How can they?

So I heard recently this sad fact...and the official Archie Comics website affirms it... Betty and Veronica have had plastic surgery. Check it out: http://www.archiecomics.com/news/pr121706-bv-new-look.html

How awful! I am so saddened by this.

I don't know how many of you know this secret fact of mine, but I am the proud owner of hundreds of Archie Comics. I have a huge box of them at my parents' house, and in fact I think I really learned how to read, through reading all about Archie and Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie and Moose.

Anyone else share my experience? :)

New Computer

Well...it happened, I came home and someone had stolen our computer, and replaced it with a brand new one! I can't believe it! How amazing! Good thieves...I mean who would have guessed?

Okay, so maybe I'm not being entirely truthful...but we DID get a new computer. I came home last night and Kelly had bought a computer...which means that I should be able to update more regularly...and even put pictures in my posts again! What a great day.

tired

I think I might sleep for a week once Christmas is done. Anyone else feeling the same?

Workaholics Unite!

Well, with Christmas season, comes crazy busy working season for me. I'm now working 5 shifts a week at Ramada, and 2 a week at WhiteSpot...but I still have two days off a week...which means I'm working double duty some days, and which means I'm sleeping on my days off - or fighting people for spots in the parking lot at the mall :)

There's definitely a rush that comes with working so much...an adrenaline or something that kicks in - which I guess makes me an adrenaline junkie - but there's also a thankfulness in knowing that this is just for a season in my life.

I've met a number of co-workers from the Ramada that have 3 jobs each, and I really can't believe what some people put themselves through to make ends meet.

One is one of the chefs at the hotel who also works downtown Vancouver and somewhere else in Coquitlam and lives in Surrey or something like that? And he's the friendliest guy I've ever met. I don't know about you, but if I had a family, was working three jobs in various cities, and probably slept about 4 hours a night, I wouldn't be so friendly. In fact, I wouldn't be writing on this blog right now, that's for dang sure.

I wish that we could just start over in some ways as a society. We all work so hard just to make enough money to live well. Let's bring back the bartering system, or lower the price of everything...you know, it sounds so simple in my head, and I would definitely be willing to give eggs for car parts.

Forced Christmas.

Ok, so some of you reading will be like, "hey, we were just talking about this"...but it's something I wanted to blog about...so...sorry, this is a repeat for you:

I've decided that I'm not really in the mood for the "Christmas Season" to start. You see, at work, every room now has a Christmas tree (and has since before my birthday), all the napkins that we fold are red, white or green, and the Christmas tunes are playing. I'm simply not ready.

I was thinking about this today at work, and wondering why I'm so turned off by all the "Christmas" stuff right now...and I think it's simply because I'm not ready for Christmas. I don't mean the part about where we celebrate Jesus' birth, cause honestly, I could do that all year long (and do, various days throughout the year, give thanks that He came, some days repeatedly throughout the day, and other days I should be more thankful)...but I'm not ready to be bombarded by the busy malls, the jingle bells, and the seasonal Christmas movies that are on tv (unless it's Elf, cause I can watch that whenever...and did, in fact last night with my aunt, uncle and cousin!).

When it comes down to it, I think it's really more of my stubborn streak coming out. I'm just not ready, and it's being forced on me.

Don't worry, eventually I'll be ready...it just has to be on my own time :)

On chicken noodle soup, 25, snowstorms and white rabbits.

It's 11:58 and I'm eating chicken noodle soup. I have weird eating habits, mostly due to working during typical meal hours...so today, for example, I slept until 11...ate lunch at 3...and then realized at 9 that I'd only eaten one meal today. So here I am, almost midnight, enjoying chicken noodle soup...or more like "noodle soup" that tastes chicken-ish.

Well, I did it folks. I turned 25. Now, let me tell you, that due to recent snow falling (i.e. dumping), my "Big" Party that had been planned had to be postponed, which really was a bummer for me...but my friends are great people, and managed to throw me a semi-big party last minute a little closer to home. And Alicia - who was throwing the original party for me (and still is...sometime in the snow-less future) - has promised not to eat my ice-cream cake (although I told her if she did it carefully/craftfully, no one will notice!).

25...not much to say about it. Seems like a big number...a very "sophisticated" number. We'll see what the year holds.

And as I'm typing...it's snowing outside. Yet again. Is this global warming's effects on Abbotsford? I mean, Toronto is a balmy 15 today and we're -8, which feels like -100 with wind chill? And then if you look at Sandra's blog, you'll see that one area in Mexico experienced -7, and people died because they didn't know how to handle the cold! Unreal.

Well, on a chipper note...I was out grocery shopping today with Misty, when we found ourselves in the ethnic foods area, and I found White Rabbits on the shelf. White Rabbits, for those of you who aren't so privileged to know, are these creamy white chewy candies, made in China, that somehow I know from Costa Rica. When I was down there, a couple of summers ago,we gave them out to the kids, and I thought they were the best candy! Well...looks like I don't have to go to Costa Rica to get them...turns out China sends stuff here too...fancy that ;)

SNOW!

I guess I can't say that Abbotsford never gets snow. Today, we got snow. Lots of it! Probably a foot and a half! (You think I'm exaggerating...but I'm not)

So instead of being "snowed in" in my little cave of a place, I walked to Misty's house...and we had a snow day together with Jer Thom and Mike...and had a day of fun! (Mostly which involved Jer and Mike throwing us in the snow...and our feeble attempts to get them back). We also shared a lot of food...including baking chocolate chip cookies, and jello, and a fun "dessert" that my mom and I would make when I was little.

See, I'm not sure exactly what we were trying to make back then...whether we were making snow cones, or trying to freeze maple syrup...but we would take a cup of snow and add maple syrup (the real stuff works the best)...or sometimes, if it was really cold, we would pour maple syrup on the snow and leave it for a bit, in attempts that it would become solid. So tonight I shared with my friends this snow/syrup combination. It seems to have been a hit - I dare you to try it, and tell me what you think.

Anyways...loving the snow...but not loving the fact that our landlords shovelled only THEIR half of the driveway today...hmm.

You know you're an adult when...

Ok. I love the snow. I think it's marvellous. But I know that I'm an adult when I find myself thinking, "oh, how I love snow, but man, I sure hate driving in it".

When I was little I would be SO excited about the snow, but my parents were always less "enthralled" by the fact...and now I understand why.

But, nevertheless, I think it's beautiful out there tonight! One of my favorite things? A walk in the snow, followed by hot chocolate and a roaring fire.

p.s. Totally got Misty with a face-full of snow tonight as we were clearing off her car. Definitely didn't mean to do it, but I laughed my face off when it happened.

Those days. You know.

How is it, that when you are having a bad day, you are having a BAD day. I don't know if this happens to you all, but it seems like when I have a bad day, it's multiple occurences of bad...and by the end you're just longing to go to bed so that you can start over. Yesterday was one of those days. But thanks to some friends, it ended well!

makes me laugh...

To Beta or Not...

Hey Bloggers...question for you - has anyone switched over to Beta version of Blogger? Do you suggest it?

WhiteSpot Land

Well folks, welcome to my third job of the last two months :)

I'm still working at the Ramada, and actually really enjoying it now that I know my co-workers, and the job...and now I am entering what I like to call WhiteSpot Land. The restaurant at the hotel is changing over to a WhiteSpot, and they've hired me to be a server there...so I'll be now doing both jobs, which is great for me - two different things going on, and full-time hours between the two. The last couple of days (and the next week) is training overload - learning the menu, the WhiteSpot "golden rules" and basically trying to get the whole thing in my head before I actually start serving customers. Oh, not to mention meeting another 35 staff (didn't I just do this 2 months ago? ;))

Anyways, life is busy right now, but good...and if you phone me and I mutter something about triple-o sauce, I'm sorry, it's just that WhiteSpot land has taken over my brain :)

p.s. Anyone seen/heard those "Say no to Meth" commercials? While I think the campaign is great, I have a hard time with the lady that they hired to do the voice...I keep thinking she's saying "Say no to Math"...and every time, I catch myself thinking, "Why would we say no to Math?"

25 in 25

So yesterday while I was at work, setting up 100 coffee cups in a tower, I realized that I am turning 25 in 25 days (as of yesterday). It was a fun thought, and a little overwhelming at the same time.

When I was younger, what did I picture 25 to look like? Definitely a heck of a lot more "settled" than what I am now. I was talking with a friend a couple nights ago, and we were saying how when we were teenagers, we looked ahead, and had these "perfect numbers" in our heads. Married at about 22, 23, start having kids 24, 25, buy a house 27,28. What were we thinking?

Change of view.

Today I actually went to work kinda upset, and left rather happy. How often does THAT happen?

Usually, I find (tell me if I'm wrong)...if you walk into work in a funk, it will inevitably only get worse, and even possibly bring others down. But today, I don't know, I guess I just got over it, or the positive vibes of others was strong...and (shock here) I had fun at work! All those spoons I'm polishing, they are changing my life I tell ya.

I am NOT a morning person.

As much as I'd like to try...and maybe as much as work would like me to be...I am NOT a morning person. The last two mornings, I have had to be up at 5:45 so that I can be at work at 7...fully functioning, and properly clothed.

Tomorrow...I'm sleeping in. Don't try calling me.

A child's perspective

So today, I met my mom's student. She is 6 and my mom is basically homeschooling her for grade 1. And she's quite the character...evidently my mom told her that I'm a 'missionary'; she has been quite interested in the topic and the idea that I have been to Costa Rica to tell people about Jesus, and I believe that she's even told her mom she wants to be a missionary herself one day.

Here's what our discussion was today:
Her: "So, did you have fun telling people about the Lord?"
Me: "Yes, it was lots of fun."
Her: "Did they listen?"

I have to say, I felt like I was chatting with, I don't know, a missons rep or something...it was fun, and I got a kick out of her questions.

Sidenote: my parents' computer is very slow on internet, so I've been playing Spider Solitaire while I wait for pages to load - anyone else addicted to the Spider? I sure am...

Ode to everyone

So it seems that i am in a little bit of hot water here. I don't know how "seriously" the comments left were, but I want to assure you, that I love you, consider you special, and if had the time and creative energies, would love to write an ode for each and every one of you. However, that is simply impossible (I would like to do other things with my time...such as actually hang out with you!)
Anyways, any comments on the actual story that I wrote, rather than how you feel that it wasn't about you?

Ode To Jeremy Vis

(if you're wondering what this is about...check out the previous post's comments, and you'll see why I'm doing this)

Ahem..

ODE TO JEREMY VIS

Once upon a time, there was a young man named Jeremy Mark Vis, also known by some as Jerami Vice (talk to Sheree Plett about that, I believe). And one day, Jeremy decided that he wanted to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional raspberry picker. So, knowing where all good raspberries are grown, Jeremy said goodbye to his parents and sisters, packed his bags, and headed to the Greyhound station. When the clerk asked where he wanted to go, Jeremy enthusiastically shouted, "ONE FOR ABBOTSFORD!". After the clerk got over the shock of being yelled at, he then pondered why one would want to go to Abbotsford. Jeremy beat the clerk to the punch, and announced, "I'm going there to realize my lifelong dream of being a raspberry picker."

The clerk shook his head, gave Jeremy his ticket, and wished him well. When Jeremy got on the bus, he noticed that most of the spots were full. There were three seats available: one next to a knitting grandmother who was talking to herself, one next to a buff 300 pound guy who looked like he had a grudge, and one next to a fairly normal-looking guy who appeared like he might keep to himself. So, Jeremy took the safe route. He introduced himself, having been taught to always be polite, and enthusiastically (but not shouting) shared, "I'm Jeremy Vis, and I'm heading to Abbotsford to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a professional raspberry picker." The young man, not even batting an eyelash, responded, "Well, hello there Jeremy Vis, my name is Chad Kroeger, and I'm the lead singer of Nickelback."

Now, Jeremy, being interested in music, was quite impressed. He wasn't necessarily a fan of Nickelback, but was intrigued to have met someone "famous" (especially on the Greyhound headed to Abbotsford of all places). Knowing how to play a tune himself, Jeremy and Chad had quite a bit in common, and the trip to Abbotsford went by quickly.

Chad was quite interested in knowing why Jeremy would want to become a raspberry picker when he was such a talented musician, and obviously enjoyed it so much. And so as the two talked, Jeremy began to wonder if raspberry picking was the best use of his talents, and if in fact, he would want to learn more about music and how he could use his gifts. Chad piped up, "You know, Jeremy, I have to say that I think you'd be much better off using this music of yours than picking raspberries...I mean, there's lots of people who can pick raspberries, but not as many who can really sing."

While the thought of this really intrigued Jeremy, he had one problem...he was already on a bus headed to Abbotsford. Chad had a quick answer for this: "Well, Jeremy, I know of a school in Abbotsford that might be a perfect place for you to share your talents. My friend Kathleen goes there, and I'm sure she'd love to answer any questions you have about it...she might even be able to get you registered right away too!" This seemed too perfect to be true, but it was. So Jeremy said goodbye to Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, who offered him backstage passes to any of his concerts, and then headed off to find Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, to pursue his dream of sharing his musical talents.

And that, my friends, is the true* story of how one Jeremy Vis came to CBC, became friends with me, and how he met Chad Kroeger of Nickelback.

*While the characters and places in this Ode are indeed real, the order of events, and well, authenticity of events, may or may not be a little, um, expounded upon. If you want to read about Jer's true encounter with Chad Kroeger...check out his blog (www.jeramivice.blogspot.com)

A less complicated life...

So I was looking at pictures today, and was reminded of some "simpler times"...represented by these pics...so enjoy!

First off, life with the boys...this summer, hanging out the night before Jess and Steve's wedding, I was missing the good ol' CBC days of playing pool and evading homework. Oh what fun.





Here's Steve...night before his wedding, trying to keep himself occupied.











Nate racks up on his beauty of a table - I think of Nate as an adult now, owning his very own pool table...it's very inspiring.










For some reason, I didn't play that night, but Jer certainly was into it - see if you can zoom in for the extremely intense face that Jer has here; let's call it his "game face".




And so there are the boys from the days of pool at CBC...missing Mike of course cause he didn't get his butt out to Alberta for the wedding...





Summer always inspires me to think of "simpler times" as well...here's a perfect representation of this, late in August at Cultus Lake, as Lana also has her "game face"...let's call it the Pringles Pucker.









This one I threw in...cause it's the only sunrise pic that I've ever taken...and it was in a moving car, leaving Alberta, and heading back to BC to find work and start "life" again.





well...that's about it for now...life a little less complicated.

who knew?

Turns out that Thanksgiving weekend is quiet at the Ramada Conference Center...and so I'm going home to the Island for a few days to see my parents and eat turkey. Just so all you Abbotsford people know, I'll be back Tuesday!

flip flops in october

I just have to say, i love living in BC...or specifically the West Coast. You know life is good when you are wearing flip flops on October 4th. :)

"TRUST ME"

Sometimes I feel like if I were God, I would be so tired of me not "getting it". For as long as I can remember, He has been trying to teach me to trust Him. I'm trying to clean out my ears a little more lately so that I can hear Him better.

You know how sometimes you have a picture of what you think your life should look like or will look like? And then reality hits, and it doesn't turn out like that at all? ...I'm learning to trust Him.

I've come to the conclusion that I don't really want to work. All the jobs that I think would be fun seem to be volunteer or don't pay very much.

I figure I have two options...either all of you can donate $20 a month to keep me paying rent and food while I galavant through various volunteering roles...or I marry rich.

When you know, you know...

Well, I started and quit Lou's today. I really should have had a clue that it wouldn't be good when I had so many weird problems/interactions with the manager before I even started...and today just solidified for me that Lou's, while the food is great, and fun as a CBC hang out, it's NOT a great place to be working...could also explain why there's always an ad in the paper. Hmm..

Have to say though, that I felt a little more bold today. I know what I want, what I'm looking for, and after 6 hours of "trying it out", I walked up to the manager, said "I don't think this is the place for me", got my bag, and left.

Now...back to square 1. Tomorrow will be another resume day. I'm thankful that I still have my job at Ramada - and have an all-new appreciation for how well it is run!

Sounds like greek...

So I have to tell you all that lately at work I've been amazed by how many languages are spoken among the staff that I work with.

First of all, like most of Abbotsford, we have some Indo-Canadian women that work with us. Last week one lady was training another, and yammering off instructions in Punjab. (At which I leaned over to another co-worker and said: "wouldn't it be funny if this new girl actually doesn't speak Punjab, and is just pretending she knows what's going on?"...we'll see if she can figure out where the plates go or not...then we'll decide).

Then yesterday, one of the chef's was speaking German to another...

And today, two of the chefs were speaking Japanese...

Makes me wish I had someone that I could speak Spanish too...maybe I would feel cooler...or like I had VERY important information to share, that no one else could know about. Then again, maybe these fellow staff members really aren't talking about work at all...maybe they're sharing personal life stories, talking about the weather, or laughing at us simple English speakers for only knowing one language.

Hockey and Teaspoons

Well, I have to say that while the people at the Ramada are great...I really find the job to be so very tedious - which is why I'm glad that I start at Lou's on Monday.

My day had a high and a low - my low? Polishing teaspoons for two hours. Yes, I'm serious.

My high? Well, I know that Jer vis will appreciate this - I walked up the stairs into the conference center today, and when I looked up from my feet, was staring straight at the Stanley Cup. My first thought: Is this the real thing? Well, although one of the ladies at work kept calling it the Gray Cup...it really was the Stanley Cup. Pretty cool. Sadly, I didn't have a camera.

new job!

So today I got hired at a new job...I think. Honestly, my interview was about 5 minutes long, and the majority of it was discussing when I could start. It was a bit of a whirlwind.

So as of today, I now work at the Ramada (as before...this is not my new job) and Lou's Bar and Grill. Anyone that went to CBC (which is most of you), will be laughing right now, because you're thinking of all those nachos that we ate...with water of course. But don't worry, Laura's got my back, and says she let me know if I start acting too much like a shady bar waitress. I had to remind myself that Lou's actually has decent lunch time clientele, and dinner time too, and bonus is I can keep my eye on those shady CBC students trying to drink (and skip dorm meeting).

"Are you SURE you want another?"

"Does Laura/Ian/Mike/Elise know that you're here? Maybe you should visit them when you get back to campus, tell them I say hi."

"Can I see your ID? No...I meant your student ID. OH...CBC...I went there, and worked there...in fact, I'm going out for coffee with one of the RD's tomorrow, and I'm sure s/he'll love to know that I met you here!"

Oh, too funny.

Como se llama?

The shower head in my bathroom has a name: The Tingle King.
Does anyone else find that funny? Or too close to Tinkle King?
Needless to say, I inwardly chuckle every time I take a shower.

Leaves are falling!

Well...I think it's pretty much officially fall. I know, I know, the "day" hasn't passed yet, but tonight, walking to my car after watching Survivor with Lana, it was pretty obvious that the season is changing. The air was cool, even with my sweater on, the pavement still wet from the intense rain today, and I had to turn on the heaters in my car...one for me, one to defog my window!

In some ways, I'm ready for it, this new season...I love autumn - leaves changing, crisp air, sweaters - but oddly enough, being in Costa Rica for the summer made me feel like I missed summer. I know exactly what you're all thinking right now...but honestly, it was rainy season, so it rained almost every day, and where I lived was cold sometimes (often I was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt), and the sun went down every night around 5:30/6ish...Mind you...I'm not complaining, cause let's honestly think about this folks...I was in Costa Rica!

Another reason I know fall is here? Other than these reasons, and the fact that all the students are back in school? The big MCC sale is this weekend...and all of Abbotsford will be at the Tradex center, watching the auction, eating borscht, and buying plants and old books for quarters. I will definitely be there...in between shifts at the Ramada, welcoming fall!

i hate training.

So I have realized something else this week - while I'm enjoying the newness of the job at the Ramada, I'm also remembering how much I hate training for something new. You know that feeling when you walk into work and you have no clue what you're doing? Yup...I'm there, and while I know that after a while, it goes away, I still in the meantime hate training.

p.s. i can now fold napkins in three different designs...are you impressed?

love of the game...

So I think I need to confess an addiction that I have.

I just came home from playing 4 hours of beach volleyball with random strangers (and one friend who shares my addiction). I honestly LOVE volleyball...have since I was in grade 6 and was introduced to the game. That year I joined the co-ed team, and we won nationals....okay, so maybe not nationals...more like, we played against the other elementary schools in the area, and won. It was a very historic event; they gave us the team ball, and we all signed it, and it was placed in the school trophy case. (It's probably deflated by now).

There's just something about the rush of your body working faster than you can really think through what you're doing...managing to dive for a ball that's going the opposite direction that your body was...that's a great feeling.

Anyone share my addiction? If you do...Nat and I just made friends with a bunch of guys from Fiji...and we're gonna play again next Sunday at Crescent Beach - you're welcome to join...but only if you're addicted.

no longer unemployed...

Well, today I got hired at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center, working for banquets/catering...the work isn't necessarily full-time, which means I can also continue pursuing a waitressing job as well...but in the meantime, I'm employed! And very relieved.

It's hit me lately how much I liked working at CBC, and having a title, and responsibility (well, to some extent), and being the one that knew what was going on, and that girls came to for things. Then you quit a job like that, and you no longer have a title. It's an odd thing...and all these new students arrive at the school, and have NO idea who you are, or were, or anything. It's humbling.

Boredom...and a little curiosity.

So here's my latest use of time while not employed...I have to give props to Jer Vis for finding this fun little tool...

here's the celebrities that I resemble...supposedly.



Please note with me...I resemble the girl from Full House? And one lady who does not share ethnic background...interesting. I thought it was fun...you should do it too.

God sent me four.

Well...it's offical. I had my first breakdown on Saturday. No, I didn't lose my mind, shout, scream, or cry, although I was close...but it was not me that brokedown, it was my dear car.

You see, my car had been making noise last week...which can be normal for my car, so I thought, well, if it gets worse I'll call the mechanic on Monday. But I didn't make it til Monday. Saturday afternoon I'm leaving my friend Vanessa's place in Vancouver, and had been driving for about 15 minutes, when the car just shut down. Shut off. Said no more. Breathed it's last. (At least it felt that way). I tried rolling start, I tried praying for a miracle, I tired puppy dog eyes at the cars passing me...I tried everything I could, being alone and in the middle of rush hour traffic, short of yelling, "HELP ME!"

In these moments, everything inside me is freaking out...yet somehow my composure remains, and my brain shifts into "what do I need to do?" mode...a function I am thankful for. It is a Godsend...

I am convinced that God provides. If I haven't learned this yet, I am simply stupid.

And so, God sent me four...BCAA (a patient and actually knowledgable towtruck driver), Vanessa (who immediately said, "get your butt back here and stay for the night"...and then distracted me with dinner, movie and pear cider), Translink (who I phoned repeatedly..."I'm at Edmonds and Canada Way, and I need to get to Granville and 70th...what buses do I take?"), and the man who owns Edmonds Starters and Alternators, who didn't charge me for labour, just for parts.

What is life without a little adventure? I guess God figured I've been a little bored lately...

Life on the Island

Ok...I have to admit that I am having a lot of fun here at home (just to clarify, I mean my parents' place on the Island) - and miss summers here. Because there is so much outdoors stuff here - rivers, mountains, ocean - all within 20 minutes of my house, I have been having fun...and reminiscing about summers in highschool, when we would pile into a car, find a river, beach, hole (literally...there's one place called the hole), and spend our day in the water.

Today I went to the falls up by my house, off of the logging road, with a couple of friends...here's a picture to make you wish that you had come with us. If you ever come to visit me, I will bring you here.And here's a picture of my parents' house.

Oh, I will hate the day that they sell this place...even if parts of it are falling apart...it is a beautiful place, and the only home that I have ever known (actually, the only home my parents have ever lived in together too...).

So there it is...life on the Island.

Some of my favorite pictures from the summer (Part 2)

Ok folks, here are the rest of the pictures - enjoy!

Here's me and Mel. Mel and I love to scrape paint. Can you tell? If you need anyone to scrape paint, please give us a call...we are more than willing to help out.
Here are the ladies that worked in the kitchen at the church in Heredia, the last church that we worked with. They were great fun (and made really good food!).
Here's Bryan and Carol, doing exactly what we felt like by the end of the summer.
Here is Bryan hanging out with Dawson - he came with his family in the last group from New York and was a gem to have around.
Here is Darrell hanging out with some cute girls...he will make an awesome dad one day, I do believe.
Here's Dawson and Carmelinda...they were very fun to watch together.

Some of my favorite pictures from the summer (Part 1)

Well folks...here's the long awaited photos (part one because my computer is SO slow...part two will come in a few days, hopefully) In the meantime...enjoy a piece of my summer's faves...


Carol and I at Jaco Random shot of Chad, Bryan and Julia fascinated with their arms.I think that this is one of the most beautiful stained glass pieces - look in the background at the buildings ...Oh, the Passion Play - I think my favorite part was us all dressed up, ready to go...and then waiting until the group would be ready for us to "perform"...and so we took pictures in our costumes as we waited.
Nothing like trying to catch a mid-air moment...
Moments like these would remind me of growing up on the Coast - I'd have to pinch myself sometimes and remember that I was in Costa Rica.The classic hands picture - always seems to signify that we can come together, even if we're from different places, different cultures, and speak different languages. And of course, it looks really cool...
Three gorgeous girls: me with Carol and Candice in San JoseBryan and his favorite little guy from La Tabla:
Bryan and Jon have some fun in the souvenir shop...

My mom

Here's a pic of my mom (far right) with her brother and some lady...while I was in Costa Rica, she went and visited my Uncle Bob in Seattle, and joined his choir for a night. She also got to play their huge pipe organ which is worth like 1.2 million dollars...thankfully it didn't break. Isn't she cute?

back home.

Well, here I am. Today I bought a bed. I felt very grown up about this...feel free to congratulate me. (Although it was from Ikea, so I still felt a little college-like in it all).

The last couple of days have felt like I'm dreaming, but have also been really good - seeing some friends and spending some good quality time with them. Tonight I had dinner with my dear friends, Steve and Maria - Maria is a wonderful cook, and so I was very thankful for the dinner (one, because it was free, two, because it was with friends, three, because it just tasted SO good).

So I guess this is the beginning of my life "post-CBC"...and so far it feels good (feel free to overlook the fact that I've hung out at CBC the past two days).

Leaving.

Well, tomorrow I leave. And I have to say that I'm very sad...and right now am refusing to pack. (Or just waiting for my clothes to dry). I want to say thanks to everyone who faithfully read my updates, and who commented, it gave me something to look forward to!

I guess I have to say that I'm leaving home tomorrow...to go home...how does one live with two (or more) homes in their lives? It's going to be even harder to say goodbye this time...it seems to get harder each time. But this time, I'm leaving more or less knowing that I'm going to come back...and probably for two years next time. So...

Anyways, will put favorite pics on when I get home and can use a "real" computer :)
love to you all.

God's Moving!

Can I just tell you all that God is doing big stuff in the youth group that is here right now. Please thank God with me for all that's going on here...we have 46 youth and leaders from New York here right now...and last night after we did the Passion Play for them, a bunch of the kids rededicated their lives to God. The youth pastor told us today that he feels like three years of youth ministry just came together last night...that is why I am here, and it feels awesome to know that God is using our efforts here for His glory and not ours.

Again, trying to post pics for you all, but the computer keeps shutting down on me...erg.

Trying.

Hi guys,
So i really wanted to post some pics from this last group that came...along with pics of funny life stuff here...but computers are SO slow, and now Candice has returned home with her computer that I would put my pics on...so here's me saying, I'm trying to help you guys visualize, but it might not happen too soon!

In the meantime, we went to the amusement park yesterday as staff and I had a ton of fun...roller coasters, eating lunch and then flying upside down in some contraption called the "Sky Master" that you hope to God Costa Ricans are maintenancing (if that's even a word), and of course we had to end the day with the teacups...and then headed to the mall to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 2 - sometimes we just have to have a day of fun in order to make it through to the end :)

Our next group comes in 2 days...and we have lost 2 staff members and will lose one more before they arrive (I feel a little like I'm on Survivor right now...who will be kicked off the island next?)

Well, blessings to all!

You know those kind of days....

Today was one of those days. Actually, the last two days have been a little that way. We woke up yesterday to no power... after trying to find my stuff in the dark, and taking a cold shower, we headed to the church to meet our team. Most of them were having a rough day after having spent the night at their new host families' houses...and were feeling a little out of place. So after hanging out with them for the day, and trying to make sure that they were having a good time, we returned home....to find out that our power was still off. One of those days. Thankfully after a couple of hours, it came back on.
So then this morning, after accidentally waking up at 5...erg...I woke up with a really sore throat, and upon arriving at the church, just felt really sick. When we got to the church, the team was already there, waiting for us, but the pastor, who hadn't yet ordered the work supplies we needed to get started, wasn't. One of those days. Thankfully after lunch, I felt very energized...I believe that God gave me what I needed, and we had a really fun afternoon doing vacation bible school with some of the local kids.
This evening, it poured...and poured...and poured...and so our open air event, had to be switched for tomorrow, and we went to the mall and handed out free cokes. It was a good time.
However, once we arrived home (about 30 minutes ago), we realized quickly that the rain hadn't just fallen where we were today. We came home to a flooded house. So the boys are using the shop vac right now, and I am getting ready for bed. Just one of those days.

Well well.

So God did it again. He stretched me a lot.

I am sitting in my living room, typing this while a team works on a drama behind me. There are 75 youth here...they arrived on Wednesday, and man is this place full! Our little house is now home to 16 staff and two board members. I'm not really sure how we're fitting....or how we've been managing with one bathroom - but it's kind of like the 5 loaves and 2 fish. It just works.

So last weekend, Gloria's mom went to be with Jesus. It is always sad to lose a loved one, and I really feel for her and her family right now. Please be praying for them.

With this, Delynn headed home on Sunday, and left me in charge. We went and picked up the additional 6 staff members....and then started preparing for the 75 to arrive. Wednesday we made two runs to the airport, and somehow, everything worked out...everyone arrived, everyone was fed, our speakers and people to lead music showed up, and we only had a few minor crises with electricity and water...which is less than many, so in my books, that's pretty decent. :) God is amazing in the way that He provides for us. The staff really came together and have made these last couple of days run so smoothly - I am very thankful for each one of them.

Delynn, Gloria and Carmelinda returned yesterday (yay!) - and so I'm no longer carrying around all the money that we own, nor answering all of the questions...and people aren't trying to ask me questions through the bathroom door anymore.

But I've been stretched, and God has worked...and everytime He does it, I want to say "No!, I don't want to do this!"...and He seems to always respond, "Yes, but I know you, and I want you to do this, and you're not doing it alone." I feel like Moses this summer...right when God first called him to lead, he answered, "but I stutter." He just kept saying it...and God kept replying, "ok, but I'll be with you, and you can even take Aaron, your brother with you, to speak for you." And even after God promised to be with him, and to send Aaron, Moses still said, "but I stutter." May I stop the excuses, and simply be abandoned to God, letting Him use me as He wants. May I come home changed by this experience.

Feliz Cumpleanos...

Yesterday was Jose Andres' birthday party...so I went and visited my host family...along with the rest of the family - there was about 30 people there in total. I had a blast with them - it felt like 'coming home' in some ways. I took two buses from here, and then was walking down the street that I walked every day to and from language school. When I arrived at the house there was lots of hugs and kisses, and Jose Andres (whom I didn't recognize at first cause his hair is longer) came running for a kiss, it was great.

And so Jose is now 5...here he is with his cake:

And his pinata (the Hulk of course):

And here's a good ol' family photo:

So Costa Ricans love birthday parties, and love to eat. We ate a plate of cakes with a bit of dinner. Then out came jello-like dessert with ice cream. And then we had the actual birthday cake. And then there was the candy from the pinata of course...and party bags. I felt like throwing up afterwards :) Great fun...

Just call me "chauffeur" (or "chaufferess?")

Well, today is the first day in a few that I haven't driven anywhere. Now that Delynn realizes that I can drive a 15-passenger standard van, it has become a second (third, fourth, fifth?) profession of mine :) The last couple of days have been driving in downtown San Jose too, which has been interesting...it actually reminds me a lot of downtown Vancouver, which I'm used to...I'm just not used to having a Tico sitting beside me shouting directions in Spanish... :)

Anyways, not too much else new right now...we went to Castro's lastnight in San Jose, and salsa'd and meringue'd our hearts out with a group that is here...it was lots of fun, and I got to practice what I'd learned during language school.

Today we painted, and painted and painted, and tomorrow will be more of the same. It feels good to do some work on our own property...all in order to get ready for the big groups in a few more days!

Happy Birthday Canada!

Well, those of you in Canada, go enjoy some fireworks for me, ok?

My Canada Day excitement? - I slept in, watched a movie, and now am working on some Pura Vida Missions stuff that needs to get done before the next groups come...Candice and I were wondering if we should phone the Canadian embassy and see what they have planned, but don't know if we'll get to it.

Anyways, happy Canada Day!

Pictures from La Tabla

Hi folks...here are some pics for you, to update you all as to what's been going on the last couple of weeks. Here is a view from the church that we stayed at last week in La Tabla...full of drugs, prostitution, and much poverty...and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had.
And here's our staff: from l to r - Julia, Chad, Bryan, Candice, Carisa, Carol and me...after a day off at the beach :)

Here is Alex, one of the youth from Indianapolis Vineyard (the team that just left us), with a beautiful little girl from La Tabla, teaching her how to Eskimo Kiss :)
And of course, the dancing in the downpour had to happen one of these days...I mean, every day...here are some of the girls from the youth group, enjoying the rainy season here in Costa Rica.

Here's the view of the hill of La Tabla...people are free to build wherever they want here, and so they build up and up and up, with whatever supplies they can find.
Here is Bella Flor who runs the church that we worked with (looking very adorable) and her husband, Gerardo, with the van that God recently supplied them with.
What an awesome experience these last couple of weeks have been...many stories, many more pictures than are here, but hopefully this gives you all a better idea of what things looked like around here!

New

Well, today I did something for the first time...I drove in Costa Rica! And another new thing...I drove a 15 passenger van in Costa Rica...and another new thing...I drove a 15 passenger van that was standard in Costa Rica. It was fun. I just wanted to share.

I'm trying to get updated pictures and stories from my time with the team that just left us. Unfortunately our internet is dial up, and so to get pictures on takes a good 40 minutes of just waiting...and I can't afford that time (literally), so please bear with me.

Apple Pie and Poas

Ok, so the story of the Apple Pie: Here I am, holding the world's most beautiful apple pie (And i'm not exagerrating...well, maybe a tad)
And here is what the world's most beautiful pie looked like after a little too much time in the oven...but Minor didn't care, and ate it all for himself anyways (ok, he shared some with us, but wouldn't let any other extended family members at it...and they lived next door!)

Here is Volcan Poas, nice and clear for all to see!
And here is part of my extended Tico family from l to r :Fran (uncle), Melissa (cousin - daughter of Fran and Chio), Carina (mom), Minor (dad), me, and Rosio (or Chio, aunt, married to Fran)
Now you can say that you've seen Volcan Poas...and the world's most beauiful apple pie to boot ;)

The last few days.

Well, here I am back at the camp, working with the other staff, preparing for our first team which is coming down on Sunday. Yikes. And I thought I was ready to be done with Spanish classes...now I'm feeling like those classes were nice ;) I am officially "in charge" of the staff, which is a rather bizarre position, but I'm looking forward to trying to really take care and invest in the staff that are here. Right now there are 7 of us: 3 gringos, 3 candians, and 1 tico. We're having fun, working hard, and I don't know about the rest, but I'm looking forward to the group's arrival.

Those of you who are praying for me, can definitely pray for wisdom and ability to converse more easily in Spanish - I am also "in charge" of the kitchen...and that means conversing daily with our cook, who only speaks Spanish, and making sure that she's making schedules for meals, knowing when those meals are, and for how many people, and what the meals involve. Pray for me!

As for the "ending" with my family - I had a great last weekend with them... I will post pictures later. I finally was able to make my apple pie for them (the first pie I've ever made), and it actually turned out! (God's grace, I do believe :)) And then on the last day, we all went to a Volcano, which I've never experienced here in all my visits to Costa Rica (shame, shame)...and when we arrived, it was rather disappointing, as all was fogged in, and we couldn't see a thing. But after about 10 minutes of waiting, suddenly the clouds lifted, and we had the BEST view of everything (pictures coming). It was a great gift, and I was so happy to have the opportunity to share this with my Tico Family. (A bonus: I got in as a Tica - prices in Costa Rica are cheaper for Costa Ricans, and are much more expensive for Americans/Foreigners, as they are assumed to have more money. So another student from the school, from the States, was ahead of us in another car with other family members, and paid $7 for his ticket in. However, I got in for $1.25 - the benefits of having dark hair and dark eyes...I rather enjoyed it.)

Anyways, things here are humming along - I covet your prayers!

More of the everyday...and in between

Welcome to more pictures...I like pictures...


Here is where we went yesterday - the children's museum in San Jose - it was a lot of fun...as you can see here:

So we proved that the children's museum isn't just for children...

Here I am with Errol...whom we pass on the way to school every day, who practices his English with us:

And here is my Masi...whom every day sends me off to school with kisses, and wishes me well:

Endings and Beginnings

Well, today is my last day of Spanish school...I will try to take some pictures today and post them, so you can see what the school looks like, and some of the people that I've been spending my time with :)
I, again, can't believe how quickly time has flown (you'd think I'd get used to this feeling in life..but still, it amazes me every time), and on Sunday I will be heading back up the mountain to meet all the new staff, and start preparing with them for the groups that are coming.
Here we go...

Hangman

Last night I had one of the best nights here - because my family and I were very hyper, and so Carina, Minor and I played hangman...in Spanish of course. It was fun to spend time with them when I wasn't doing homework, and they weren't busy with work, or taking care of Jose Andres. I got to see them as the young couple that they are, and we got to be goofy together.

I'm looking forward to these next couple of weekends with my family. I'm making an apple pie for them on Sunday...it's a very big deal, and they're very excited...I'm really hoping it will turn out :) And next weekend, there's big plans for going to the pool, and hopefully to a volcano. I'm simply looking forward to the time that I can spend with them...without homework!

A few days at Hotel Fiesta

Here are a few pictures from my "resort time" at Hotel Fiesta with the Hoover family... Hope you enjoy!










Here I am with Carol (middle) and Candice (right)...one of those where you try to fit too many people into a picture, and no one else is around to ask to take the picture...very becoming.








Sunset on the beach the first night...and the bugs ate us alive :)







Here it is...well, part of it...pool, bar in the pool, lounge chairs, and palm trees. The long building in the background was the "dining room".

Some of the every day...

Here is little Jose Andres...bread criminal...and his beloved Manchez.

Every day on my way to school, I pass by this road. I think the view is phenomenal...although better in real life than what you see here...

Here is the giant Catholic church that I pass by on the way to school.