Tico Tuesday, November 25th

Another birthday has come and gone. I am grateful to have lived 28 years of life and look forward to all that God has in store for me in the future!

Growing up, I rarely had to go to school on my birthday because it always falls during Thanksgiving week. So, then I never wanted to go to school or work on my birthday because why not have your birthday be a personal holiday? But, I am very glad I went to work yesterday. I could not keep track of the number of times coworkers and kids sang me "Happy birthday." At one point, a group of boys playing soccer paused their game to sing to me in English!!! And they were led by one of our newest arrivals! It was so sweet and adorable! I felt incredibly loved all day. A note here, a chocolate there, a shouted "Feliz cumple!" from afar (and a bajillion facebook posts!)...it was all so sweet. One of the best parts though was that the birthday card from my parents came Right.On.Time! I was really hoping it would come and fearing it wouldn't. I'm so glad it did! The plan after work was to go to the minigolf place here, but then it rained!! So, Chrissy and a couple friends from my first couple years here just went out to dinner instead, and that was lovely and full of laughter and fun.
God has blessed me very, very richly and I am deeply grateful for everything he has given me. In the hard times and the "easier" times, God is always good. He is always God, and He is always worthy of all our praise. He is working in me, and patiently, faithfully molding me into the woman he desires me to be, one day at a time.
May God help us to see his faithfulness in our lives and give us the grace to be faithful to him every day,
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, November 18th

Several months ago, somebody told me about one of those groupon sites here in Costa Rica, and when the opoprtunity came to go to a lodge for over 50% off and get a welcome facial and spend a relaxing 2 nights in a big bed, have breakfast included, and be able to relax in naturally heated pools, I just couldn't say no! So, as an early birthday celebration, Chrissy and I went to El Tucano for the weekend.

It was so wonderful, and was actually much needed. I've been stressing quite a bit with my studies, work, and all the other random commitments I have, so a break, even if just for a weekend was more than welcome. Chrissy and I had a lovely time in the large, warm pool and hot tubs (they are naturally heated by hot springs. This place is sort of near the Arenal volcano) and everything else the hotel had to offer. They had the most difficult, hilarious mini-golf course I've seen: pure concrete! No putting green. Just painted cement. I had no idea how bouncy golf balls were! After getting about a 37 on one hole though, I got a hole in one on the next! It was ridiculous. It took a lot of perseverance, but like many other things here, we just had to keep trying and enjoy it, because otherwise we would have gotten horribly frustrated. Saturday it was rainy most of the day, and that literally put a damper on things, but, the good thing is, rain doesn't really matter if you're going to be in a pool! Sunday was gorgeous though and we were able to use the tennis court (I hadn't played in 10-15 years!) and explore the river that runs along the edge of the property. It was so fun. I LOVE wading, playing in, and exploring mountain rivers! There were a couple hot spots where hot springs pour in. It was so neat to see. And as we had breakfast, we saw at 3 different kind of butterflies, including beautiful blue morphos! It was such a delightful, refreshing weekend. Only thing is, I feel like I need to go back again already!
Please keep me in your prayers as I'm in my end of the semester/year crunch with studies and work and whatnot. It is all too easy to get stressed. Thank you so much!
God's peace be with us this week and may he grant us the grace to persevere and remain faithful to him in all we do!
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, November 11th

This past Saturday we had our annual recognition picnic of (formerly LAM now) UWM missionaries.

Helping lead worship at the picnic

 At long last, I was recognized for 5 years of service here in Costa Rica!! Compared to the other missionaries who have been here for 25, 30, 40, and 60 years, that's nothing. But in God's economy, it definitely counts! The last 5 (and a half now) years have been a phenomenal journey. They have brought some of the most difficult painful experiences I've ever had, but they have also included incredibly rewarding experiences, and God has done amazing work in my life. It is always nice to see fellow missionaries at the picnic: according to my rough, low estimate, there were over 500 years of accumulates missionary experience present! As a visiting missionary from Colombia said, it's like being with the "big leagues!" It is a bit awe-inspiring to be with people who have so much wisdom and know so much rich history of missions in Costa Rica. But at the same time, they are just people too. In fact, I recommend reading this blog post about idolizing missionaries! And a cool thing about the picnic is that I met another girl who is my age serving here! She lives in San José and doesn't have a car, so that makes getting together a bit more challenging, but she is supercool and is actually friends with another friend of mine from my missions organization! It was nice to not be the only youngster at the picnic! I look forward to getting to know her better (and am praying she'll stick around at least as long as I will--however long that may be!).
Thank you so much for your loving care, prayers, and support!
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, November 4th

Tuesday is upon us once more!

An announcement before I launch into Tico Tuesday: since it's Birthday Month, some of you may be wondering if my address is still the same since I moved 2 months ago. It is the the same one at the Bible Home. If you are still sending mail to a Condominio #45, that is not the correct address. Please see my signature below for my current mailing address. :-)

Ok, so Thursday, for the first time in the 5.5 years I have been here, a relative came to Costa Rica! My Grandpa and his wife were passing through on a cruise and I was able to go and see them! I had some mix ups as to where they actually were and I got quite delayed in trying to find them, but thankfully we were able to see each other after all. A very kind couple (the guy had a Boston hat on so of course I knew he would be a good person to talk to) actually recalled who my grandpa was and went back to the ship to call his room and let him know I was there. I was so relieved I was actually able to see him and his wife! The time we shared was short, since it was so late already, but to just hug and talk even briefly made it worth the drive to Puntarenas and back. So...if you ever go on a cruise that stops in Costa Rica, be sure to let me know!!! And Lord willing, I won't have any delays or anything and will be able to meet up with you sin problema! And don't forget we are always looking for more short term mission teams to come serve at the Bible Home! Or you could just come and visit me... People are way better than birthday packages! I just want to make sure you are aware of all the options you have available! Jijiji ;-)

Visitors are always welcome, but, thanks be to God, I know I am never truly alone. God is with me, watching over me, and caring for me as only He can. And for that, I am immensely grateful!

May you be mindful of God's presence and watchcare over you this week!

Carrie

PS. The Turrialba volcano, about 40 miles away, has been spewing ash and rocks and whatnot and severely affecting the area around it (but not me). Please be praying for all affected by this volcanic activity and for it to stop!