today as we remember, I am thankful for this country we live in and thankful for freedom.

On a lighter note...today also marks 1 month since our return state side. It has been a whirlwind of craziness and a lot of adjusting but its good to be home.

Here are some of the differences that have stood out to us as we get back into life.

In Costa Rica pedestrians don't have the right of way - here they do...yes I have gotten a few funny looks as I forget that they have to wait till I cross...I don't have to dodge fast moving vehicles.

We haven't been eating as much rice and beans here but we miss the typical breakfast of gallo pinto with fried cheese and eggs.  But the hamburgers here are so yummy!  And fresh corn and blueberries.

In Costa Rica we didn't have a vehicle and so public transportation was our means of transportation if walking wasn't an option. State side means we drive everywhere and it seems like we are never home.

One thing that is similar is that we have friends in both countries.  The friends here that we are reconnecting with and the friends that we had to say good-bye to in Costa Rica.  Different language but still friends.

The kids now walk out the door and down a couple steps and a school bus takes them to school...no walking with them and then going to our classroom.

Here they don't play softball year round and so our Saturday mornings are spent watching Cody play soccer for now. No more trips to the feria (market) on Saturday mornings. 

Church is once again a time of refreshment and encouragement because it is in our heart language.  What a huge blessing!!

So far no ants here, no parrots, no graffiti, no red taxi and no papaya.

Its good to be home and as we continue to adjust we are so blessed by each of you. Your support over the past year, in many different ways, made it possible.  God has blessed us richly!

To all our friends who have moved to the country God has called you to...we miss you and we will never forget our year in Costa Rica with you.  As you serve in Peru, El Salvador, Panama, Bolivia, Mexico, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic...know that we love you and are blessed to call you FRIENDS.

Blessings to each of you! And thank YOU!