WebKinz, & The Love of God

Yesterday was "Spend $10 at Hallmark and receive a FREE WEBKINZ." My children have some Christmas or Birthday money they have been saving and wanted to take advantage of this deal. Well, everyone except RandiKate. She had already spent all of her money. So, yesterday I took all 6 of my children into the Hallmark store in the mall. Each one had $15 to make a purchase. RandiKate was a little sad, but seemed to be having fun with everyone else deciding which animal to choose. When Chandler went up to the register to pay for her Webkinz, she let RandiKate pick the free one and decided to give it to her. This was such a sweet act of kindness for her sister, my heart was beaming with pride. A few minutes later a lady came up to the counter and because she was making a purchase of $10 or more she was able to choose one of the free Webkinz also. She asked Chandler which one she liked the best. Chandler told her and the lady GAVE the Webkinz to Chandler!!! We couldn't believe it! I almost fell over. Not often do we so quickly get rewarded for acts of kindness, but today Chandler did. I thought it was such a sweet thing from the Lord to show a little bit of Himself to my 12 year old.

Girl Talk on Grace

This is from Girl Talk Blog. My friend Katie in PA introduced this blog to me. I have really liked it. Thought this entry was good for where we are right now...

Click Here- Girl Talk On Grace

Voz Que Clama Mission

This is a video about the ministry in Tuis that serves the indigenous people of the area. Each day we walked through the mission and were greeted by the residence there. It brings tears to my eyes to see these precious people again and the thought of the profound mission they have there. I am really excited for the new building to be built for this mission.

Love In Spanish

You know how we use the word "love" for all kinds of things? "I love my car, my hair, my house, that necklace" Well, in Spanish they use the word for "want" in place of the word "love". It doesn't really fit with what we understand as the word for "want" For example, if you really like your car you would say "Yo quiero mi carro" Literally translated means "I want my car", but actually means "I really like my car" (I know this to be true in Costa Rica. It is possibly different in other places) Even for people that they like, they use the word for "want". There is no sexual connotation like in English, it is just the word they use. The word for love "amor" is reserved for your spouse, kids, or parents, and eventually for close friends. They just don't use it for stuff or "kinda-friends". Novel, huh? and btw "Te Quiero Mucho!"

Goodbye To Ava

Yesterday Bo and I went to the memorial service to honor the short life of Ava Milagro. I returned home only a few hours too late for the honor of meeting this special baby. That is pretty disappointing. The thought of what my friends went through the last few months is overwhelming, and seems to push any other problem into the category of trivial. I am so proud of them; first, for choosing LIFE for their child. There is a story to be told of the amazing blessing that Ava has been to her family and to those surrounding them. Is it safe to say that most babies with this condition do not get the chance to be blessings? Because her parents chose life, God was able to use this small weak child to bless an entire community. I am so blessed to call these people my friends. Everyone really stepped up to the plate to serve this family during a difficult time. Everyone involved had the eyes of Christ and loved this precious baby. I stand in awe of the grace of God when we need it and I am humbled to be called friend by such amazing people who allow God to use them and to love through them. I am grateful.

OK, So what next?

Well, we are home. Now what? Everyone asks this question. It is weird that I don't have an answer. I am so glad to be home! I am so happy for hot water, carpet floors, eating without fear- but, I feel like I am in a bit of a fog. We have seen and experienced so much and life here went on- business as usual. It is as if I am standing outside of a fast-moving merri-go-round trying to figure out how to jump back on. Everyone is yelling at me to take their hand and they will pull me back in........ I see all of my dearest friends and family there, and it looks like fun, but I am not sure I want back on. Is there a merri-go-round that moves a little slower? Maybe I will just stick to the swing-set across the park. I have so many jumbled thoughts that I can't figure out how to put them into words. I learned so much in Costa Rica and really enjoyed our time there as a family with little to do. Life just strolls along there. I love that. But I must admit I did have my share of being completely bored out of my wits! I know I want to spend more time with my friends and family. I also want to use our Spanish somehow. I want to be more focused on relationships. The big question is HOW???? How do I live here in this culture that God has put me in and slow things down? I'll let you know if I figure out any of the answers. I want to write more about our time in Costa Rica and sort of an end to that story (if there is one). Maybe those thoughts will come soon.

More Big Family

One of my great friends had a baby today. This is her 6th (crazy, I know) Well, they are all "K" names... this new little blessing is named Kipplyn Grace. What a sweet honor to me. She is a doll. All of the other "K's" are so excited to welcome a new best friend. I read a blog tonight a little about big families that I find interesting... thought you might too.

Big Family Thoughts

Headed Home

Hi! Well, we are finally in San Jose. We must have said goodbye to 100 people in our house yesterday. Everyone was very sweet. We feel loved and exhausted! My brain is full and there is so much to digest. We are going to the national children's museum tomorrow and then our flight leaves Thursday afternoon. We are excited to be home! See you soon!