Thanks

I try at least once a week to list Joys/Blessings/Things I'm Thankful for in my journal.  It is something that was suggested to us at the training in Colorado last January and it is a really good practice for me to continue to focus on those little (or big!) blessings.  Facebook has exploded as of late with "thankful" status updates, and this is a very welcome change from posts about the Giants winning the World Series (Boo!) or anti-Obama (or Romney) posts that were over-abundant for a while.  Lately I've been really looking forward to my California visit in a month and it's been more of a challenge to stay engaged here in Costa Rica.  It's been over 8 months since I've seen my family and friends, and I'm really eager to see them!  But focusing on the good things here and now is a way for me to continue to take one day at a time and love on the kids here.

An excerpt of my blessings/thanks as of late:

• Getting a video of my healthy, happy, overachiever little niece Kate Annmarie who brings so much joy to my family
• Friends Karissa, Karis and Emily who are here to serve with us for a while- they have been a blessing to my heart and an answer to prayer for friends during this season
• Wednesday 1/2 priced movies at the local theater (can't beat $3 new released movies!)
• Encouraging visit from fellow SI friends Lowell and Cheryl, serving in Nicaragua
• My car and all the freedom and convenience that it brings
• Good communication and teamwork with my co-worker Jose
• Kids who LOVE to read at the Tutoring Center
• Fun English class students who want to continue learning from me
• "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

If you are in need of some encouragement during a challenging season of life, I'd encourage you to take some time to write out some blessings and things you are thankful for, no matter how small.  :)

As a first grade teacher at heart, this brings me much joy.  :)

Fall has come

When I was packing for Costa Rica, I didn't think much about the fact that it does, in fact, get cool sometimes here.  I didn't bring very many sweatshirts, long "lounging"/pajama pants, and lately I've been wishing I did because the weather has been changing a bit.  I'm really pleased with the weather change because I don't have the feeling of constantly being a bit sticky and sweaty, which, let's be honest, no one really likes.  As a person who has a tendency to be quick to sweat from certain facial glands, I welcome the breeze, cooler temps and rainy afternoons with open arms.  I am going to be searching my cooler weather clothes that are stored away in California to bring back with me in January for sure! 

Cool weather and hot coffee are a good match.  There's one Starbucks about 30 minutes from my house and I enjoyed visiting it the other day.  I still think the local, Costa Rican grown coffee is best, and more affordable.  :)

As we are thinking about the end of the year with our work sites here, our team came up with a plan to take a number of students from the majority of our sites to the local amusement park.  The date of November 2nd was decided up because it was the last day of the 2 for 1 ticket prices, and we also discovered that the students did not have exams that day at school.  Jose, Diego and I went to talk to the administrators of the three schools that are kiddos attend in Los Guido, and it was such a positive experience to meet with them and see that they are thankful for what we are doing with some of their students.  They all also gave us "their blessing" to have the students going on a trip with us.  

Group shot of (most of the) kids and leaders

 We ended up being a group of over 60 people when all was said and done, which included students from my girls' club, the tutoring center, the bike club and Cailah's site.  It took a lot of organizing, sandwhich making, permission slip collecting, patience and collaboration, but the kids had a great time and all were safe.  I spent most of the day with girls from my girls' club, and it was a blessing to get to see them enjoy the rides and be kids.  They live in a neighborhood that is rough at times, and they don't often get out and do special things like this.  And I know they will be talking about the trip for a long time to come.

Tutoring Center kiddos

Tutoring Center kiddos with Jose and intern Karis

Fun friends

Lunchtime at the "zona verde" together

Chatting as we walked through the park

Girls' club girls

This makes my heart happy

Fun day!  This roller coaster was my favorite ride, reminded me of all those trips to Magic Mountain growing up.  :)