WE'RE HERE!

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!