Mike and Deb on downtown plaza in front of the Teatro Nacional - the National Theater 
American chain restaurants in downtown San Jose
Palm trees on downtown plaza
View of surrounding mountains near our home - 
Well, it's hard to believe that after almost 3 years of preparations (application and itineration), we are here in Costa Rica. We moved from our home on Tuesday - stayed at our daughter Katie's apartment that night - got up at 2am on Wednesday. Ryan and Meghaan took us to Pittsburgh International Airport. They helped us with the luggage and by 5am we were all checked in. We took off at 6am - short layover in Houston and we arrived in San Jose at 2pm, with everything in tact, including ourselves.
It was a very emotional flight, knowing we would not see our children for several months. Leaving them back in the States was the most difficult thing we have ever done. When you pray, please pray for God's grace and presence to surround the children. Following the will of the Lord is not always easy. Giving up our "things" never felt to be much of a sacrifice (As I have been saying, "We are free! We now own nothing and we owe nothing!") But our hearts are breaking at the thought of not seeing Ryan, Meghaan, Katie, Christopher, Cynthia and the grandchildren for some time.
Back to our move ... We cleared Customs with no problems and we were picked up by Missionary Associate Bob McKay.
Our new apartment is great (see picture) - and only 3-4 blocks away from the language school (CINCEL). We had dinner last night at the school with all the new students. This morning we walked to school (didn't get lost) and had our first interviews (in Spanish) and written tests (Spanish proficiency). Debbie just signed her test and handed it in. I took about 40 minutes on the written test ( and probably got all the answers wrong) I needed duct tape to keep my brains in tact.
Today we go grocery shopping at HiperMas (kind of like a WalMart). Tomorrow we learn how to take the bus in the city. Saturday we go to the large outdoor fruit and vegetable market. Sunday we go to church. Monday is orientation and classes begin on Tuesday.
We feel like kids again!
The past few days have been a season of saying our goodbyes to many dear friends before we leave for the mission field. Two weeks ago, we were back in our home town saying farewell to our families. That was tough ... not knowing when we might see them again. Then last Sunday, we spoke at First Assembly of God in Waynesburg, PA - the church we pastored for 14 years. They have been so kind and generous to our family through the years. We also have had dinners and lunches with a number of friends recently, again, saying "so long" to each of them. And then a couple of very difficult "goodbyes" within the last week. Two dear friends of ours for many years have finished their race here on earth and are now enjoying their eternal reward: Ruth Stickles, age 96, a member of First Assembly passed away last Sunday. I had the distinct honor of preaching her funeral. Ruth was a great prayer warrior and demonstrated true faithfulness throughout her long life ... and Pastor Tim Brower, a very special friend - Tim founded and pastored Truth Assembly Chapel in Wadestown, WV, one of our supporting churches. He went to be with the Lord last Friday at the very young age of 63. The funeral was today - and I was honored to participate in his funeral service.
Saying goodbye is not easy. But for the believer, life is eternal! The past few days, I have found myself humming the old Gospel song, If we never meet again this side of Heaven ... I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
