Mixed Emotions

Today we had to say goodbye to some very special people. We had an amazing time in Tuis. We made some amazing friends. They have changed our lives, and I'm pretty sure we have found a place in a few of theirs too. It wasn't only the two of us with teary eyes today. Maybe I was the only one out right crying though...

Recap of our last few days>>>>

• Yes, we did go to the coffee farm! We hunted Umberto down and pleaded with him until he took us. He probably thought that was the path of least resistance considering we lived on the same lot. He was very proud to show us. We picked beans, chopped down sugar cane with a machete and ate it right there on his farm overlooking the Costa Rican mountains. It was nothing short of an amazing moment that with resonate in our heart for some time to come.
  
• No, we didn't finish the bathroom job - but they are much greener than when we started though! We purchased some rollers so the next volunteers don't have to put up with the agony of old crusty paint brushes. It was amazing how much thanks we got, considering we only got one stall and one wall done. Next time we may want to set some achievable goals.
  
• On Saturday we hiked up to the new residents house they are building and the huge garden they have. It is built on a hill, and it looks beautiful. They will be able to house 8 more residents at the new facility. They are doing some pretty amazing work here.
  
• Our Spanish is getting better. We are able to communicate, but a lot of charades is still involved. Entertainment for all!
• This morning Tom got his hair cut by our 'house-father". He was looking at Tom's hair, then at his shears...Then at his barber chair....The good sport just jumped in!!
  
• The church service this morning was nothing short of moving. The Spirit is here, and it is so amazing to meet believers from around the globe. It doesn't cease to amaze me how many of us Christians there are, how Jesus changes lives in all nations.
  
• We got to attend a Costa Rican birthday party today. They serve two kinds of cake at them! (And you are suppose to eat them both!)
• And, drum roll please.....we are writing you from Peurto Viejo tonight!!! Because I doubt that you know where that is either, we are on the Carribean coast, near the Panama border. We rented a cute little cabana for the night and already took a dip in the ocean. Straw roof ta boot! Bats ta boot... Geckos ta boot....And, apparently, the Howler Monkeys will be around at 5:00am. Can't wait to meet 'em! (Did you know that they are the loudest mammals on earth?)
• We saw some breath taking scenes on the way over here. Moutnains, valleys, the ocean, BANANA fields!!! And some pot holes that would give Winnipeg a run for its money.
  
• Tomorrow we are jumping the border and our (achievable?) goal is to make it to David. It we don't make it, we will be spending the night near Bocas del Toro. Poor Tom and Candice....Can you hear the violins???

Hope to catch another internet cafe along the way. We miss you, and will try to keep you posted.

Love,
Tom and Candice