Life lately.....

My Christmas "bota" (stocking)

   So for many weeks now, I have been spending my nights sewing with Mamí. We have made Christmas decorations, but the one that I am the most proud of is my Christmas stocking. With Mamí's help, I made the whole thing from a few pieces of felt and some sequins. I think it only took me about 20 hours, but now it is done and it is fun to have hanging in my room. Mamí made Nathan a stocking as well, so it will be fun in coming years for us to have matching stockings that were made in during our time in Costa Rica. It will be a good memory of our time here. 

   Nathan left yesterday for Kenya and hopefully will arrive there sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning. I am excited to hear stories from his time. I think it will be very valuable ophthalmology experience for him, and I pray that he has many opportunities to share the love of Christ with his patients. He is planning to blog while he is there, so we can all see pictures.

Yesterday, was a sad day for me as Nathan left, as well as my good friend Abby, who was my running partner. We had become very close during my time here so it was sad to see her go. Nathan and I have moved so many times, that you would think I would get used to saying goodbye, but every time it is just as sad. Although, I would rather have really sweet, deep relationships with sad goodbyes, then no relationship at all. So, I am really grateful for Abby's friendship during her time here. 

   This week was really one of the first weeks that I have felt a bit homesick. My grandmother passed away last Sunday. It was really such a blessing for her to pass to be with the Lord, as she has struggled for several years with dementia, but of course it is hard for my grandfather, my mom and her siblings. Nathan and I decided it was a good idea for me to stay in Costa Rica and not return home, which was the best decision, but I would have loved to have been with my family for the funeral. I am sure it will be difficult being out of the country when things happen with our family over the coming years, but thankfully the Lord is our Comfort and that was really apparent to me this past week. 

     I am looking forward to Christmas in Costa Rica. There are lots of lights and decorations in streets. I will say that the most annoying thing is the fireworks. We live in the city, which means we live VERY close to our neighbors, and they just happen to love to set off fireworks about 9 pm every night. That then means that every car alarm in the neighborhood goes off and every dog starts to bark for about an hour. We just laugh and go outside to enjoy the show! Hopefully I will have some good pictures of some of the festivities.

    Have a great week and I hope that you are all enjoying this holiday season!