Week One

Needless to say I love this place.  I can't give a good explanation as to why, but it's crazy to think that when I arrive in this country, or get close to Uvita I suddenly feel like I'm coming home.  It's the same feeling I get when I reach exit 154 at home.  But here's the low down for the week. 

Internet Cafe is up and running.  It's a really cool place for the kids and members of the community to come get on the internet, play xbox, and now we are watching nonstop soccer.  God is really using the common place int he Balina community to reach people.  Just so you know, I can really see myself living above this cafe one day!! I have some many God sent ideas, but honestly I don't want to embark on this adventure on my own.  I want to share it with someone which is crazy for me.  You all know I am a very independent, fly by my seat kind of person, but for some reason I feel as though I want someone to share my living above the cafe life.  If you know what I mean?

The mountain is the mountain.  God's special place.  It is holy ground and all who come leave stronger, more powerful, and deeper in love with Christ.  I have had the pleasure to watch the Lord work in my friend Erin's life and see the revelation of the simplicity of Christ's love for us.  I have also enjoyed spending my day's in the kitchen with two other wonderful women cooking, cleaning, and providing the needs for all on the mountain. 

The bugs are still here.  How could they not?  I believe the fact that here there is no use of pesticides and most all stuff grown is grown without chemicals, the bugs stick around.  Which is good.  Don't you ever wonder where all the bugs are in the states?  I think we've killed them.  Which means we need more chemicals for pollination, and I don believe all these chemicals are contributing to the massive amount of cancer we face in the states.

I've rejoined some of my old friends while I've been here.  Fannie, Diego, and Emily (my Costa Family) all live and work on the mountain.  As well, as the Fullers, and other people who have passed by in the summers past.  The same girl that works at Don Israel (the supermarket) still works at that supermarket and Diego's Dad is still the only person I know that is 70 years old and still works like a 20 year old man!  But this summer has been different.  I have met some new people.  For example... Esteven.  Not Steven.. but Esteven.  He is Diego's nephew who helps at the cafe.  He is great.  He is so nice and he loves learning English! 
Another new person is the Cafe' Intern J. Wax.  He is a Louisiana boy.  I have never met anyone in my life who I have so much in common with.  He boy is a teacher, coach, raised on a farm, and knows the same country songs.  We get along really good!  I told him it's nice to have someone down here that sounds like me (tribute to Jay Key.. all you NWMS folks).  We have had such a similar background and upraising that it is crazy!!  I think you will here more about him in the future!... maybe.

If I haven't said it before I'll say it now.  Every summer in Costa is a different experience.  Every summer in Costa God reveals new exciting things about me, about his love, and about the next part of the road he has for me.  It's fun.  It's exciting, and I can't wait to share with you the adventure he is going to unfold. 

Oh.. Pics to come soon... it's hard to upload here!