Home

Taste from 'home' ... $0.50 Frosty's ...
Can't believe we only had one!

Home is a term I've used loosely and frequently over the past two weeks while living out of a suitcase. My parents came to Costa Rica so Daryl and I could fly 'home' to the States for two weeks.  However when asked when we're returning to CR, we replied we're flying 'home' the 3rd of September.  While in Ohio, we needed to drive 'home' to PA before flying 'home' to CR. We went 'home' to Bryan and Sharon's house after a long day, we had dinner with my brother and went 'home' to Mom and Dad's to get another suitcase. When we are on vacation, we go 'home' to the beach house or 'home' to the cabin if we're out and about for the day. While processing our move to CR we talk about things we miss from 'home'. Seeing friends and family from 'home' makes us realize how much we miss them. Yet the settled familiarity of CR most definitely feels like 'home' until Father releases us to move to the next 'home'. 

"Home is where your heart is" ... "Home is where love is borne" ... "There is no place like home" ... "Don't leave home without it" ... Whether we are coming home, going home, leaving home, staying home, longing for home, or simply looking toward 'home' ... One thing has been solidified in my heart with these past two weeks of travel ... "Home is not a place, it's a feeling."

My heart is at home with my Father.  It is of no importance where I go or what I leave, come what may with any adventure I pursue or flee from, regardless of whether I'm in The States, Costa Rica or the next village He calls us to ... Wherever I am, it's knowing the sweet presence and hearing the voice of my Savior that reminds me ... I'm home.  What home are you longing for? Do you know the sweetness of this place called home?

Finding home ... Feeling peace ... Knowing His voice

Life on the Mountain
Mimi and Pop-pop flew to Costa Rica, two days later Daryl and I flew to PA for 6 days, then spent 3 days in Ohio and two more days in PA before returning to Costa Rica.  We were physically exhausted with full bellies most of the time but spiritually encouraged and spurred on by spending time with many of you during this adventure with our Leadership team.  The boys were wined and dined with unlimited cookies, ice cream, treats and undivided grandparent attention.  Returning to CR brought a peaceful, settled feeling knowing this is where He has called us for now ... this is home.

Praise
Knowing His presence through all our travels in the states and in CR
School, normal life and adventure happened without issues
His sweet presence that draws our neighbors to join us at church
Time for Daryl and I to just be together
The hospitality of family and friends who hosted and fed us on our adventure
A Tuesday night youth group for Micah and Joseph to be apart of ... He is so good and His timing is always perfect!
Laughter and community with the staff and leadership of VidaNet
Financial blessings from our Growth Banquets

Prayer
A new Vida220 school starting the end of September and all the details that go with this
Getting back into routine
Micah and Joseph starting a new school year
For Micah to find a place of belonging
Parenting Jedidiah with all the hellos and good byes
Friends walking through difficult situations

Welcome to Costa Rica Cosechas treat ...
Let the adventure begin!

Feeling loved by our MST ... 

Served with love, it still tasted like dirt ; ) 

Preparing for his Spelling Bee ...
Adam was buzzing around the house

His timing ... never ceases to amaze me!
High school partners in crime converging on Panera Bread for a few short hours ... missing Heidi!

 They called her Mimi ... doing what she does best ...
being a Grandma!

Celebrating Dia del Nino ...
Children's day

Puzzles with Pop-pop ... 

All the way from Lancaster Co ...
Loving his ham loaf like a newborn baby ...
Customs didn't ask, we didn't tell ...

Date with Dad, chocolate and coffee ...
Sounds more like a date with mom!

Visiting the Children's Museum with "500 little Latinos" ...
Where did they all come from?
A day of adventure!

So thankful for Austin being the older brother
while we were gone!

Acting like tourists ... enjoying the beauty of CR art

"Home is not a place, it's a feeling

It's the knowledge that God has a reason for wanting you just where you are."

~ A. Smoker