I had been talking to my sisters Emma & Kenosha since May about coming to visit Costa Rica! They had set September tentatively to come. Then as life happens and time got closer they both thought it seemed impossible! Emma had points on a credit card that would work for purchasing their tickets.
Then all of a sudden as time got really close they both decided to go ahead and make their plans and they came September 10-18!
James Birthday was September 12; Kenosha came prepared to celebrate with cake, frosting and candles for the BIG 16!
In our family the tradition is the birthday boy or girl gets put under the table, and then everyone sings Happy Birthday! So the morning of September 12 came, James got up and of course, right under the table he went! Funny thing is they could hardly handle him so they took the plastic card table and set it over him! They had also brought zebra cakes which is one of his favorite snacks he loves and misses from the US!
My sisters were able to take in the fruit and market day in Puriscal, that was fun, seeing all the local vendors talking you into buying their wares! They tried peyibyes the fruit that grows on the trees here in our yard and they also tried eating mamones they look like little red or yellow porcupine fruits! They are like a large concord grape inside.
They had their first empanada, mmmmm!
Then Monday September 15 was Costa Rican independence day! We were traveling that day to see the volcano so we stopped by to walk through the parade, Ox carts, school children, marching bands, semis and fire-trucks made up a several block line marching right through the middle of town! Exciting times!
When we got to La fortuna the mountain that has the active volcano, Arenal, was completely clear! They got tons of pictures, enjoying the majestic views of the mountain! They took in the Hot springs and enjoyed sister time talking and laughing till our sides hurt! They loved the rice and beans and different dishes they had never seen before!
By evening almost dark the volcano went into the thick clouds, and for the net 12 hours we were there was invisible again! We were just really thankful GOD had given us the grand opportunity to see the volcano and enjoy the beauty of HIS creation!
As we arrived back home James was calling rent! We played numerous games of monopoly and enjoyed the family time together!
The last day my sisters were here they helped unload and plane wood to be made into church benches soon! We were thankful for their help, saved Franklin several hours of work getting the wood ready for building benches!
Thank you again for your prayers and support as we minister here in Costa Rica in the Name of JESUS!
JESUS BLESS YOU!
Franklin Evelyn Mary & James
