Let Them Be Little

SHE'S HOME!

And here is a little proof:

Megan with her Global Leadership teacher.

Homecoming's are the BEST! This little gal came out of the international travel area with the entire group and I couldn't see her! She was behind other, bigger kids and I began to frantically search for her. Suddenly, there were very strong little arms around me and the sweetest little gal was giving me the HUGEST hug while bursting into tears! Which made me cry. She was happy while she was gone but once she saw me, it hit her.

I am so thankful that she could go and have a wonderful and life-changing experience and I am so very happy that she is home again!

She took some fun photos while in Costa Rica, we've looked at them and listened to great stories and experiences and I can't wait to share more!

She is doing very well. But with 3 hours of sleep last night, she was very, very tired by the time we finished dinner...(OH! I need to tell you about my BIG mistake with dinner in the next post). She went to a church youth meeting tonight though, as tired as she was - I think she has learned to sleep with her eyes open.  :)

Since it is late and I am off to bed, I will not share much but I want to share a few photos and her favorites.

When I picked her up from the airport (and got her away from the rest of her group), I asked her, "Top 3 favorites, GO!" 

She immediately stated, "Baby sea turtles, zip-lining, and helping the children at the school and daycare facility."

She really wants to help a little village that touched her heart while they were serving there.

Okay, I really could go on and on about everything she said but I have to save it for later...

Pura Vida!

NATHAN AND EMILY ROAD TRIP

to Dinosaur Land!

Last weekend Nathan and Emily took some of their friends out to visit my parents and see the dinosaur fossils. There were ten of them in their group, two car loads.

It sounds like they all had a great time.  There were several girls in the group who are from Ecuador, Nathan's friend, Alejo, from Colombia and others. 

Emily brought her friend, Mary, who is from my favorite state, WA.  :) 

(I think my folks were glad that Mary speaks English, ha, ha!)

My folks were very impressed with this group of kids! They said they were a really great young people.

One girl told my mom that she had learned about the dinosaur quarry and fossils from a textbook at school in Ecuador and she was so excited to get to see it all in person. She never thought she would have such an opportunity. As my mom described how thrilled this young lady was to see the dinosaur bones, etc., I couldn't help but think back to when I would bring my foreign friends to visit my parents. They were always very excited to visit my folks and see Dinosaur Land.

It also reminded me of how thrilled I have been when I have had the opportunity to read and study about another country and then see it in person.

It's so great that they could all go out there together. It makes me feel really happy that the kids would want to go visit their grandparents and take a big group of friends with them.  I really love that!

 

My nieces, Aliya and Breanna, were able to spend the day with them also. How fun for them to get to hang out with a college crowd and their (older) cousins!

 

 

I have had to steal some of the photos from Mary's blog (thanks Mary!) and FB. I wish someone had a photo of the group with my parents...maybe there is one out there somewhere...I hope...

A WONDERFUL EMAIL FROM COSTA RICA THIS MORNING

Hearing from this group in Costa Rica makes my heart so happy!

Here is the note we received today:

 

Hello all.

First, I want to apologize for the emails that aren't going through.  I've been using the same list from throughout the year, so I am not sure what is happening.

Second,  want to thank you for your patience.  As I said at our meetings, we are very go, go go here.  It is difficult to find the opportunity to email, but I know it is important for you to hear what is happening.  That is why I also could not promise to send pictures, but I was glad to be able to send a few.  I hope you enjoyed them and were able to share them with one another!

Yesterday was amazing!  The students worked in a local school and painted a classroom and a cafeteria inside and out!  It was a tough job--three hours of work for 28 of us.  I'm so proud of them--the teachers were very excited and thanked us multiple times.  After that, some of the local school kids challenged us to a game of soccer.  I have to say that they schooled us pretty badly--even when we ALL played against them (a team of 12)--we had 28.  It was fun though. :)  The students gave the school the equipment that was donated and the school kids and teachers give thanks to our families.

We are going to give the cash donations to the local foundation here that puts together school packs for needy children.  Thank you all again for your generosity.

After the soccer game, we went kayaking and rafting in the Sarapiqui river--in which there are no rapids but just a gentle current.  It was a lot of fun and a great way to cool off together.  We also got to see where Will Smith was filming just the day before we got there!  I'll let the students tell you more.

Last night we arrived back right at dinner and then headed to Tirimbina for a bat talk.  We learned about the different types of bats and their importance in our ecosystem.  I will say that the kids were so tired...that we didn't have to knock on too many doors to tell them lights out. :)

I need to go now because we are loading the bus--but I do want to say how proud I am of all your students.  Being away from home and learning/experiencing/trying/

risking/playing/working in a foreign country is not easy for anyone.  However, this group is really growing together and are strong.  They are each bringing something to the group, and it is great to see them share their true selves with one another.   They are doing great, and I know they are all excited to see you and share their experiences.

We look forward to seeing you all at the airport tomorrow.
Pura Vida,
The Costa Rica Gang

NEWS FROM COSTA RICA!

FINALLY!

The teachers had let us know that they might not be able to have much (if any) contact, via email, with us but promised to send a quick something if they could.

I didn't expect to hear from them but I hoped we might...

and tonight we did!

They said the kids are all doing great and are having a wonderful time!

Here is part of the note we received tonight:

"Today we went to an organic two acre farm and the students learned all kinds of things with plants (they even learned some math).  The farm is amazing--we had a delicious lunch there as well.  Some students were even brave enough to try a hot pepper right out of the garden...it was hot!!!

I've attached a picture of the kitchen at the farm--they can feed 40 people every day--Tilapia, pigs, cows, chickens, and a beautiful garden.  Everything is so fresh."

 Doesn't that look great?! (I think I could really have some fun right there!)

I know you are anxious (as I was) to see Meg in a photo, I was so excited to see that they did send a photo with the kids (Meg!).

I couldn't hardly contain myself while I waited for these photos to load!

Meg is on the far left, front row, orange helmet.  Cute girl!!

And the next photo is also very cute! A baby sea turtle! (And that colorful beach! Wow!)

I certainly cannot wait for Sunday to come and for time with her to hear ALL about it!

 

 

SO HAPPY THAT WE ARE NOT YET EMPTY NESTERS

 

 Have I posted this photo of Smash and Emily on here already?  I can't remember. But it's a favorite!

 

I am really thankful that Smash has been here this week while Meg has been gone.

And I have been trying to help him feel extra special because he is the only one home - and with school and homework still, it can't be all that fun.

I have been leaving little treats for him.

It is vegetable week around here - he LOVES veggies - so I have been making a lot of his favorite foods - loaded with vegetables.  And BREAD!  Of course, bread!  He loves bread even more than veggies.

Every day this week I have been so anxious and happy to see him after track.  I can't wait until he spots the little treat, or the little gift (like a soft t-shirt or sweats he needs for track), or the food that I have waiting for him.

He gets so excited and exclaims things like, "SCORE!" or "SWEET!" or "SWEET-SAUCE!" (which is totally new to me - do your kids say "sweet sauce?").  But I love it, no matter what it is that he says, I love it.

And I love him.

He keeps the FUN-meter gauge at high; that's BIG FUN!

Even when he is not happy and is cranky (he can get cranky- ooo-eee!), I love him to pieces.

Tonight I was so excited for him to get home.  I had stayed home all day - yesterday was a beautiful day but I spent it at the doc and PT offices mostly - today was cold and I hurt all over, in part because of yesterday, so I stayed in.

The afternoon was spent baking mostly.  I made homemade rolls and cherry butter for him.  Some of the roll dough I made into monkey bread (with chocolate chips). I knew he would love the  homemade rolls and the monkey bread would send him happily to the moon. And it did! I made one loaf pan of that ooey-gooey, very sticky and yummy bread and I think he may have eaten half of the loaf.

We also had homemade Cream of Asparagus Soup, which he loved.  Glad it sounded and tasted good to him after track.

So, when he came in from track tonight, I had his house shoes (that Nate brought back from Argentina) waiting for him by the door and the food hot and ready for him. Although I wasn't in the room with him when he came in, I could hear him and in my mind's eye I could see him! The word tonight was "SCORE!" and I know he had his arm up with a pumping fist accompanying the word "SCORE!".

And then he was like a dog with a bone - couldn't get at it fast enough!

Made me so very happy!

So, when we eventually become empty-nesters, I plan to teach Jonathan these words and accompanying actions - for my enjoyment!  :) 

 

CANCER TAKES MANY OF THE ONES WE LOVE FROM US

and we are often left to wonder why.

We are currently praying for several young parents who have to fight this cancer fight right now.

Why do young, wonderful people have to suffer from such a difficult disease and why do they have to leave this world too early?

We wonder how their spouses and children will be able to cope and continue on.

How will our Heavenly Father touch them individually and let them know they are not alone?

I have faith that he does just that.

I feel that since he knows each of us, he will find a way to personally touch the hearts and minds of those in need in a way that will speak peace to their (our) souls.

My cousin went through this several years ago. Her husband suffered and then died from cancer on his 40th birthday. She was just a young mom with 4 sons and 1 daughter.

 One of her sons (who was 10 years old when his dad passed away) has composed an inspiring piece of music and set that to photos and powerful words that tell a part of his own story of coping with the loss of his father.

As the music and words in the video speak alongside the images of deep and abiding love, it is clear to me that the Lord was so very mindful of this young boy at a time when he needed the reassuring love of our Heavenly Father and the healing power of our Savior.

My cousin has given permission for me to share this video here, thanks Laylene. (If it isn't showing up for you, you will have to visit my blog directly).

 

 

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

John 14:18 I will not leave you comdortless: I will come to you.

 

**If you would like to leave a message for Spencer here, feel free to comment and I will pass that along to him.

HIS SMASH-ING WEEKEND

So he doesn't have Costa Rica but he has us!  Hahahahaha!

 Isn't that the prize every teen wants?  More time with the folks?

 We have been trying to make this week as nice as possible for the Smash-man.

 He attended a BYU-EFY express. An EFY (Especially for Youth) experience in your own area and for only one day.

 I made buttermilk scones (the really good but very fattening, deep-fried variety) with a choice of raspberry sauce, fresh strawberries or honey butter.

 Since he had a day off from school for President's Day on Monday, he and Jon went skiing - a rather presidential decision.  :) They had a great time - even though they nearly froze their noses off! 

 Seriously.

 The day began for them at about 4 degrees with flurries, when the sun came out it warmed things up a bit - only a bit - and the wind was brutal!

 Look at the very red face below.

 The photo, taken with Jonathan's cell phone, is blurry but you can still see that Smash was VERY cold!

 I'm so glad they had a great time anyway.

 

 

Jonathan asked me to "FIX" the photo below...ha, ha!

He has such faith. 

I could crop around his thumb but why would I do that?  I did, however, try to sharpen up Smash so he wouldn't be quite as blurry...

 

Smash didn't seem to have that trouble when he took a photo of his dad.

I know it was terribly frigid but it is so very beautiful on top of that mountain!

This makes me so happy to see them out doing these types of things together. 

And I love that we live in a place, where right in our own 'backyard' are lots of adventures for us to enjoy.

 

 

 

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED

to leave.

For most of the time we were at the airport with Megan, she had her arms folded across her body and her hands inside her sleeves.  She wasn't cold, just nervous. Once the rest of her Global Leadership group got there, she began to over compensate.  I haven't really ever seen her quite that nervous before, not even during her gymnastics years.

Although she was nervous, I could tell that she was also very excited.

I have no idea what she and her friend are talking about but this was the first time she pulled her hands out of her sleeves and away from her body.

Smash and I decided to take a peek at her while she was going through check-in...we had been dismissed but we thought we'd take advantage of the few minutes we had while Jonathan went to get the car for us.  :)

I wish I would have gotten a photo of Smash doing a "stealth" move - rolling on the floor.

I also wish I would have gotten a photo of the face of a lady who watched him!

*
*

We do not have contact with Megan while she is in Costa Rica.  None whatsoever.  That is hard but I can see the wisdom in the leaders wanting to have the kids completely "unplug" in order to have a complete experience there.

*

At one of the last meetings, we were given a brief itinerary:

*

After the plane ride there, they were to immediately board a bus and ride for 7 hours.

*

First stop: Camaronal (Guanacaste Peninsula).  They will be able to work in a rehab facility for sea turtles.  They will also look for nesting sea turtles along  the beach at night.

*

The next day they will be participating in a service project in the area.  They will work with a sea turtle restoration project and then look for nesting turtles late at night again.

*

The next morning: travel to Monteverde, cloud forest region (approx. 5 hours). Work at a local farm.  That night they will lodge at the Univ. of Georgia Costa Rica Campus and learn about carbon offsets.

*

The next day they will visit the Santa Elena Cloud forest and do a little zip-lining. Then they will visit a local town and play with some of the kids. I believe this is where they will be working with some of the orphans and school children.  Meg took a soccer ball to give to them. They will learn some local cooking and then that night they will go on a hike.

*

Another day and more travel; 5 hours to Arenal. spend time on the lake there. (By the volcano!)

*

The next day they will travel again to Sarapiqui - 3 hours away - and work on a sustainable farm. Then on to a pineapple plantation.  At night, they will hike in the area.

*

While in that area, the next morning, they have another service project scheduled.  They will then explore the river.  That night they have a "Bat" activity, I don't think they are talking about the Louisville Slugger variety of bats...

*

Off to San Jose, the big city, the next morning (travel time 3 hours). They will meet with the founder and director of the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation and then volunteer in the community.

*

And they will travel home on Sunday.

*

We were not told everything they would be doing because they wanted to keep some of it a surprise for the kids.

*

I can't imagine what else they have planned!

*

If their teachers are able to get to an area with internet access, they will send an update.  We have not yet heard from them - I'm sure everything is fine.

*

I found some photos online though of some of the areas where the kids will be:

ONE CHIP BOY

You may have read the story of the boy who offered Megan a chip for her birthday - a Doritos chip - in lieu of a little snack bag of Gushers (because he didn't have enough money at school to buy them).

If you do recall that funny little story, you might be a little curious to see a photo of him.

He really is a nice young man. (Please don't feel that I am making fun of him, I just think the situation/story is quite funny).

Although I had been to meetings with these kids throughout the year and had met several of them, I could not remember which one was Ben, a.k.a. Chip Boy.

So, when we were all at the airport together I asked Meg, "Where is Chip Boy?"

And then I snapped a photo of him - for fun.

 

 

TODAY IS THE DAY

It's here! 

Already.

Little Miss Meg leaves for Costa Rica

and my emotions are all over the place.

Ugh...I'm such a woman...

so happy for her, excited, nervous, a bit terrified, but thrilled at this amazing opportunity for her,

not really envious, but I do wish I could go along.

If I could choose to go anywhere and do anything, this trip with this itinerary would be at the very top of the list, if not #1.

And SHE will be there!

Wouldn't that be fabulous to get to enjoy it with her?

But if I can't go and do something so wonderful,

I am certainly glad that one of our children can.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity -

actually, I hope this won't be only once in a lifetime, perhaps she will be able to do this type of service in the years to come as well.

Right now, she is just 14

and although she realizes that this is a BIG trip, a HUGE trip,

and she appreciates all of the preparation that has gone into getting ready for it,

and she is excited, (ecstatic!) about this adventure -

the realization of what this really means to her (and to others)

will increase as she grows and matures.

In the years ahead, I am certain that she will look back on this

and see the impact that it has had on her life.

So, I am thrilled for her!

But I miss her already.

 

 

This is Meg in 1st grade, asleep under my desk at school. This was NOT that long ago!