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!
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!
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.
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| The gift of home school life ... Some days feel like endless play! |
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| 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. |
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| One last rafting adventure ... |
We're not gonna see this everyday in PA!
And yes, they really were that close!
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| This was a fun and lifegiving connection ... Life in CR converging on PA soil! |
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| Declaring the name of Jesus over our dear Nuevo Pacto family. |
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| Is there any way I can take 'this' with me? Soul care ... |
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| Just the boys and Mama Jen catching up on some good reading ... also soul care! |
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| They've cared for our smiles and filled our souls for the last 9+ years Some dentists are fun to visit! |
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| I mean ... yeah! |
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| And here they are ... 17 beautiful souls ready to impact the world around them for the glory of God! |
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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 |
Prayers for your many new transitions. Joanne and Don Siegrist
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for a good transition. May you be blessed
ReplyDeleteNevin & Mary
Jen, I have enjoyed your writings very much. You have a real gift of adding the appropriate emotions and spiritual musings. May God guide you and Daryl i the next phase of your lives.
ReplyDeleteIvan (and Mary Ellen)
I have enjoyed your writings over the years! May God direct your steps as you transition to PA.
ReplyDeleteYour writings have been inspiring and thought provoking over the years, thank you! God bless you for your faithfulness! Praying transition and settling will go well.
ReplyDeleteJoy and peace…J and P