ZIP-LINING!!!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better....It was zip-lining time!

The first adventure was getting into the harness we had to wear. It was a maze of belts, hooks and straps. Thankfully, we just had to step in and then our guides took over. We also had leather gloves and helmets to wear.

Our guides gave us a crash course in ziplining- Keep one hand back for braking, lean your head the opposite side, hold on here, keep your legs folded under you, and then the fun started! For the first two "zips", I couldn't stop to enjoy the view because I was just thinking of following all the instructions we were given BUT after those runs, then I was able to enjoy the view while "zipping"!

From the first platform about 68 ft. in the air to a small platform around the next tree, I "zipped" across just totally amazed at the feeling. I guess it's close to flying!

The last platform was the highest, 88 ft. high and across a river to land back where we started. This "zip" was long and fast- just enough to leave me wanting to do it again!

(As a disclaimer, this blog was written by Kim who left Carol on the ground to take pictures!)

La Paz Waterfalls

Oh, man! Was today fun!!!

We started out early (6:00 a.m.) heading towards La Paz. Since we hadn't had breakfast before

leaving, we stopped along the way for a traditional breakfast of pinto gallo, eggs, toast with strawberry jam and a really good strawberry smoothie to drink!

We had hoped to see a volcano crater but the fog covered everything so we decided to not venture out to the crater. It worked out fine that we did this because we had more time at the La Paz Waterfalls Garden. The animal and flower lover in me was quite content after this visit because we saw all kinds of animals and flowers. Imagine about 1,000 butterflies flying all around you...All colors and sizes! Hummingbirds and toucans of all sizes and colors! Monkeys, Frogs...It was great!

After seeing the animals and lunch, we headed for the waterfalls- 5 of them! I'm just not even sure how to put in words what it was like- At times the waterfalls were so loud that we couldn't even hear the person standing beside us. We stood behind the waterfall at one point and looked up- Try it the next time you're in the shower and you'll have a small idea of what we experienced!

There will be no kayaking on this river!!

As we viewed all this, the song "For the Beauty of the Earth" came to mind...

For the beauty of the earth,

For the love which from our birth,

Over and around us lie, Lord of all to thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise!

NC connection at church

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to go to a church where the pastor has an interesting Winston Salem, NC connection. The pastor's brother works with my mom in Winston-Salem. She was talking to him one day and he mentioned his brother who lives in San Jose. Mom got the info for me. As it turns out the church isn't that far away from me. It's about a 10 minute bus ride and a few blocks walk to the church. I enjoyed the church service and I plan on going back again, Lord willing.

The pastor commented several times that it's a small world. His brother who lives in Winston Salem who works with my mom and I show up at his church in Costa Rica.

Kim in the park

This is one of the main parks in downtown San Jose.

Ice cream man

The ice cream man was in the midst of it all at the horse parade. I'm telling you the ice cream man is everywhere.

Standing in the trees...

Standing in the trees at the park.

Feeding the birds

Carol and Kim feeding the birds in the park. It was okay until one of the birds flew in Carol's hair, she wasn't too thrilled with that...

Hat man

Want to buy a hat? There were plenty of opportunities at the horse parade and plenty of choices to choose from.

A Little Fun...

Don't think these pictures need much explaining....

Daily Tasks in Costa Rica

Today was a day of completing some necessary tasks around Costa Rica such as going to the supermarket. There are several small stores around but for today's shopping we walked to Jumbo Supermarket. Yes, we walked! It's about 1.5 miles from Carol's house to the market.

Jumbo Supermarket is definitely big! There are several rows of fresh vegetables and fruits; a fish counter with whole crabs, lobster tails, whole fish, shrimp and other types of seafood; and the other basic parts of a supermarket. Of course, we bought some items for supper so we experienced trudging home with our bags!

In contrast to Jumbo Supermarket was the Farmer's Market we visited this morning. It was much smaller but located at a park so it was a perfect place for families to visit. There were green beans, huge carrots, star fruit, peppers, all kinds of lettuce, oranges, apples and many more fruits!

It was fun for Carol and I to shop at the supermarket and we picked up a few "goodies" for me to bring back to the States but I was also struck with the thought how blessed we are to have the money to be able to provide for our selves.

A Horse Parade?!

Carol and I took in a cultural event today....A Horse Parade! We found out that it is a very big celebration with over 2,770 riders and horses participating! There were people and vendors everywhere and even tailgating!

I'm posting a few pictures of the Horse Parade so maybe you can experience the atmosphere for yourself...Enjoy or should I say- Yeehaw!!

Modern Day Missionary!

Carol is definitely a modern-day missionary making the most of electronic avenues of communication! Can you imagine what Lottie Moon would be thinking after she had to wait months for letters from home?!

We thank God for lots of things but I think my family is most thankful for all the knowledge God have granted so we can have the quick and constant communication! Thanks be to God for His Wisdom!

Waiting for the bus

This is a typical pose for Carol as she waits on the bus.

Christmas in 78 Degree Weather!

It's quite different for me to spend Christmas in such warm weather but it did provide a wonderful setting for a Christmas potluck lunch with friends from the Institute de Lengua.

After enjoying a delicious meal, the ladies gathered to play Mexican Train Dominoes. It was lots of fun! Of course, there was good conversation during the game and I was surprised to find out that I know of of the girls cousins...What a small world!

By the way, the guys were inside watching Bull Riding. There's a week and half long festival in Costa Rica during which people can pay to "run with the bulls". This seems to be a mix of a fair with rides and bull riding contests throughout the day.

Christmas Day Photo

For those of you who like seeing pictures of Carol, here's the Christmas Day photo.

Chick fil A sandwich

In San Jose, I can get most any food I want. However there are a few things that I can't get such as Chick-fil-A. My sister arrived last night for a visit and one of the treasures she brought me was two sandwiches from Chick-fil-A. I enjoyed one about midnight last night. I'll save the other one to enjoy soon. It was a good sandwich.

Lottie Moon Offering calls

During the Christmas season I had the opportunity to call into two churches for their Lottie Moon emphasis. Lottie Moon Christmas offering is an offering collected once a year at Southern Baptist churches. These funds are used to support missionaries (like myself) on the international field.

I was able to call in during the Sunday morning church services at my church, Stanleyville Baptist, and also at Danbury Baptist Church. It was really neat to be able to call in during the service and share with them how things are going with me. In both places I could picture what the church looked like and some of the people who were there. I remember when I spoke at Danbury Baptist Church in June, they were so interested and excited in my life. Of course the people at my church are always interested in my work and life as well.

Those were special Christmas events for me. Thanks for all of you who made contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering!

Proverbs 28

I was reading in Proverbs 28 yesterday and I read a verse and thought I just read that. It was interesting to me to see that verses 12 and 28 are worded differently but they convey the exact same thought. In essence it says when the righteous triumph, there is great elation but when the wicked rise to power men go into hiding.

But don't take my word for it, look it up in your Bible and see if you can see the comparsion I'm talking about.

Christmas memories...

As it's Christmas Eve I was just reflecting on some different Christmas memories. I remember when I was growing up and for one of the Christmas gifts my sister and I received luggage! Talk about being disappointed. I know you are to be thankful but at that time when you were hoping for a game to play on the Atari (that would be pre Nintendo days) and then you receive suitcases, there is a disappointment...Of course now I would love to receive suitcases for Christmas.

Then there was the time I was in Guatemala as a journeyman. My parents had come to visit in October and they had brought Christmas gifts with them. I was very good and I didn't open the presents, I put them in an unused room and stayed out of them until Christmas. Well, Christmas morning I went to go into that room to get the presents. Guess what? The door was locked and I didn't have a key...So I had to wait until 2 days after Christmas for a locksmith to come and open the door. Believe you me I tried everything I could think of to unlock the door but I couldn't get it to budge...I had to laugh about that after the initial frustration of not being able to unlock the door. But thankfully a few days later I was able to open my presents.

Also if you have experienced Christmas in Guatemala you know the sound I'm talking about. The sound of the fireworks throughout the country at midnight on Christmas Eve. I don't know what to compare the sound to but it is a time when everyone is outside in the street. Then the fireworks are set off and you can hear the rumble of the fireworks coming from the other parts of the country. It was neat to stand out and listen and look at the clear sky with the stars and imagine what it was like to be a shepherd keeping watch in the fields on that night. And just remembering the true reason for the Christmas season.

Eggnog

Recently I was at the house of my friend, Dora. She said do you want some eggnog? My eyes brightened and I said I would love some eggnog. When I was drinking it, I said now it is Christmas, eggnog is one of my favorites. I said it's also one of my mom's favorites. Dora's face brightened as I said now it feels like Christmas.

Non drowsy cold medicine

The other night I saw the clock at 1 am, 2 am, and then 3 am. Then I think I finally fell asleep. But then I woke up early the next morning. I thought what did I eat or drink to keep me up? I went through the day and I thought I didn't have caffeine or anything that would keep me from sleeping. Then I realized what it was....non drowsy cold medicine means non drowsy. I had been taking the cold medicine throughout the day and I took some in the evening. I can tell you that non drowsy means non drowsy. If you don't want to sleep be sure and take the non drowsy medicine! I had to laugh as I thought about it...

Monkeys are watching you

This monkey looked like he was taking it all in as he watched people on the streets.

People crossing

I thought this people crossing sign was cute...

Ants hard at work

The other afternoon I saw these ants and they were working hard and diligently. It was neat to just stop and watch them for a few minutes. Each one had their own job to do and it seems like they did it. They moved from one side of the steps to the other carrying their piece of the leaves to take to their home.

Sunset

I really like this sunset picture which I took the other night...

I survived...

Well, I made it through the first trimester...I am glad to have a break for Christmas. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during this time. I was pleased with how my grades and OPE test turned out.

Thanksgiving

I had a Thanksgiving Day feast. It was good. I felt like a stuffed turkey afterwards. I enjoyed turkey, homemade rolls, pineapple casserole, deviled eggs and lots of good desserts. All the food was good. We had a Baptist gathering of missionaries and of course us, Baptists, know how to eat and enjoy!

Christmas tree

The other day the Tica grandmother came to visit. She brought her dog (baby) with her. I thought this made the dog look like a Christmas present.

Some of the gifts

Some of the children with the gifts which they received.

Please lower the pinanta

Please lower the pinanta so I can go after the candy....He sure was hoping that the pinanta would be lowered so he could have a chance at it before the others had their chance.

Psalm 34:14

If you are wondering what the shirt says and you can't read Spanish then I guess you'll have to look in your Bible to find out what it says....

Good friends having fun.

Good friends having a good time at the Christmas party.

A happy child

She was very happy with the gift which she received...

Roblealto Christmas Party

I had the opportunity to help with a Christmas party for kids. It was alot of fun. We had games, food, gifts and pinantas for the kids. At the end of the party when the kids were leaving the leaders had the kids say "Merry Christmas" to us in English. When they said that I thought that makes it all worthwhile hearing the kids say that one phrase. Face painting was also another option. Thankfully I wasn't one of the ones doing the face painting...

For the Wake Forest fans

Thought all of you Wake Forest fans would enjoy this photo...

Pinantas

At Cultural Day we had alot of fun with pinantas. There were 3 of them, one for the ladies, one for the men and one for the teachers. In the pictures you can see the baseball type slides that the teachers did to get the candy. It was so interesting to watch them go after the candy. They showed us the way it should have been done.

Cultural Day

This past week at school we were able to learn about some of the Costa Rican Christmas traditions and sing some spanish Christmas songs. It was a lot of fun. There was one of the songs which we (the students) had a hard time singing. The phrases were so fast. It would be the equivalent of us giving an English tongue twister to one of our teachers and having them attempt to say it. It was fun though.

We sang the 12 days of Christmas in English. The teacher's part was 5 Golden Rings. They had practiced that and it sounded good.

We were even able to enjoy tamales.

Putt Putt players

The other week I had the opportunity to play a game of Putt Putt or mini golf depending on what you call it. It was a lot of fun especially with the raccoons that came up to play with us. Thankfully they were more interested in the food that the other people had instead of what we were doing. We didn't keep score as we were playing but we all did get at least one hole in one.

Some photos of Carol

For those of you who say you like seeing pictures of me, here are a couple for you..