Quote of the Day

This was actually on Sunday. We went to the Indiana State Fair, showed the kids all of the animals and such. We were "petting" a huge steer, when Andrew asked if it was a dairy cow. I answered "No". He said " What is it for if it doesn't give us milk?" I answered " hamburgers, steaks, roasts." Annie quickly said" Mom quiet, he will hear you." meaning the steer of course.

Things I loved about Costa Rica

It seems my computer does not like long blogs, so I am doing a bunch of small ones.

1. The landscape- the mountains, flowers,trees, rainforest,etc were just magnificent. I would be working on the project and look up to see us surrounded by mountains and just thank God for His creation.
2. The weather- The weather was in the 70's everyday. It was their winter (rainy) season while we were there. It rained most afternoons, but not usually for long. The sun was hot and strong, but there was always a breeze and we all wore lots of sunscreen. It got down in the high 60's at night. Perfect.
3. The people- most people we came in contact with at the project were kind and had beautiful smiles. They were patient with us and truly appreciated us. The loved God with a Faith I have never seen before.
4. Music- I fell in love with their music and loved worshipping with them. They sent home a CD with us, I love it.
5. Tico time- the people of Costa Rica are known as Tico's. We are Gringos. Ticos are generally 15 minutes late for everything and very laid back- I fit right in.
6.Food- I never thought I would like beans and rice for 3 meals a day, but I did. The food was really good. Their fruits (which we can't get here) were really yummy. I loved their tea(or te) every morning too.
7. Amy would say "chike blak's" a cookie she ate everyday at break at the work site. We brought some home for her small group at church.

Things I love about the USA

1. Noise ordinances- Costa Rica is SOO loud, all night long. Dogs bark all night, car alarms etc. very inconsiderate if you ask me.
2. Emissions laws- The car exhaust was horrible, almost sickening. With gas at $8 a gallon there, you would think there wouldn't be many cars, but there are. Lots of buses, and motorcycles too.
3. Chocolate- No one does rich desserts like we do. No Hershey bars even(or hersheyo if you use my spanglish:)
4. English language- I have a new understanding for non English speaking persons- so hard. I am so lame too, why did I take French? When I go back I want to know more Spanish. My spanglish just didn't cut it.
5.Flushing toilet paper- The septic system in Costa Rica does not allow toilet paper, you must throw it in the trash. Hard habit to break- enough said.
6. Right now I love the Olympics- so much fun to watch. I love amateur sports in general, so this is just great for me. These kids work so hard.
7. Safety- a general feeling a safety on the streets especially. We couldn't travel even to the store down the street without a male escort. Regulations on the water slides and so forth were lacking as well. I take these regulations for granted so much in the US.

First Day

I surprised myself and was quite sad today dropping my baby boy off at kindergarten. I was remembering holding him as a baby getting the other kids ready for school, seems like yesterday. Seems like yesterday too that he was the one playing in the classroom while the other kids were going to school, now its his turn. He did great, he has Mrs. Hoard, the same teacher Amy and Ann had. We love her. I left the school and headed to the grocery store by myself and thought, "this is great" and then I got sad. No one to share Starbucks with, get a cookie for. My buddy I share so much with has grown up. Granted, the trip took much less time and I spent less money, so that is a plus. I picked him up and he did great. We laid down for a nap, I slept he rested (hee hee). Now we wait for Amy to get home first. The first day of 7Th grade in a new building. She was quite nervous. Praying for good, christian, friends in her classes or lunch period. Then Aaron and Ann will be home last. We instituted a new rule this school year. No TV on school days. We will see how this will go over. Aaron will struggle tonight, he LOVES the Olympics(as do I, that is why I needed the nap!).

stuff

School starts tomorrow.

Tia wrote a big blog post and computer froze before she could post.

Pendleton this Sunday.

Soccer tournament this weekend.

Family reunion in Bremen on Saturday.

oh yeah and work.

joe

Words can't describe

I have been milling over in my mind what all I wanted to write and can't quite put it into words. One blog wouldn't be enough, so I will try to decribe the trip in a few blogs.

Amy and I had a great time and would recommend to anyone to go on a short term trip. Ours was so meaningful and yet we had such a good time, almost vacation like. We helped out at Project Abraham for 4 days, doing light construction work and working with the kids at the daycare and orphanage 2 mornings. We went on a "feeding" at Christ in the City, in San Jose. This trip has left an indelible print in my mind of the hungry and hurting. I cried as I saw women abused and scarred, with little hope. The hungry children running to our bus to get food. Smiling faces on some of the kids, living in filth. Sad, hollow faces on some of the kids who have endured who knows what.
We worshipped with the church at the project twice, amazing is all I can say. I loved it and can see me going back. It is the first time I have even considered doing something full time. Not anytime soon, but I am at least open to it now. Whatever God wants of me.

days

They are home and we have been to chicago and back... Cubs won 11-4. Mark Derosa hit a grand slam.. it was awesome.

Ive really enjoyed talking about Costa Rica with Tia and Amy. God is alive and active not just here in America.

I hope you all are looking forward to hearing about their trip because they have some truly incredible stories.

joe