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| Hello again Oregon! |
And…we’re back. In some ways it feels like we never left;
it’s been so easy to jump back into the busy lifestyle we left here without
missing a beat. On the other hand, it’s obvious we’ve been gone when it comes
to seeing how children have grown up, not recognizing any current movies or
music, or wanting to clarify something in Spanish because it would just convey
the meaning better than English would. However, the overall theme is
contentment. But before I delve into our current chapter, let me wrap up the
last one.
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| Our version of the traditional meal...pretty authentic too! |
Our last few weeks in Costa Rica were busier than normal and
very meaningful. My family came for Thanksgiving, laden with not only one, but
two turkeys from the States to test out in our oven. Yes, they traveled from
Idaho to Washington in a car, and then via airplane across the States and down
to Costa Rica, only to be put back in a car and driven to the Caribbean. After
all that, the centers were still frozen! We cooked the first as a tester and
threw some wet wood in the oven to give it a smoked flavor. It wasn’t my
Grandpa’s famous smoked recipe, but it cooked overnight and ended up being so
moist and delicious! The second was also a winner and we enjoyed eating it
along with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and apple crisp on Thanksgiving
Day. I was definitely pleased with the re-creation of the North American
Holiday, including the tradition of going around the table and saying what we
were thankful for. It’s such a great discipline and made us realize even more
fully how blessed we have been this year. There’s so much…we could write a book
on all of the ways God provided day after day. I suppose this blog will serve
as just that.
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| Ziplining gang |
Along with Thanksgiving festivities my family swam in the
Caribbean for the first time, heard the howl of the monkeys, played with our 2
nd
graders, and tried much of the local fare. It was a great final hurrah as we
treasured our “lasts” with them. The hardest was, of course, saying good bye to
our students. I can’t count the number of times we were told to not go, how
much they loved us, and how much they would miss us. The pure love of children
is such a gift to the soul and we already miss them. We still quote them or
imitate them without even thinking about how it might sound random and strange to
anyone listening. : ) Thank goodness for modern technology though; I’ve already
received a couple of emails from Shiwai updating us and wishing us back.
Hopefully we can skype with them in March when their school year starts back up
and they’re smart 3
rd graders.
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| Teaching Guiselle how to make cinnamon rolls! |
It was also strange to leave our home for the last 8 months,
and we were again thankful for my family’s rented van so we could load it all
up for the trek to San Jose. Once we were there, the last week was a relaxed
sort of blur. It was filled with many good byes and final preparations for
leaving and for returning. Things like insurances, cell phones, living
arrangements, and work. And, of course, reunions. The Baits invited many
friends over who prayed for us as we ended and began a new adventure. It was strange to say good bye to the
family that had become like our own, but the fact that they’ll be on home
assignment in July is reassuring. Washington is very close!
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| All of our wonderful friends praying for our next steps. |
The flying from CR to the USA is always an ordeal it seems,
and after chucking some more items (after we’d already slimmed down our luggage
once or twice), giving things away to the airport workers, running to barely
catch a connecting flight (exactly like Kevin does it in Home Alone 2 ;)), and
freezing our bones just switching terminals in Denver, we arrived safely in
Idaho, where we reunited with many wonderful friends and family. My mom
probably spent more money in heating for that week than she had the whole
month…thanks Mom, we’re slowly acclimating!
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| Idaho reunion (one of several) with Jenks and Molly. |
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| Putting in the kitchen sink! |
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| Designated Painter |
The last few weeks we’ve been working for Chris’ mom by day
and assuming the role of construction workers by night to finish up the last
few details of the apartment attached to his Dad’s home. We’re so blessed to
have a place to stay (Thanks Dad and Janet!), and the biggest place we’ve lived
thus far at that! Needless to say, it’s been a busy several weeks!! A few weeks
filled with such happiness. Sure, we’re adjusting and trying to figure out jobs
and schooling, but we’re with our friends and family, and that makes it all
wonderful. Going away only made us appreciate people more.
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| Bash Bro's and Wives Reunion in Oregon |
The struggle now is
to remember all that we learned this past year and to put it into practice
while continuing our lives here. We don’t want to resume everything just like
before, but rather start again and implement the “pura vida” style of living,
avoiding unnecessary stress and worry, and taking time to just be—time with
people and not chasing earthly pleasures. This Christmas season is perfect for
that, as our families have gathered together and we can share life with one
another, remembering our Savior’s birth.
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| First & last snow ball fight of 2011 |
One last thank you to all of our faithful readers for
praying for us, supporting us, and sharing this adventure with us. Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jennifer and Christopher Savage
