A Warm Welcome Home

Upon arriving at the airport in San Jose, we were met with the warmest welcome by our community leaders, Chris and Angie, and their son Job. After sharing hugs, we loaded up our cars and ate dinner together at Denny’s before going to our hotel for the night. The next day, we drove back to our greatly missed home and were greeted with more hugs, signs, and flowers from our wonderful community and local friends. All were (understandably) excited to meet John-Michael (the newest addition to our family) and see how much James and Eleanor had grown in our four and a half months apart! 

You may remember our dear friend Fernanda, whom we met during our first stint of time in Santa Rosa. We kept in touch practically weekly while we were in the States, and she even looked after and cleaned our home while we were gone. I’m sure it’s not surprising that she got to be the first to meet “baby Fernando,” as she liked to call him—named after herself, our Tica friend. Everywhere we go, people are stopping us to say hello and take a peek at the baby. He is so loved. We all are!

The transition back to Costa Rica has been so much easier than our initial move here at this time last year. Gone are the days of trying to figure out where to find things, how to cook, and all the other million little things that are necessary when you move to another country and culture. Although we are still constantly learning new things every day, it’s just a breath of fresh air to already have a home to settle into and a means of finding groceries to feed our family. 

A few days after arriving, we were able to celebrate James–Francis on his third birthday. He happily accepted a trip to Quesada to play at Orale (a kids‘ play place) and a McDonald’s lunch. His favorite thing about his birthday was the cookie cake CJ made for him with icing swords on it. It’s hard to believe our little bald–headed baby boy is already three! He has the kindest heart, loves all the boy things, and is such a naturally funny kid. We are so proud of him and grateful to be his parents. 

We are excitedly getting ready to receive new missionaries here! The Acosta family, who just finished up their Intake training, will be joining us on April 8th! Thanks be to God, there is a house for rent just down the road from us, and we are helping to get it ready for them. Things are really about to start picking up as we receive the Acostas and in the same week are welcoming a pastoral visit from our field managers Ben and Natalia and their children, and our regional leaders Miguel and Angela and their children. They will be coming for one full week to tap into the ministries we are a part of, spend some quality time with us, as well as facilitate a leadership training for us. Right after their pastoral visit will be Holy Week and Easter, which we are excited to experience in the Costa Rican culture. 

As you can imagine, all of these activities will keep us busy over the next few weeks. We would appreciate your prayers for all of us as we receive new community members, welcome our leaders, and enter into the final stretch of the Lenten season—the Passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord. May His love reign over all!