Thirty-three

Greetings from Costa Rica! I apologize that it has been nearly a month since our last update. Thanks for checking in on us.

Ali’s parents were here for the week of Christmas. We all had a great time, especially the kids. They loved having the grandparents around. They also loved all of their gifts (thank you family!). It was sad to see them go, but hopefully they can come back.

The season has changed here and it is now officially verano (a.k.a. summer). During this transition we had a week of high winds. The wind battered our house and metal roof throughout the day and night (particularly at night), causing some minor damage. After a few days wind and sporadic power outages, the power went out for good on Thursday around 3:00 pm. At our house, no electricity means no cooking and no hot showers and no coffee! On Friday morning, no power. Friday at lunch, no power. After 24 hours, Ali called a taxi and took the kids to a hotel in the city. I came home from the project and was about to leave to join the family downtown, when I heard a shout of joy from a neighbor’s house… the lights were back! We stayed at the hotel anyway, though. I considered it an early birthday present.

My birthday came and went quietly last week. I am 33. At least two people commented that now I am the same age of Jesus… when he died! Thanks. However, it did make me think of how Jesus lived his life…fully surrendered to the Father and abiding in his love. Even though I don’t really know what this looks like (or were it will take us), I want to live this way.

Well, that is enough for now. Next time, if you are lucky, I’ll share some Thomas /potty-training stories.

Nos vemos pronto.