April 6-13 Costa Rica

Hope & I were so blessed to be able to go to Costa Rica for a week. My dear amiga, Veronica, was getting married and we were both asked to be in the wedding. We had an absolute blast! We stayed at Vero's house with her and Mama Jo (her U.S. mama by choice). Veronica's dad came all the way from Argentina and stayed for several weeks also. Our first sight-seeing adventure taxied by Salvador, Vero's fiancee, was to a gorgeous volcano! It was such a sight to see! There also was a beautiful lake there. The water was the most beautiful color of blue and green that I have ever seen with my eyes!

I neglected to say earlier that Vero's dad does not speak any English. Salvador speaks a little. Mama Jo speaks English and a little Spanish. I speak English and my own form of Spanish. And Hope can smile. Veronica is bilingual. We were quite the crew trying to talk! We we had the best time!

Mama Jo's husband,Duane, and their son, Aaron flew in to join in the adventures. We went to the beach and visited Camp Brittney. Salvador & Veronica are missionaries with The Brittney Strom Foundation. They work at this camp that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Back to the beach, on the way there, we were able to see a bunch of crocodiles in the river. We saw macaws flying, an iguana climbing a tree and beautiful flowers. The sights were breath-taking! The only thing that was missing was Greg & Jonny.

Our next little trip was to a gorgeous valley. Pictures do not do this place justice at all. It is so amazing. We totally marveled at the Lord's handiwork. To think, He spoke it all into existence.

Lunch was at a resturant in the most beautiful setting. The lake beside the resturant was full of water lillies. I saw my first blue butterfly!

I wanted Hope to see not just the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica

but also the many wonderful families that live in sheer poverty. The church and Camp Brittney minister to lots of families that have very little food and very poor living conditions. We went to "Los Guidos" a town that consists of 70,000 people. Most of which are illegal immigrants and have no hope of help from the government. Three of the families we took food to attend Veronica's church. They were so appreciative and we both were gladl to know that we would be able to speak freely with each other in heaven (without a translator).

Of course, we had wedding preparations and decorations to get done! We made the center pieces for the reception and also all the flower bouquets. The cake was made by a wonderful couple from the church. (Mi abuelos!!) I met this couple 5 years ago when I first met Veronica in Costa Rica and have such a sweet bond with them. Heaven is going to be sooooo rich!!

Then there is the Civil Wedding! The night before the "wedding", you must be married by a judge or an attorney in Costa Rica. This happened at their church with a small ceremony with family & close friends and then we went for dinner at an Argentine resturant. I did try cow tongue. That will never happen again! I choked it down, purely psychosymatical! By the time our evening was over it was 1am and Veronica needed to be up at 5 to get her hair done for the ceremony!

Wedding day was so beautiful. Beautiful weather, beautiful decorations, beautiful music, beautiful bride & groom,beautiful people, beautiful ceremony all of which was in spanish. My translator was not sitting with the wedding party. But what I understood....beautiful! Congratulations Senor & Senora Barrantes!! I love you both so much!!

What wonderful memories I have of my precious friend and with my wonderful Hope. Something I will cherish all the rest of my days.

March

March was full of Upwards basketball for Hope. Jonny was able to play a few games on Hope's team this year. They both did a great job!

We had a field trip to the South Bend Symphony. It was interesting to see the the symphony play and it was photo- choreographed with some gorgeous pictures of the United States and also of the surrounding area.

We attended the wedding of Adam & Amy at our church. What a fun time!

And last but not least, Greg had sinus surgery on March 23. I neglected, purposefully, to take any pictures of my sweet husband after surgery. He didn't look a whole lot different. He now has a cuter nose though, one that he can breath very well out of. He is very glad that he had it done.

The Life of a Dog

I wish Abby could just talk to me at times. Maybe not....depending on the day. On this particular day, she looks so cute and pathetic here after her bath. She obliges me and sits still but the look on her face says, "I truly hate this, it is so embarassing especially when you get the camera out. And now you are posting it on your blog for all your friends to see and laugh. You humans really need to get a life." Goodness, we love this dog.

Greg's Dominican Trip

Wow, can't believe it has taken me this long to post this!! Greg had an interesting trip. He was really sick just about the whole week. Which in a way was a good thing. He had lots of time to spend reading the Word and really seeking the Lord in prayer. Thanks so much for your prayers! We really felt the Lord asking us to wait on this one. Greg had the opportunity to meet two great guys from CWE (Construction World Evangelism) and talk with them concerning their ministry. He saw the Rawlings Sports Complex and some other construction, met with the great missionaries from SCORE, and was greatly challenged in his walk with Christ. It was so helpful to Greg that dear friends of ours were there in the DR leading a soccer team of homeschoolers. He so just treasured their godly wisdom and counsel. Right place...right time!