Gallo Pinto and August 1st

Rice and beans are a normal part of daily life in Costa Rica. The combination of this delicacy has grown on our tastebuds over the years accompanied with 'add ins, on the sides, and over the tops'. As I wrote this descriptive heading on our blog 10 years ago, I had little idea of how much it would be a normal part of our daily lives. The mix of rice, beans and seasonings lovingly known as Gallo Pinto, is a traditional CR breakfast that we've come to enjoy frequently as a supper. I mean, who doesn't like "breakfast for supper"?!

I've pondered and contemplated how to start this blog, it seems fitting to first celebrate. August 1, 2026 is a day to commemorate: 

Happy 10th anniversary to "Rice and Beans of Life" @ dnjhoover.blogspot.com

As I reflected on the inscription of said blog I thought it would be fun to look through a then and now window "into the normal (and abnormal) part of our daily lives as we prepared to minister and have ministered in Heredia, Costa Rica." 

August 1, 2016 … (enjoy reading the full version of my first blog at the link and my current day comparison below)
Today seems like the perfect day to start my blogging career!  We’re in the midst of chaos preparing to move our family of 6 to Costa Rica for 3 years.  We’re packing up the house, deciding what to take to CR, what to store here and what to give away, we’re making life changing decisions about finances, retirement and our future, we’re lacking sleep, our minds are ransacked with questions and decisions that need to be made, in a few short weeks we’ll start home school, it’s raining outside, Adam is sleeping, the boys are playing the Wii, I’m sucking a lolli-pop which I never do and … it’s August 1st which somehow seems a better date to start a blog rather than march 6, October 19 or any other random day of the year! ... There wasn’t a lot of cooking or cleaning going on at home as we were blessed with delicious home cooked meals through training.  And on those evenings when there was barely enough time to breath … hot dogs were the dinner of choice or rather by default! 

August 1, 2026 …  
Today seems like the perfect day to close this chapter of my blogging career!  We’re in the midst of chaos preparing to move our family of 3 from our beloved Costa Rica to Pennsylvania indefinitely.  We’re packing up our house, deciding what to take to PA, what to sell here and what to give away. We’re making life changing decisions about finances, jobs, and a house remodel. We’re lacking sleep, our minds are ransacked with questions and decisions that need to be made, in a few short weeks Adam will return to a 'real' school and play soccer in a completely English environment. It’s raining outside, Adam is drawing, the MM are scattered across the globe, I’m blogging at Micah's desk which I never do and … it’s August 1st which somehow seems to be the most sentimental date to close this chapter of our blog rather than march 6, October 19 or any other random day of the year! ... There hasn't been a lot of cooking going on at home, we've enjoyed Dorita's cooking and sharing life at Vidanet. But on those evenings when there is barely enough time to breath ... Gallo Pinto is the dinner of choice or rather by default!

This transition has felt like I am looking through a window into something that is happening all around me and not to me. However, at the turn of this calendar page and launching our beloved Vida220 students after their graduation ceremony last evening, the transition is now happening in my heart. The house is scattered with suitcases, the list of what to do daily and 'don't forget to do' is getting crossed off. Will it all fit and will it all get done? That's up to our gracious Father who calms our anxious thoughts and quiets our uncertainty with His Presence. In my thoughts that feel scattered and forgetful, I'm trusting Father to satisfy your soul with these choice morsels of Rice and Beans of Life ...

Obeying Jesus is always the first choice, always. 

Abiding with Him is transformational and a necessary life skill. 

Love full of grace. 

Forgive full of mercy. 

Impact the world around you with His Presence ... use words as needed.  

Life on the Mountain

We beached, feasted, celebrated and said some heartfelt goodbyes, through it all, relishing time with our amazing Vidanet family. We've prayed these dear ones through this 10 month program and now graduated, we launch them into a world waiting to hear of the life changing love they've experienced. We're packing and repacking, passing the responsibilities onto the next ones, cherishing hugs, sharing tears and heartfelt thoughts, trusting our shared life to communicate the heart of the goodbyes, enjoying a few more rocks on the rockers and Adam is spending every waking moment, and some sleeping ones, with his Salas buddies. Ya know, just enjoying and savoring as much rice and beans as we can ...

Praises

Father's sweet Presence is so tangible

People to fill the roles we're leaving

Dear friends who are launching us into life in PA

Dear friends who will receive us into life in PA

Everything for sale is sold

Opportunities to testify of His goodness in the goodbyes

Gallo Pinto ... of course we're eating it for supper tonight! 

Prayers

August 12 we fly to PA

This will begin our Completion of Service leave - to prioritize well-being. We will officially end with EMM December 31, 2026 giving us a few months for transition, remodeling our house, adjusting to school (Adam) and re-establishing life stateside. During these months, your prayer covering is vital and we are deeply grateful for your financial partnership.  

The gift of home school life ... 
Some days feel like endless play!

Adam's last Vida Missions team ...
This MM has grown in wisdom and stature before God and man!
He translated, blessed the community around him and made new friends.

One last rafting adventure ... 

We're not gonna see this everyday in PA!

And yes, they really were that close! 

This was a fun and lifegiving connection ...
Life in CR converging on PA soil!

Declaring the name of Jesus over our dear Nuevo Pacto family. 

Is there any way I can take 'this' with me? 
Soul care ...

Just the boys and Mama Jen catching up on some good reading ...
also soul care! 

They've cared for our smiles and filled our souls for the last 9+ years
Some dentists are fun to visit! 

I mean ... yeah!

And here they are ...
17 beautiful souls ready to impact the world around them
for the glory of God! 

As we close this chapter and walk with hope onto the streets of Akron, 

our call remains the same ... 

Now this is eternal life: That all may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 

May we bring You glory on earth by completing the work You give us to do.

John 17:3-4 

A Salty Influencer

I don't cook with salt. The salt shaker sits beside the stove, not on the table, because that's where my mom keeps it. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bag of salty, plantain chips and I've indulged often in  "Don's" satisfyingly, salted treat in the red cardboard 'envelope'. My preferred tortilla chips are slightly saltier than the cheaper bag; my gallo pinto comes alive with a dash of sea salt and bacon; and salty, fresh cheese holds no comparison to any wanna-be rival. I have faint memories salivating my tastebuds of Longhorn steaks, perfectly salted and seasoned, Grandma Utz chips in their brown bag of delicacy and perfectly toasted and salted Martin's Pretzel pieces at the bottom of the container. As a maturing heart or blood pressure status changes one becomes shockingly aware of how many consumed foods are packed with the often desired NACL.

I've been contemplating what makes salt so unique compared to the family of spices in my pantry. Simply stated, I think Salt is an influencer. Bear with me ... an influencer affects or changes someone or something in an indirect but usually important way. I don't consider myself an influencer, however as a writer, I believe Father uses my ramblings to influence the opinions and thoughts of the reader. Media, the most obvious influencer, is far-reaching yet not all-reaching. The world is full of influencers yet we continue to longingly look for more satisfaction. Let me influence you to turn your gaze toward what I'm titling, "Father's Favorite Flavoring", salt. 

Salt is a pure, uncontaminated mineral that influences the flavor of food, softens water removing its hardness, preserves dead and living things, produces thirst, melts ice, and has to leave the shaker to do its influencing. I'm sure Father destined salt for so much more, however ... let's contemplate His invitation/command to be the salt of the earth in regards to the aforementioned qualities. We are all privy to this command used often in Christian circles. One that is heavily considered yet easily ignored. Least we lose our saltiness, let us spur one another on to be a salty influencer.

How am I seasoning those around me? Is my saltiness melting hard hearts, preserving truth and preventing moral decay? As I leave the shaker, is there a thirst in my own soul that leaves others thirsting for His life-preserving Presence? O God, (Col. 4:6) "That we would make the most of every opportunity, that our conversations would always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, that we may know how to (influence others) answer everyone" ... for Your glory!

Father's favorite flavoring ... Be an Influencer ... To glorify God!

Life on the Mountain

As June jumped into Vida Missions our lives were full of influencing others to move out of their comfort zones, spend time with Him and open their eyes to a different world view. And, 6 weeks later, we're getting ready to send them back to be salt in their 'normal' lives. We've celebrated another year of life x 2 (#13 and #54) - one with a sleepover and the other with a day alone; We gave thanks for and celebrated Dad's presence in our lives; Calculated team funds and recounted at the end of outreach; Spent long hours in the kitchen cooking for the masses; Created and used imaginations during endless afternoons with friends; Shared tears of gratitude and words of appreciation with goodbyes; Joseph relished in the beauty of our Creator while traveling out West and back; Jedidiah started full time work; Micah and Adam are each on outreach teams, driving, translating, and salting the communities around them; We celebrated America's birthday with friends and fireworks; Officially sold all but our van as we prepare for our transition to PA; And ... daily abiding with Jesus to be a salty influencer to the communities He leads us to. 

Praises

Vida Missions outreaches to glorify God.

Healing of Daryl's back.

Adam is confirmed and registered for 8th grade at HMS.

Laughter around the Wisdom table.

Time of reflection, gratitude and goodbyes.

Father's amazing provision as we anticipate life in PA, He cares about the details.

His Presence with us to be salty influencers!

Prayers

Transition ... to walk in obedience (not uncertainty) every step of the way.

For financial partnerships to continue until the end of our term, December 31, 2026.

Complete healing of the nerve affecting Daryl's leg.

Luke 10 activity and graduation as these dear ones head off to influence the world around them.

What to pack and what to regift.

Intentional abiding to be the salty influencers He invites us to be!

"Ain't no mountain high enough" ...
Hardest climb to date, but they succeeded!

Admiring The Creators creation ...

 We have a teenager in the house again!! 

Celebrating the Captain of the Hoover ship ...
So thankful he takes his orders from The Captain of the Seas!

Translating, leading, driving the bus or on Amanda duty ...
Salting the world around him!
 
Sweet Eva trying on Mama Jen's regifted rain boots for size ...
Maybe some day sweet girl! 

How does one say goodbye to friendships we put down roots with? ...
With tears and "see ya laters", right?

She's titled Doctor ...
but really she feels like one of Father's faithful Angels!
Her friendship, counsel and wisdom will be sorely missed.

Dear Clarence ... the bus behind the truck.
I wish I could say you've faithfully carried us over mountain and valley but ...

The rhythm and beauty of Vida Missions ...
 
Serving the rich ... 
attempting to influence their world view.

Sun up to sun down and then some ...
Kitchen crew with a smile on their hearts!

He faithfully steps out of the office to teach on Abiding time ...
Creating a thirst in them to be the salt of the earth.

Celebrating another year of life ...
Here's to salting the world!

Co-workers, friends, raising our kids together crew, leadership team ... 

call us what you will ...

We're just over here salting the world together!

Influenced by AI ... Wow, we look influentially important! 😁

Lord, teach me to abide ...

Honduras and 9 Airports

In the chaos of my days and the busyness of my moments, I depend on YOU, Jesus! Honduras was all and more than I anticipated it would be. Father reminded me why I chose nursing, that He cares completely for the least of these, and not a need is hidden from His gaze. Jesus, I depend on YOU. 

Our days were full of adventure and nights (thankfully) full of sleep. Four FULL clinic days serving 800+ patients in the remote communities of Tejeras, Ciruelito, Monqueta, and Igualato in Gracias de Lempira. We witnessed God's faithfulness at work in providing basic medical attention, encouragement, and hope in Jesus; 2 minor surgeries using a classroom table as a makeshift operating table; follow up appointments set up with Dr. Stefanie as needed; eye exams and donated reading glasses gave the gift of sight and multiple ear lavages gave the gift of hearing; smiles of gratitude, baby snuggles, and basic medications were plentiful; laughter filled, heart connections with my dear cousins (there may have been some preplanning for next year!); four trucks filled with our mobile clinic supplies traveled daily on edgeless, pothole, rut and rock-filled, winding mountain roads to 4 different locations; churches and schools opened their doors to us and gave us special treats (Montucas, Pastalitos de perro, baleadas) as tokens of gratitude; a relaxing evening at a local hot spring followed by a rain-pelting ride home in the back of the truck; Tuk tuk laughter and arriving safely at our destination; feasting on the delicacies of Honduran cuisine prepared by Daisy and Co.; truck bed travel accommodations are as normal as the street dogs - neither of which I engaged in; evidence of God's favor was the unity and camaraderie in our team of 13 unique individuals; torrential downpours didn’t deter the needy, made travel interesting and thankfully cooled the air a bit; Honduras is hot, the wind is hot and the coffee is hotter; The people are pleasant and grateful; the kids are adorable with their toothless grins, and the medical need in these communities is endless!

 As I reflected on this trip, my heart rested in this image … My arm is casually linked with Jesus. It’s a comfortable position, making my breathing even and placing a peaceful smile on my face. As my heart grieves the leaving, joyfully anticipates the reunions, and asks “how do I hold both these worlds?” My head rests on His shoulder and there is a tender knowing in my Spirit ... He holds the balance, I just need to obey. 

Thank you for walking this journey with me!

Your prayers and financial partnership have ministered to the underserved communities of Honduras.

To God be the glory, great things He is doing. 

Life on the Mountain ... sort of!

Traveling from Costa Rica to PA to Honduras - between the 5 of us, we visited 9 different airports in these two weeks! Nine days before Honduras, we traveled to PA to celebrate Jedidiah's high school graduation and our nephew's wedding; bought a used car; finalized some plans for our house remodel; feasted on freeze and frizz with friends and our 4 Mighty Men; relished time with family and friends, hugging many of you; Adam did placement tests for school; basked in sunsets on the rockers; rolled on Mimi's amazing carpet multiple times a day; stayed up too late sharing life; and celebrated our beloved Phillies. As I flew to Honduras, Daryl, Jedidiah and Adam returned to CR; Micah stayed in PA for EMM training; Joseph left on a road trip west with friends; back in CR we had a relaxing 24 hour beach trip celebrating Jedidiah; Adam got his wisdom teeth cut out and it's time to dive into Vida Missions already in process ... We serve with an amazing team here at Vidanet! Through it all, He holds the balance, we just have to obey!

Praises

We bought a car

Traveled safely and in good health

House plans coming together

Micah's decision to serve with EMM

Adam registered at school in PA

His Presence as we walk in obedience

Prayers

Two families facing the difficulty of brain injury, Father knows both situations

Jobs for Daryl and I

Healing for Daryl's back, he has had significant pain

Healing for Adam's wisdom teeth surgery

Safety for Joseph's travels

Jedidiah adjusting to life outside of school

A new home for our current PA renters

Obedience and the balance of grief and gratitude

How can I possibly choose 'a few' pictures from this month? ...

The whole beautiful bunch of us ... Kairos Medical Missions Team 2026

Life in PA ...

Rolling on the carpet, playing with tractors and just being brothers!

This is NOT the car we bought ... although they tried! 

It's official! 

God's grace and favor over this one! 

Springtime on Creek Hill road ...

Practice makes perfect ... in 4 years this may be his car! 

My puzzle date while these 3 Phillie Phanatics went to Philadelphia!

Mimi is officially the shortest member of our Diener-Hoover Family! 

Just a normal early summer day shelling peas with the cousins!
Sometimes normal life feels so refreshing ...

Freeze n Frizz soft serve ... 
It's what summers were made for! 

Life in Honduras ...

Clinic set up in a new church

He never heard his heart before.

Baby weights and smiles ...
of course she had everyone's attention! 

4 year old identical twins ... the Mama confessed that she can't always tell them apart!
And, their names are one letter different! 

Lined up outside a school for clinic day #2.

This tender heart was going around giving everyone hugs! 

So happy with his new blanket! 

The gift of mirrored sunglasses and a new hat ... 
smiles all around! 

Transportation ... This doesn't do these roads justice! 

Surgery on the classroom table ...
Sterile per local standards, of course.

Young Miss models ...
Of course we were giggling!

And, life back in CR ...

One last hug ...
I don't think she is shrinking.

A few of my favorite things ...
Pina colada at sunset and these amazing MM! 

Homemade ice packs ...
And of course the 'thumbs up'!

The song on my heart these weeks ...

"Where the Spirit leads as I'm following, I depend on You, yes I depend on You. 
For the victories still in front of me, I depend on You, yes, I depend on You.
You're the way, the truth and the life, You're the well that never runs dry. 
I'm the branch and You are the vine, draw me close and teach me to abide.
Be my strength, my song in the night, be my all, my treasure, my prize.
I am Yours forever You're mine, draw me close and teach me to abide."