Thursday, March 24, 2005
Starting Month Seven Already?
Has it been that long already? It seems like last week we got here, lost, trying to figure out the bus systems, the addresses (or lack there of), where we fit in…… and now we only have 4 months left of our contract. Well, here is the scoop this month.
One thing I was really thankful for was my family coming to visit at the beginning of March. I really needed it, kind of a refresher since only Liza’s family came in December, and it was my first without them. Not to mention this is the longest I have been away from home, so though it was excellent, though short. They stayed one week, and we “flew” through Cahuita and Tortuguero (beach), then to Arenal Volcano, and finally made our way to San Jose. My dad, stepmom, sister and her boyfriend came, and at least they got to see where I live, how I live, meet my boyfriend, and spend some quality time together. Now I just need mom to come out :) You never know how much you miss something until it is gone. Thanks for coming guys.
After my family left, two groups from the U.S. arrived; one from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and one from the University of Arizona. Lara and Liza went with the UNC group, and I went with the U of A group. It was a great experience. It was my first group to be in charge of, and though it was hectic and stressful at times, I am so glad I got the chance to translate, coordinate, and “be in charge.” The group was a great group, all 26 of them, perfect for my first. We worked in Chilimate, Sarapiqui, and built the foundation for the new chapel/group/multipurpose building. Where the old building stands (which is not much of a building), it is in the way of where the town is going to build a street, so they had to move it. The work was wonderful, but the most amazing part was the home visits and the getting-to-know the culture. I am hopeful everyone involved learned a lot; thanks be to God for a great week!
Now we are in Semana Santa (Holy Week), and it is great, though not the same as at home. They don’t dye Easter eggs, they don’t give Easter baskets, but they do play religious movies all week and go to the beach for vacation. I hear there are parades too, carrying big versions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Liza, Matthi and Irena went to Panama to visit Liza´s boyfriend Randy and visit the only volcano there. I am content hanging at home with Lara (U.S. roommate)and once in a while Jesus and his family (not the real one, my boyfriend) and celebrating the most important day in our history. Thank God for His son, we are so blessed! I could never have seen myself here in a million years, but now that I am here, I could never see myself anywhere else. God’s gigantic plan didn’t leave us out, and I am so thankful……for so much.
As Liza and my time starts coming to a close here in Costa Rica, we can’t help but think about the future. Liza is still hoping to stay for another two years, she has applied for the GM2 position, which would make her the group coordinator for the groups that come from the U.S., among other things. She is still waiting to hear the final decision. I, on the other hand, still feel a strong pull towards home. There is still a slight chance I will stay longer, either a couple of months or possibly another year, but as it stands I am coming home in July. I know I will experience reverse culture shock, I know I will want to come back at some points, but I feel that God feels it is time to go home, we will see where it all goes (there’s still 4 months left). The great thing is that there is Somebody in charge, so I don’t have to worry. I know no matter what we will be ok, and it will all work out. It always does.
Prayer Requests:
It occurred to me that when I pray for something for someone else I don´t get the full feel of the prayer because I am not connected. It might happen to others as well. In this situation I pray for what needs prayer, but I also pray for the person who asks me, since I know them really well, and care when they are worried or upset. So, I ask you all to keep these prayers in mind, but even if you have no idea what I am talking about, at least say a little prayer for me, for us here, that these things may find a happy ending, and that all parties will learn from these events.
-that the immigrants in Costa Rica stop getting nation-wide coverage of crimes so that the majority can live in peace with the Costa Ricans
-that Holy Week goes off with minimal problems in both countries
-that Liza and the Germans have a safe trip
-that we all realize that though we are seemingly millions of miles away, we are all connected, and that is what this week is all about- no matter who we are, Jesus gave His life for us, and if nothing else is given to us in this life, that gift outweighs anything we will ever receive for eternity.
So, saludos from Costa Rica, have a great Easter, and keep in touch! Between all the hustle and bustle and Easter egg dye, let’s not forget what is really important. Thanks Jesus! Whether you believe or not, hopefully we can all be thankful for what we do have. Take care.
">Link
www.elca.org
www.futbolporlavida.org
One thing I was really thankful for was my family coming to visit at the beginning of March. I really needed it, kind of a refresher since only Liza’s family came in December, and it was my first without them. Not to mention this is the longest I have been away from home, so though it was excellent, though short. They stayed one week, and we “flew” through Cahuita and Tortuguero (beach), then to Arenal Volcano, and finally made our way to San Jose. My dad, stepmom, sister and her boyfriend came, and at least they got to see where I live, how I live, meet my boyfriend, and spend some quality time together. Now I just need mom to come out :) You never know how much you miss something until it is gone. Thanks for coming guys.
After my family left, two groups from the U.S. arrived; one from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and one from the University of Arizona. Lara and Liza went with the UNC group, and I went with the U of A group. It was a great experience. It was my first group to be in charge of, and though it was hectic and stressful at times, I am so glad I got the chance to translate, coordinate, and “be in charge.” The group was a great group, all 26 of them, perfect for my first. We worked in Chilimate, Sarapiqui, and built the foundation for the new chapel/group/multipurpose building. Where the old building stands (which is not much of a building), it is in the way of where the town is going to build a street, so they had to move it. The work was wonderful, but the most amazing part was the home visits and the getting-to-know the culture. I am hopeful everyone involved learned a lot; thanks be to God for a great week!
Now we are in Semana Santa (Holy Week), and it is great, though not the same as at home. They don’t dye Easter eggs, they don’t give Easter baskets, but they do play religious movies all week and go to the beach for vacation. I hear there are parades too, carrying big versions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Liza, Matthi and Irena went to Panama to visit Liza´s boyfriend Randy and visit the only volcano there. I am content hanging at home with Lara (U.S. roommate)and once in a while Jesus and his family (not the real one, my boyfriend) and celebrating the most important day in our history. Thank God for His son, we are so blessed! I could never have seen myself here in a million years, but now that I am here, I could never see myself anywhere else. God’s gigantic plan didn’t leave us out, and I am so thankful……for so much.
As Liza and my time starts coming to a close here in Costa Rica, we can’t help but think about the future. Liza is still hoping to stay for another two years, she has applied for the GM2 position, which would make her the group coordinator for the groups that come from the U.S., among other things. She is still waiting to hear the final decision. I, on the other hand, still feel a strong pull towards home. There is still a slight chance I will stay longer, either a couple of months or possibly another year, but as it stands I am coming home in July. I know I will experience reverse culture shock, I know I will want to come back at some points, but I feel that God feels it is time to go home, we will see where it all goes (there’s still 4 months left). The great thing is that there is Somebody in charge, so I don’t have to worry. I know no matter what we will be ok, and it will all work out. It always does.
Prayer Requests:
It occurred to me that when I pray for something for someone else I don´t get the full feel of the prayer because I am not connected. It might happen to others as well. In this situation I pray for what needs prayer, but I also pray for the person who asks me, since I know them really well, and care when they are worried or upset. So, I ask you all to keep these prayers in mind, but even if you have no idea what I am talking about, at least say a little prayer for me, for us here, that these things may find a happy ending, and that all parties will learn from these events.
-that the immigrants in Costa Rica stop getting nation-wide coverage of crimes so that the majority can live in peace with the Costa Ricans
-that Holy Week goes off with minimal problems in both countries
-that Liza and the Germans have a safe trip
-that we all realize that though we are seemingly millions of miles away, we are all connected, and that is what this week is all about- no matter who we are, Jesus gave His life for us, and if nothing else is given to us in this life, that gift outweighs anything we will ever receive for eternity.
So, saludos from Costa Rica, have a great Easter, and keep in touch! Between all the hustle and bustle and Easter egg dye, let’s not forget what is really important. Thanks Jesus! Whether you believe or not, hopefully we can all be thankful for what we do have. Take care.
">Link
www.elca.org
www.futbolporlavida.org
# posted by Liza & Lindsay in Costa Rica @ 5:22 AM 
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I Really think you have a great blog here, and see you have a very high page ranking, I found this info out from this page. http://pr.blogflux.com/ Try it out.
I have several pages of my own,
I'ts about femme Clothing. This site is in French language.
My second site is about Chaussures that is Shoes in french and bottes that is boots in french.
My Third site is about Chocolate that is made in France. The Frech language just drops to e at the end so it is chocolat
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