Happiness Ends The Evening

As the evening came to a close, I asked Nicki to take a picture of me in front of the front walkway. Of course the San Jose wind has my hair crazy but my smile shows the happiness of the ending day. What a restful, peaceful day I experienced with new sights, new friends, and an emotional boost to my health and well being.

I miss my family dearly. But, today, it was nice to enjoy the world with a smile!

Pieces of Heaven Bring New Found Friends

Before my arrival in Costa Rica, I had met a friend who lives here in the Escazu area. Nicki, has been corresponding with me over the past few months and we had plans to meet while I was here for my dental work.

Since so much of the work had caused delays and I was not really up to visiting, today was the first day I was able to meet with her. Her home was simply a piece of heaven. She lives on the mountainside of Jorge and Maria, who I mentioned below.

Nicki has two kitties, Matrix, shown below is the lovable and lap kitty. I will have to work on catching the other, Neno, in a picture. He is a bit shy of new people!

Anyhow, here is a picture of Matrix in front of her house and then Nicki with Jorge over looking the view of the mountainside! Jorge had been out feeding the koi. Poor Nicki ran into a branch in the orange orchard and cut her forehead open right before this picture. But she still looks beautiful!

Mountainside Family Land of San Rafael, Escazu

Today, I was able to visit a mountainside of land that belongs to a local family, Jorge and Maria. They own three homes at the top of the mountain; one of these is a rental lived in by my friend, Nicki.

Today, we walked through the trails filled with koi ponds and orchards rolling through the side of this mountain, admiring all the landscape and workmanship that has been put into this family land. Jorge has over 12 types of bamboo that range in height, some reaching over 25 meters and newly planted bamboo from Bali which is to reach heights of 35 meters. The beautiful plants and flowers overwhelm the land and there are hidden trails, water walk ways, ponds, and special meditation spots meant for quiet, restful, soul searching or prayer times.

Here are a few of the pictures of today.

The stairs of this meditation spot where hand built and designed to block outside noises, allowing peacefulness to settle. There is an exquisite firepit here near the beautiful koi pond at the front of the house. In this pond, some of the koi have been imported from Japan and other rare areas in the world.

A Garden of Glory

I realized that the picture I posted did not show much other than the building. The sun was shining on the angel so brilliantly that he appeared to be praising the Lord. I was not able to catch that in the photo below but I was able to catch the garden. Its beauty was so incredible.

Costa Rica Temple

Today, I was successful in finding the LDS Temple here in Costa Rica.
It was outside Santa Ana in a quiet little town. The drive was very nice; not more than 20 minutes. We drove around the mountain in Escazu, outside San Antonio towards San Raphael. The weather was gorgeous here so it was nice to drive through the mountains and see the different scenery. Everything is so green and alive with vibrant colors!
At first I think he was unsure of the taxi driver but as he saw that I was an American, he understood and allowed us entrance.
It was immediately a reassuring, peaceful, spiritual reminder of how the comforter can touch you at the most needed times. I was really feeling rough the past few days and the comfort there gave me an uplifted heart. I think even the driver was aware of the awesome presence. He marveled at the building, the landscaping, and the building itself.
It was beautiful, as all temples are, and I was happy to have found something that, to me, felt like home.

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.

Feeding Cooper

Tonight is the first night that Cooper is here at the NICU alone. His big brother passed all the tests to go home with mom and dad! Its great for Lincoln but I was worried for Cooper. Guess what... he loves it! He is all snuggled in the bed by himself and sleeping like a baby. Literally! I was lucky enough to hold him for a little bit after feeding him and he looks as happy as happy can be!