All things new.

A team from Mountain View, Va., just left this past Saturday - probably tired and energized at the same time. The team of nine guys worked really well together and it was one of the most wonderful experiences to witness the transfer of keys from Jeff, the team leader, to Isabelle, the matriarch who will be one of seven people living in the freshly-painted yellow home the team built. A really interesting fact about the houses is that the designer of the houses is a man who went through CCA's rehab program and after giving his life to God, began helping the church with the design and is now the main person in charge of making sure the homes are at the right standard.

Our new partnership with CCA Church in Alajuelita is just beginning and I'm excited to see the other projects that our team will help with. CCA is a church that is living out their beliefs - from rehabilitation centers to a private school; to buying businesses so they can employ people from the community. They are a true example of the church taking care of those less fortunate in a real and practical way.

On the third day of building, Maximo, the director of the yellow house project, took us all to the men's rehab center. I was slightly hesitant since I was the only female (on the team and at the rehab), but it was one of the most touching experiences I've had yet. All of the men at the rehab center shared a brief story of how they had come to be there and their hopes of making it through the nine month program. Some had been there several times and quit half-way through and others were there for the first time. There were men who were 17 and some who were older than 60. It was such a testimony to the fact that it's never too late to change. God can and will give us the strength...He delights in making us new, transformed and wants to help us, no matter how many times we fail.

Now if you find yourself falling apart, well I am sure I could steer
The great salt lake

Follow me home
We want more
Follow me home
We all want more
If ever beat down
We know who we are / They know who we are
If ever beat down
We know who we are
They all know we want more
Band of Horses, Great Salt Lake

My car vs. Biscuit.

6 a.m. is coming soon. I'm flying back to San Jose in the morning, and am definitely excited about it. I've tried to study Spanish over the break, but fell extremely short of my own expectations. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Anonos, seeing my "family" and having Biscuit in my life again - love her.

Before we left to go to N.C. for the holidays, Rodney told Becca and I that we would be looking at the last stint of our journey here when we returned, and it was a surprise to realize that my time at Harvest Hands is half-way over. I'm not ready for it to be finished, so I'm so thankful to be returning. I wasn't sure if the break would cause me to miss home, family and friends more, but although it was a blessing to see people who are close to me, I'm ready to get back to Costa Rica.

When we get back, there is another team coming on Sunday - a team that will be building a house in Jasmin. I look forward to helping with this endeavor, getting back into tutoring and speaking Spanish once again.

Reflecting on my time home, I will say that I am going to miss:
* Driving
* Using my cell phone
* Seeing clean streets
* Appearing like an intelligent person when I speak to strangers
* Seeing non-action movies
* Throwing the toilet paper in the toilet

However, I will love the following when I'm in CR:
* NOT using my cell phone (love/hate relationship)
* Early mornings
* Biscuit
* Biscuit
* Biscuit
* Feeling stretched
* Wearing flip flops and tank tops
* Sunsets over Anonos

And with that, I leave you to eat my last meal with my family until I return...thank you to everyone for their support and prayers - I could not be where I am without you.