With difficulty, I made it home early Saturday morning. Friday morning, I showed up at the local airport to take the puddle jumper into San Jose, only to find they had cancelled my flight and rescheduled a flight that would arrive at 9:40 a.m. Unfortunately, that did not give me a two-hour window for my stateside flight which left at 9:55 a.m. What followed was a series of panicstricken conversations that made it seem as if I wouldn’t get home until Sunday. Finally, my kids found a flight with American that left that afternoon. It took several hundred more dollars to get home, but I made it about 9:30 p.m. Friday night. Christine and Russ found me easily, and we took the long ride home. I hit the pillow around 2 a.m. It was good to be home and sleep in my own bed, not that I didn’t sleep well in Costa Rica.
Thank you to all the community folks that welcomed me home.
I managed to finish the furniture I was recovering while in Costa Rica. The kids are still settling into a new way of life. There are good and sad things in every country. Costa Rica is a majestic little country. The rich verdant colors battle with towering volcanic mountains for all the attention. That means it’s bright green and filled with lofty mountains. The kids took me to Nauyaca Falls in Montepalo, a bone jarring 25-minute trip from the main road on a seat in the back of an open truck. The trip to the bottom of the falls was slick and difficult, but the bottom of the falls and crystal green water made the climb worth the trouble. I almost went over the lower falls, but a firm hand reached out and rescued me from the current that was about to take me for a bumpy ride. Shane and I swam in the deep water while Earnie watched the gear, and then we switched. It was a marvelous day. We went to a cocoa plantation. They also harvested coffee and sugar as well. I can’t describe the pleasure I received eating spoons full of freshly made chocolate. I tasted a coffee bean straight off the bush. Surprisingly, it was sweet and pleasant tasting. The coffee flavor comes from the baking. For all you coffee drinkers out there, the light roast has the most caffeine, and the dark roast has the least caffeine. They recommend the medium roast for flavor and medium amount of caffeine. When I considered the time-consuming hand pollination of the cocoa and coffee, I could see why it is so costly. We spent two days at the beach, body surfing and getting pummeled by the waves. I have had a blessed week. Now, I’m anxious to get back to my kids.
If you didn’t get to attend, the Christmas program at the Christian Church was wonderful. Otto said it was the largest choir they had ever had. I agree with Otto, and consequently the sound was delightful. We had an assortment of solo singers, Maxine Robbins, Paula Miller, Elizabeth Johnson, Barbara Fowler a surprise singer, Ian Haug, and our Skelton ladies, Ginger, Laura, and Kristy. We had two touching readings, “The Christmas Spider,” and “No Man’s Land.” I’m sorry if you missed this lovely start to the Christmas season. The celebration has been renamed the Mary Kate Adams Christmas Celebration. I know Mary Kate was smiling, and Mrs. Slaymaker did an impressive job on the piano. The big game happened while
The big game happened while I was on my way home. I wish the results had been better, but I know our athletes fought to the bitter end.
They need to hold their heads up proudly. I agree it stinks to lose such an important game, but they gave their best. We will be losing 5-7 key players this year, but I’m sure Coach Burkhart and Coach Rogers will bring our undergraduates up to scratch next year. We have strong hearts and spirits. I saw the pictures from the blackout pep rally, and the girls outdid themselves this year. Way to go, ladies. Pam Starr and Jessica have
Pam Starr and Jessica have worked with our cheerleaders for many years. Please give them a high-five when you see them. I hear that Coach Burkhart will be having surgery this week to repair blockages in his heart. Please send up a prayer to the good Lord for his safe surgery and recovery.
The girls basketball team is on a winning roll. They are exciting to watch. I hope you can attend a home game and watch an outstanding performance. Our boys will be starting basketball now that football is over. I expect Coach Rogers will have them game ready in no time. The ladies quilting and
The ladies quilting and Bible study will have their annual Christmas party on Tuesday the 14th. They will have a gift exchange. Each gift must have a homemade article. The fun begins when the present stealing starts. I remember the first party I attended; everyone was being too nice to steal. Those days are long gone. We all get a kick out of teasing and pretending to steal. It’s a great party with wonderful friends. Over the years, we have bonded together, and each of us can be counted on to share and help in times of trouble. If you want to spend time with our wonderful Christian ladies, please feel welcome to visit.
As Christmas approaches, it is important to take time to pray for the families who will be missing loved ones. Our country, President and Congress need hours of prayers. They just can’t seem to be able to make sense, and the cost of living gets higher every day. On a positive note, there are jobs open, and hiring is happening.
The covid testing here in the states was much more efficient than that of Costa Rica. I was able to do the 15-minute test in 15 minutes.
In Costa Rica they did the bad nose test, and I didn’t get a report until six hours later. My nose itches just thinking about that test.
My prayer is that these lockdowns will cease, and we regular Americans can get back to living free.
Please pray for all the victims of shooting crimes and for the hate that is rampant in our country. I pray for all the officers that place themselves in danger for us; our border patrol officers need our prayers as well. Gerald McKee, my husband Russ, and Billie Behrens need prayers. Vera Ralston is doing very well after her knee surgery, and so is Heather Lewis after her recent pacemaker implant. If you have time, spend some of it with one of our shut-ins. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.