In less than four days I will be loading on a plane to begin my journey to Lima, Peru (Houston to Atlanta to New York to Lima…it was cheaper). Really exciting, equally nerve-racking. Coming soon – pictures of my hippie hair and my new do.
Moments in life
Playing Guitar Hero (terribly) with Trent – Playing hide-n-seek with Sofia & Maddox – Learning about the new ministries of old friends (David, Chris, Daniel & Cathie, Jenni & Rod) – Running again – Meals with old friends – Seeing my old congregation in Colorado City – Playing Settlers once again after eating breakfast for dinner with great friends – Great conversations – Great friends
Just a few of the great things that have happened during that last week and a half. I really like the US of A.
Texas Tour
Last weekend I began my tour of Texas, and it has been a whirlwind. Thus far, I have been to DFW and Abilene, with several more stops along the way. It has been a blessing to see friends from every stage of life. I have been blessed with the best friends a guy could ask for. Unfortunately, the visits have been way to short, so I leave every conversation wishing that there could be more time together. Nonetheless, it has been a wonderful week.
During my time on the road, I have been trying to get back into running, which has been nice since I have been gaining weight with all the great food I have been eating here. Here’s to sweating 
Back in the USSR
Well, officially I am back in the United States of America, but who doesn’t love a random reference to the Beatles? So, I am home after being in Costa Rica for 9 months, 3 days, and it has been wonderful. I have been able to spend time with my parents, my brother, and good friends. I have eaten FreeBirds, Tex Mex, and (better yet) my mom’s home cooking (side note: my mom never ceases to amaze me with her love and servant-spirit, which she has demonstrated continually this past week through her cooking and cleaning dishes for our family and my friends; just thought I’d give her a shout out). The comforts and familiarity of home has been really nice. I guess Dorothy was right: there’s no place like home.
Goodbyes…Again
As our team has left for the mission field, we have are learning the art of goodbyes. Before leaving for Costa Rica, we had to say goodbye to family and friends in the States. Then, after several months in Central America, we had to say goodbye to new friends here. As the last remnant of our team in Costa Rica, I am going through that process right now and preparing for a round of ‘great to see you, it’s been 9 months, I love you, but I’m leaving again’. Praise the Lord that I will have several weeks in the States to see family and friends, see familiar sites, and eat American food (it is amazing how much one misses the comforts of familiar food in another country). The joy and anticipation of this trip is acompanied by the difficulty of saying goodbye once again. But, through it all, I am reminded that I have a constant companion in Jesus, an eternal home, and an amazing network of people that I love (and I think love me ) all over the world.
Post-graduation Life
As you might imagine, my daily routine after graduating from language school as transformed drastically. But, you might be surprised to know that my days have not been filled with sitting on the couch, watching soccer, and eating rice and beans. While that life-style has great appeal for me, I have been trying to be a bit more productive with my last few weeks here in the CR. I have been studying Spanish, reading some Peruvian history (fun, fun, I know), exercising, relaxing, and catching up on business.
This week I have also been able to work with some other missionaries who are starting to work in a poorer neighborhood outside of San Jose. This has been an eye-opening experience that I know will ‘pay off’ in the future. I have been able to catch a glimpse of some of the realities of starting up a mission from scratch, more or less. It is not always a straight-forward or easy process, to say the least. In light of these experiences, I ask you to pray for wisdom, patience, and direction for our team as we seek to find what the Lord would have us do in Lima.
Finally!
Graduation day came and went, accompanied by nervous moments (I had to give the student speech…in Spanish), great memories, and tearful goodbyes. It was a great day that reminded me how many blessings have come from my time in Costa Rica, as well as how much I will miss this place. But, it is incredibly exciting to think about what is coming: great times in the States with family and friends followed by moving to Lima. I can’t wait, but I guess I will have to
My classmates (the guys) and teacher (the girl) from my translation class: (L to R) Micah, Joe, Me, Ana, Curtis, Brian
Temple # 5
Temple # 5, Tikal, Guatemala
For Brendan’s summary of the trip, go to visualfootprints.blogspot.com.
The Route
San Jose, Costa Rica – San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula, Honduras - Puerto Barrios, Guatemala
Puerto Barrios, Guatemala – Punta Gorda, Belize
Punta Gorda, Belize – San Ignacio, Belize
San Ignacio, Belize – Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal, Guatemala – Mariscos, Guatemala (through Flores, Guatemala)
Mariscos, Guatemala – Isabalita, Guatemala
Isabalita, Guatemala – Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Copan Ruinas, Honduras – San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula, Honduras – San Jose, Costa Rica
