Dates...

We've had a great week off school this past week. It has been full of things to do...but also we've been able to sleep in some and spend time with the kids- which has been great and much needed!

Both Matt and I have taken Isabelle separately for a walk- Matt let her "lead" the way one day becuase she was "sure she knew where she was going!" We've played in the park, spent alot of time with the Price family and just hung out together.

Matt and I were able to spend half of the day together Wednesday celebrating our 9th anniversary. Lucia watched the kids for us while we went out and ate breakfast then walked around looking at things we haven't yet taken the time to look at before. We also were able to shop some for Christmas, which was fun! Thursday we spent the whole day together. Our friend Ale, who also was a teacher of mine, watched the kids while we spent the day together. It was so nice to just be together with no agenda and just "be." So we found this Italian restaurant we had tried to find a couple months ago...but were unsuccessful...But yesterday, we found it and the food was great! I had eggplant parmesean- it was fantastic! Matt had fettuccini and it was great, too. Then we walked around that area of the city, enjoying the day. It was so sunny and warm (sorry to rub it in those of you with tons of snow back in the states)...We caught a movie (about $5.00 for both of us!) and came back in the evening.

How refreshing it was for us both. We realize how important it is to take the time to savor and nurture our marriage and we are very thankful we had the opportunity to do so this past day and a half! We are thankful for the people God has placed in our lives who truly care for our children and are willing and available to care for them and give us the opportunity to nurture our marriage. So, as a THANK YOU to those who have given us the opportunity to have a few dates:

Here's our friend Katie, who we miss very much! She was in school with us one tri and has moved on to start seminary back in the sates. Her and Audrey were good buddies. She watched our kids for us several times for different things- and for our first date here in Costa Rica! Thanks, Katie! She became someone very special to me and I miss her smiles and hugs already!


This is a picture of several special women God has placed in my life. Jan has given me much encouragement and advice related to being a godly wife, mother and srvant in the mission field! Thanks, Jan! I enjoy her friendship. In the back is Ale that I spoke of earlier. Then next to me is Erin. Erin and I have grammar together. She is great source of encouragemtn and comic relief for me! We can look at each other and burst into tears or laughter depending on the circumstance...it is the kind of thing only women can understand- but she has proven to be a wonderful friend to me. Her husband, Mike and Matt have grown to be friends as well. We value their friendship. They have also allowed us the opportunity to go on a date while they cared for our kids :) Thanks, guys!



This is Ale and me. I have learned much from being in her class- some about the phonetics of the the Spanish language, some about life in general, some about Costa Rican culture, but most importantly about the way God has worked in her life and brought her to a point at which she has realized his power and will and plans and LOVE for her- and for all of us. She has proven to be a great friend and I am very thankful for her in my life. She has become a special part of our Costa Rican family. The kids LOVE being with her and she loves being with them! She has watched them and has even been to a birthday party with her for one of her younger cousins! Thanks, Ale!


Thank you Father for the gift of people who care for us and our children her in Costa Rica. Thank you for friendships. thank you for our marriage and the family you have given us- our three wonderful children. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.