The Holidays

Okay this is late! But I’m trying to get caught up.

Christmas was very different this year but really sweet. We started the celebration the first weekend in December with a cookie exchange at my friend’s house in Tres Rios (where the Starbuck’s coffee is grown.) That was a fun time to meet other ladies and get some yummy cookies.

The week of Christmas we had a team from Kentucky come and celebrate Christmas with the girls at Renacer. There were 3 families that came and brought gifts for the girls and staff, played games, did crafts, and shared their love for Christ by loving these girls.

The weekend before Christmas, I went with a friend and a tica family out to Santa Anna (its right over one of the mountains about 20 minutes away in a place called The Valley of the Sun.) It was a cold and sprinkle type day in San Jose but just over that mountain the sun was shining and it was perfect weather for the pool. We had a BBQ tico style and spend much of the day there. Then we headed back into the cold and sprinkles of San Jose. We changed out of summer clothes and put on sweaters (should have brought our jackets) and headed to Central (down town) to watch the Christmas Light Parade.

Christmas Eve was a warm one, even at the top of the mountain with the girls. We celebrated Christmas Eve with the girls with a rally. They played in the mud, in water, and whatever else you could think of. It was such a fun time. After work, I went over to a dear friend’s home Marge Long and spent the evening with her family. We played Phase 10 and ate some yummy food.

Christmas Day was a hot one until afternoon. I was a little sad that morning thinking of people at home with a white Christmas, but I was thankful for the families I had here to love on me and include me in with their families. That morning I went over to another friend’s house and spent the morning with their family playing games as well. Then I went back to the Long’s house in the afternoon for dinner, which was so yummy! We even had pumpkin pie, which is a rare thing here to have.

Then New Year’s Eve I was back out in Tres Rios with their family. Tres Rios is located further out in the mountains and there’s a view of a small valley. Here, all of December, the Costa Ricans celebrate with fireworks and New Year’s Eve is without exception. We went outside and watched fireworks going off all around us and in the valley. It was quite incredible. I didn’t know which way to look. They went off for over an hour or so. It was crazy but beautiful! Next time I want a spot overlooking the entire San Jose Valley, now that would be a site to see!

Over all, the holidays were special and sweet. Though, I greatly missed being at home and in the snow. It’s just awesome to see how God provides all we need at all times. I hope all of you had a great holiday season and an awesome year ahead!