Thank you for all of your prayers! We arrived in San Jose last night with no complications. Emily got to use her Spanish with immigration and convinced the agent that we were OK to enter the country :) We were so happy to see our friends Mike and Kathy on the other side of the door. They brought us to our new home which is BEAUTIFUL! We feel unbelievably blessed. Emily is especially happy with the kitchen which has so many more cupboards than our condo in Edina! Kathy was kind enough to supply us with kitchen essentials, some food and a lovely orchid.
Our morning: We initially woke up to roosters crowing at 4:30 a.m. as well as other birds. We've been assured that we'll get used to that. Later this morning, we looked out the window to see lemon and lime trees in our back yard. Mark proceeded to make fresh lemonade. Emily killed one ginormous spider and we've found many others - a natural part of living in the tropics. We also realized our neighbors have cows, ducks, horses and a turkey! Our landlords also grow eucalyptus, kumquats, mint, huge hydrangeas, sugar cane and blackberries to name a few. We aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto.
We feel very safe and cared for as our landlords (who live next door) speak English and are so helpful and friendly. They know Roblealto mission very well and have invited us to their church. This morning, Mike returned (he's letting us use his car this week) and took us on our tour of the area. Mark got to experience Costa Rican driving (it's incredibly chaotic!) and we ate authentic Costa Rican food for lunch - beans and rice, meat, plantains, yuca (like a potato) and Pepsi, of course - YUM! We were thrilled to drive up to Roblealto and talk to some of the kids and staff there. Emily had tears in her eyes to see this place we've heard so much about and planned for so long to see - especially the buildings that Ridgewood Church has helped repair and build.
As for tonight, we were happy to skype with Mark's parents and so grateful for technology and wireless internet! It was dark by 6 pm so we cooked some comfort food (mac and cheese and hotdogs) and listened to Minnesota Public Radio since we were feeling a little homesick. Please continue praying as we acclimate. We look forward to visiting Mike and Kathy's house church tomorrow. Many adventures lie ahead!
All the best to you as you minister, Mark and Emily!
ReplyDeleteDrive safely :)
How cool! Where did you get the hotdogs? :) I hear clerks are very pushy in stores 'cuz they all work on commission - you'll have to see if that's true.
ReplyDeleteI've read so many wonderful things about Costa Rica. The house looks great! Keep the spare room ready - we've got a year to make it down there.
Blessing on you both. You are in our prayers daily.
Love from Minnesota, Diane LaFontaine and Howard Johnson
:) I love reading this blog already... can't wait to continue to hear about your adventure! Remember your horn when driving, as I remember there aren't really stop signs in Costa Rica-- you just honk when approaching an intersection! Enjoy tico food for me... I miss yuca & plaintains!
ReplyDeleteChris and I are saving our pennies. Love you both!
--Kate and Chris Swanson
hooray for safe travels and fresh lemonade from your backyard! I started looking at plane tickets last night . . . I can't wait to visit!! Praying for you guys with all the adjustments. It's so clear God set this up for you guys, so rest in that when the frustrations, homesickness, and all the other not-so-cheery feelings swarm in.
ReplyDeletelove, leslie merzig
Mark & Emily, I am so excited for you. I can almost hear the morning sounds - believe it or not - you will miss it when you return. You will experience such love from the children and staff at Roblealto. I am counting my days until I come to visit Roblealto and my very dear friends (including you two)in November. Good luck in finding a car and beginning your language classes. Give everyone a really big hug from me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings - Lois
Estamos muy contentos que ya estén en vuestra casa yen vuestro lugar de trabajo.Seguramente el clima será totalmente distinto, pero es muy lindo.El paisaje tropical también es bello.
ReplyDeleteBuena suerte y bendiciones , saludos . Angel y Esther desde Argentina.
Mark & Emily- sounds like a wonderful start to an incredible year!! I think we could get use to some tropics here in MN-- all the vegetation, plants, and fruit tress sound so perfect for your new home. We are wishing you all the best as you begin your classes and work. Keeping you both in our prayers and look forward to reading more posts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings- Mark, Deb, Kiley, & Lucas Wege
Hooray! Thanks for the pic of the kitchen, too, so I can picture you two lovebirds as you settle in. We have our camera ready on the computer for the Skype talks. Today in church we sang "Praise to the Lord the Almighty" and of course I thought of your wedding a year ago, and of course I was crying! We rejoice in God's leading in your lives and are praying for just the right car for you. Love you and miss you. Love, Mom G.
ReplyDeletehmm....i ate plantains and yuca on friday. i'm jealous of your food, living, and work situation. i'll be praying....
ReplyDeleteYeah God!
ReplyDeleteNot sure how you deal with those spiders - yikes! I am so grateful that you feel comfortable in your new home. Looking forward to following your adventures!
You are much in our prayers! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings --- David & Lisa