So about 1/3 third of the way through our first trimester here in Costa Rica has left us feeling many things. Challenging, exhausting, chaotic, frustration, homesick, stretched, as well as comfortable, prayed for, grateful, enjoyment, amazed, relieved, inspired. Those are just a few that come to mind right now. In one of our classes we needed to come up with different adjectives that we need to learn the Spanish word for. I then thought I would ask everyone in our household to think of what they have felt since being here. It was interesting to see all the feelings we have had, positive and negative alike. Everyone was in agreement though that the positive has far outweighed the others.
We are all still getting lots of exercise with walking. The higher elevation (4000’+) and the very hilly terrain is much different than walking around our block back in LaGrange County. The beautiful scenery makes it all worth it though. We no longer get to experience the sunrises from the center of the city but the mountains are still very visible in the background no matter where you are. God’s beauty is all around us, if we just stop to see it.
Some changes coming up with our family are that we have been given an opportunity to stay here in Costa Rica for another trimmest of language classes and then we have decided to take that opportunity. That session of classes ends the end of April so we will then be in the DR and ready for school by the first part of May. Although that was not our original plan, we were open to it anyway and are now looking forward to that happening. Along with that change, Nina will probably stay here in the apartment with Sondra, our empleada, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning while Karen and I are in class. She will be attending the regular classes in the school on Tuesday and Thursday.
Keep us in your prayers, as I know you have been. We have felt that so much since we are here. One thing that they told us in orientation here was that quite possibly language was only a small part or reason that God has brought us here, and to be open to allowing him to do whatever he has in store for us. We have all talked many times of the different experiences that we have had and continue to have here. Thanks for being part of that with us.
It's so good to hear your joys and frustrations along the way. I can't imagine being in "Spanish boot camp." May God continue to bless your family both there and here as you respond to His obedience each day. Blessings and prayers to you all!
ReplyDeleteWe can echo the similar sentiments from Rwanda. Learning Kinyarwanda sounds much like learning Spanish. Good and bad days, days wondering why we are here and a few days in which we can see what we are in Rwanda. Hang in there! You are an amazing family and we're blessed to be able to keep in touch. Blessings!
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