A True Friend Is A Forever Friend

There is nothing poetic I can say about a true friend that has not already been said many times before by many others. But what I can say is this:

A true friend will go to an oral surgeon's office, expecting a three day procedure and stay with you for three weeks to show her love. A true friend will hold your hand when the novacaine is so painful that even she can't bare to watch. A true friend will make you a grilled cheese sandwich at 3:00 in the morning just so you can take medicine to help you heal from pain. A true friend is someone who can smile at you when you have a mouthful of metal and casts and tell you the truth while laughing. "Yeah, you look like hell. But it's almost over and it is going to be beautiful!"

I can never thank Victoria for the support she has been in my life. She has taught me a deeper understanding of selflessness and true love. She has been there when the valium kicked in and I could barely remember that I was in Central America! And what a safety she has been for me!!! My Spanish has yet to improve very much.

Victoria has been an inspiration in so many ways that I was amazed and astounded at her ability to teach me things I thought I already knew. When a crisis of sort occured with my daughter, Jessica, she gathered with me in prayer and said the most inspiring prayer I have ever heard. She mentioned to the Lord that if this was His will, and that if this was a lesson for Jessica to learn, a new and more promising possibility would present itself. And with that new plan, would come a deeper and richer opportunity for her life. She asked that blessings be poured upon our family for safety, health, emotional soundness, and openness from each of us to learn from these happenings; Not only in our time, but in the Lord's time. Not once did she mention anything for herself, her own family, or for any other cause. She simply asked the Lord to honor his promise; by gathering together in prayer, as He tells us to do, asking with sincerity and faith, He would provide an answer to our lives.

I love Victoria. She is a blessings in more ways than I can ever express and I only pray that one day, somehow, I can repay her for the this past month of her givings to me and to my life. For those of you who assume that Victoria is LDS, I should share with you that she is not. Which to me extends an extra special knowledge of true love on earth. I know, without a doubt, she is a true Saint.

Different Than Expected

Well, most of you know I have been doing dental work in Costa Rica. This trip turned out to be a bit different than expected.
First, the weather here is unexpected due to the earthquake, they think, and the normal summer weather is in lower temperatures than "normal". So, my bright idea of packing light and only bringing the bare necessities was not such a bright idea! I brought one pair of jeans, one sweat suit, and six pairs of short/capris! Good planning! Well at least the theory was a good idea. Oh yeas, it is summer here so the clothing they sell is summer clothing.
Next, my visit was intended for 9 days. I just found out that it will now be 16 days. Yes, I am here until next Tuesday or later. So, disfrutar de la pura vida! (Enjoy the pure life.)
Now, the work is going well, although more was needed than expected. But just think, when I get home, I will have the most beautiful smile ever! Perfectly straight, white teeth. Won't you all be jealous? Well, don't be. To get them.... let's just say its not something you would WANT to do.
It is very pretty here though and I have been blessed with the best care around. Dr. Marco and Dr. Marco (Papa) are the most amazing doctors I have ever met in my life. And I know doctors! They have been so kind and caring. I can not even explain to you the extra lengths they have extended love to me and shown me a kindness that you do not see very often in the United States. They have a true passion for helping people and it is not about anything more than that.
I will post picture here that was taken in San Jose downtown area. I am not even sure what this is yet but it was pretty.
I have been looking for the temple here or even the church building but have not found it. I know they are close but the directions are difficult since Costa Rica has no postal system and no one has an actual address. Everything is 100 meters north of something.
The people here are very kind. Of course there are areas that you do not want to be but for me, it has been a humbling experience and I love to see the appreciation of life here. The Tico's (local Costa Rican's) do not rush, stress, hurry, or bother. They are just happy being. It can be frustrating for some of us though. Like an OCD, ADHD person such as myself (just kidding)! Only because we feel that everything should be done NOW, NOW, NOW. But the stress level here diminishes the moment you arrive. There is simply no reason to hurry; even if you do, no one else will.
I am trying to download and find the ways to do my homework and catch up on things I have wanted to do. And, although my website is not up and going, (except the front page) I do not feel like investing time into that today. So, I gave in and decided to blog with the rest of you people!
I am a little homesick. But not for the place or the home, just the family. I miss the girls so much and it is hard to be away from them when I see them almost everyday, even as grown adults. Being away from Madison is tough! She is such a little stinker that I can almost here her every now and then....
That's about it for tonight. Just thought I would take a stab at this and see how I like it.