We invited a houseful to our Thanksgiving dinner and post-dinner dessert, so we took a few minutes to make sure the table and the house looked as nice as it could. Anna's curtains finally got put up with a little creative use of curtain rods and household decorations…she really knew what we didn't –the curtains look perfect, and she's on her way to becoming an interior designer! Thanks again to those who made it a princess dream room!
The women are meeting inside and the men are out listening to Tony, the new president of the EFC Costa Rica here. He is talking about how these pastors can make their churches more men-compatible.
Even though it has rained all night for the last several days and a fine mist (pelo de gato) of drizzle continues, we made the most of yesterday afternoon by walking the dog near a local Christmas tree farm. Last year, the gringos from N.C. did not know that one reserved a Christmas tree well in advance of our Thanksgiving. This year upon seeing car after car with arboles de navidad (Christmas trees) on top of their car roofs, we were prompted to act before all of the best trees were gone and before the only ones remaining were out of our price range. This year we have a much taller tree waiting with our name on it for a smaller price than last year—it is so wonderful to know the culture, rudimentary, though not advanced Spanish and the locals. Please join us in praying for our neighbors who will be invited to our annual Christmas Day open house—that they will come from behind their fortressed walls and razor wire, experience the love of Christ in simple hospitality and that Christ will begin to remove the walls in their hearts this Christmas season! Happy Thanksgiving!
It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do to clear the mind. Even with some very involved personnel meetings and group meetings the day was invigorating. Later, after a short shopping stop (can’t tell what…it’s almost Christmas after all), I found myself sipping coconut milk from a chilled coconut standing on the beach and watching some amazing surfing waves crash down. The weather is cool for this time of year, maybe high sixties with a stiff breeze and everything is verdant green with incredible scenery and views. I forgot to bring the camera along to the beach, so I’ll try to grab some shots over the next couple of days and post them here.
Twenty-four hours of travel with no sleep got me to Brazil this morning and shortly thereafter, a nice nap! It’s Spring here, the birds are chirping and the next door neighbor has been practicing on his drums for the last twelve hours (today is a holiday). Rio de Janeiro is a huge city of over ten million people, gorgeous views and lots of life. As I meet with our missionaries and Brazilian partners please pray that the time will be productive and encouraging. Great things are afoot!
Our Tuesday morning ladies’ Bible study got together to thank and honor Kim, who every Tuesday hosts the study in her home. Unfortunately, outdoor weddings and garden parties both depend on beautiful weather—which didn’t arrive yesterday. It rained all night and all day, but we were all smiles and decked out in our finest with hiking boots/sandals or tennis shoes and decorated bonnets! The rain couldn’t spoil our fun as we sang, laughed, shared and cried. We are so fortunate to have one another as we are Christian women from different countries and cultures, residing as expatriates in Costa Rica.
The GPS drained my battery so my car wouldn’t start after the fiesta, but some kind friends helped jumpstart it and then the same GPS didn’t comprehend that many Costa Rica roads are one-way(and not the way I was headed) so it took quite some time to get home—needless to say, I crossed bridges with our van that I may not have jogged over! Wish I had a photo of those!
Around midnight we were awakened by an earthquake (6.1) as our bed moved to and fro! All is well, but I think I’ll take ordinary for the next couple of days!
Keri loves her new curtains and is looking forward to Saturday when they will block out the sunlight and she can sleep blissfully late. Thank you to those whose shop carried the gorgeous fabric( Front Door Fabrics), those who purchased fabric for Keri and Anna, the hands who carefully stitched both sets of curtains, and the transport of fabric from Costa Rica to the US and back again.
The time in Charlotte flew by, and although I spent a long time relishing the new Trader Joe's(we left the day it opened August 2007) and hadn't bees…the thought of shopping for those items we need, but don't like to transport was left for tomorrow. Thursday we had brunch with the Anderson family(thanks guys!) and every item on our "things we can't find or afford in Costa Rica" list was in a box at their home–lovingly provided by cheerful hearts(you also know who you are) prompted by God. Upon arriving at the airport Saturday AM, Brian handed me an envelope that simply said "Duggan luggage"….and the cash inside paid for our three duffles of things–ladies' items for our area conference, Christmas decorations and those necessities from Trader Joe's and the box of groceries AND a snack box on the plane(we ran to our connection, with little thought to lunch on the way)….we are humbled by the cheerful hearts of those who so blessed us during our time in Charlotte, those who pray when prompted, and those who welcome us with open arms when we arrive on US soil. We love you! Our hearts are cheerful and ready and available to bless those brought across our path-in Costa Rica, Latin America, and parts beyond!
TeamDuggan 
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