Follow up: #20minutesofrunning

Last month I completed a running streak challenge with a few family members.  Not wanting to stop there, however, I knew I needed a new goal or commitment in the area of exercise.  I was vacillating between a few ideas near the end and decided to train for a 5K, improving my pace.

The first few days of May I actually kept running daily to finish out Dave's #20minutesofrunning 30-day streak.  Afterwards, we started Jeff Galloway's 5K training schedule that is 15 weeks long. Before starting, I did another timed "magic mile" to determine a run/walk interval strategy.  My 9 minute mile (more or less) allowed me to "level up" to an interval strategy where I run for 2 minutes and walk for 30 seconds.  Since we had already been running for the past month, we started in at the middle of Week 7.  The plan has one rest day a week, plus walk/cross-training days mixed with the running days.

I love the agility and flexibility of teenagers.  Rebekah has recently joined us for a few of the runs and hasn't missed a beat.  Way to go, girl!!!

Also, not wanting to miss out on daily exercise, I decided to rely on Google Fit to track my steps on the 'off' days to get at least an hour of activity, but shooting for 10,000 steps which seems to be a slightly challenging, yet achievable, goal for me.

So, today, besides being our pet Schnauzer's 8th birthday, marks a streak of #46daysofdailyexercise.

Enjoying a swing in the hammock

Happy Birthday, Kaixin!!!

Some thoughts after #20minutesofrunning - 30 Day Streak

Where did this running streak idea come from?  At the end of March, a challenge was presented by my sister-in-law, Jen, to 'streak' in April which is basically running every day for 20 minutes without missing.  I took the challenge by testing it out on March 31st, 2017, and so began my streak.

What is #20minutesofrunning in my context?  For me, this meant completing 20 minutes of actual running (jogging) at whatever pace I was able, interspersed with walking breaks when necessary. The majority of the days in April, the Galloway method (which consists of run/walk intervals), presented to me by my hubby, Dave, was used to prevent injury.  An example of this method which we used was a 60/30 interval where we ran for 60 seconds and walked for 30 seconds. This was repeated 19 more times in order to complete #20minutesofrunning.  About 3/4 of the way through the month, we "leveled up" to 90/30 intervals, repeated 13 more times for 21 minutes of actual running.

 After 30 days of #20minutesofrunning, I have some thoughts.

What I've gained:

1. An exercise-related activity. every. day. 
2. More time with my hubby.  Since he joined me a few days in, he has run with me every day since. Turns out he's a pretty great coach and motivator!
3. Knowledge and appreciation of running. An activity that certainly wasn't a favorite, not sure if it even made 'top ten', is now rising up the ranks... 
4. Stronger legs. After experiencing hamstring pain about a week or so in, I incorporated a short hamstring workout after my runs that I believe helped a lot. 
5. A sense of accomplishment. It is no small thing to get out and run every day when excuses are a dime a dozen. 
6. Some wiggle room. I allowed myself to indulge in the food area a bit over the Easter Break, with the knowledge that I was being active every day and not sedentary (that's a pretty ugly word that I don't care for as a descriptor!)
7. Accountability. While I did not publicize it on FB or elsewhere at the beginning, I did announce it to my hubby and kids, and my sister-in-law who posted the challenge at the start of April. 
8. Time outdoors. I love nature, but sometimes I just don't make the effort to step outside and take it all in. This past month I did!
9. A faster pace.  After committing to 30 days, at multiple elevations, and in varying weather conditions, I have increased my body's ability to handle running.  I believe this was less a goal and more of a natural outcome of dedicating time to the sport. Glad I did!
10. Temporary relief for migraines.  This discovery came on the final 2 days of the streak when I experienced a migraine.  I ran despite the pain and found out that the pain subsided during the run - both mornings.  Too bad I couldn't have just kept running until the migraine wave dissipated completely...

What I have not gained:

1. A way to lose weight. Despite my varied serious attempts over the past year to reduce the size of my midsection and thighs, the scale refuses to move from this plateau. (Caveat : I did put on a few pounds (read: 5) over the 2-week break, of which I have only lost about half. Perhaps I will need to revisit this particular aspect.) 
2. A sustainable routine. This was an experiment for me, a challenge outside of my comfort zone. While these can be fun, contagious, and stretch my current limits, I'm not sure if it's the healthiest way to continue since it fails to allow the body to 'recover.' However, I may have to research this a bit more since I am not covering extensive distances. 
3. Enough movement in my day.  Previously, I had a goal of getting 10,000 steps in my day.  This was typically accomplished with walking.  When I started this streak, I set aside the 10,000 steps idea since I was putting the effort into running.  I think I would end up achieving it at times, but my current step counters seem flaky and/or inaccurate. For example, today I covered a distance of about 2.4 miles - my watch says 2,771 steps, my cell phone says 3,672 steps and charts tell me it should be close to 5,000 steps for the pace.  All that being said, I want to emphasize #movementalldaylong, not just with a run each day.

Well, it looks like my lists are unbalanced, definitely heavy on the 'gains' side.  It was definitely worth the effort, and I feel that I have received much more than I have given, in a sense.  

I don't want to end the challenge, so my goal now is to find a good aspiration related to running. Dave mentioned two ideas. One is going for speed, improving my 5K pr. I ran one back when my youngest was a little guy, and I was much younger! The second is going for distance, increasing my endurance and stamina to complete a 10K which I have never run. 

I have also thought about incorporating a separate idea - continuing the streak, barring any major illness or grave injury. The Galloway method, which I will continue to incorporate, is meant to prevent injury. Also, my distances aren't incredibly long, so there is less stress overall on my joints. My somewhat arbitrary number is 66 days (current research says it takes this many days on average to form a habit). 

Stay tuned for the answer and my progress in this and other areas. 

What will your next challenge or experiment be? 

At the end of the road. Blessings abound.

A little bit of everything

Well the first answer is "no" - the kids didn't catch the fish.  They were graciously permitted to pose with the catch by a local fisherman.  I think it surprised them how heavy it was!

I was hoping to see the sunset, but was amazed at the chance to see a rainbow and a foal at the beach, too! And not pictured here was a swim in the Gulf and our fill of delicious fried fish (not the one they are holding!).

The reason for visiting the beach was a chance to hang out with the men in the rehabilitation center (they fried up the fish for us) with our visitor, Gregg, who is working with Dave to provide resources to those who want to minister to drug addicts and alcoholics in the area.

Later on, we shared a church service and a meal with the local church where the men had a chance to share about Teen Challenge and the difference it has made in the lives of many men and women.

And there's a glimpse at our afternoon in Celestún.

A Ful(filling) Afternoon

Living among the people of Yucatan is a blessing.  So is being able to "do ministry" as a family.  Dave will get invitations to participate in a service or special event, and he is often asked to bring his family. We try say "yes" to as many of those requests as we can.  This past Sunday we had the opportunity to spend time with a great family from Pixyah, Yucatan.  They pastor a church there, but also have a "mission" in a nearby town called Ochil.  There, they were celebrating one year as a congregation, since the start of their mission.  So, after teaching Sunday School in our own "home" church in Mérida, we headed out to the "pueblos" to catch part of their service and join them for lunch afterwards.  So we were able to hear the encouraging words of the pastor who also invited Dave to share with the group, and then we had the rare treat of eating venison tacos with homemade corn tortillas - "hechas a mano."  A few of us had seconds.... After everyone had their fill, and there were still leftovers, they packed things up - chairs, sound system, etc. - and headed back to Pixyah where there would be service in evening.

Well, that is easier said than done. In order to get between the 2 towns, you take the "ruta fea" - basically the backroads, very scenic (and very bumpy!).  We've taken this way a few times which makes it sort of a novelty, but they do this several times a week to minister to the people in the nearby town.  Once we had arrived back at the church, we were invited to visit a local cenote called Nomozón with the pastor and his family. And, you guessed it, more backroads - this particular route boasted 4 gates that you have to open to pass through and close again before continuing on your way, with cattle and horses and dogs to boot.
 

We've enjoyed cenotes in the region in the past, but it never gets old since each is unique, beautiful in its own way.  The adults decided not to swim this particular day, but the kids enjoyed the refreshing coolness of the huge underground water hole.  I don't know which was more fun for them, though - riding on top of the pastor's pick up truck or swimming and racing each other in the crystal clear water on this hot, humid day.  After making our way back to the church, we shared a typical Yucateco snack - charritos with cheese, ham, half and half cream, salsa and jalapeño all mixed together in a bowl for sharing along with some Pepsi to wash it all down.  Yum.

It was a good day.  And the Lord was blessing us even more with His beautiful creation on the ride back to the city...amazing colors and clouds as the sun set in front of us as we drove, reflecting on how great it is to be alive and experience life with others.

Tourism Day

Over the years, it seems as though the number of holidays has increased. Just yesterday my sister-in-law mentioned Johnny Appleseed day, which began our family's search for what today might be. A quick Google search brought up September 27 as tourism day. As luck would have it, our kids had off school. No, not for tourism day, but for a teacher workshop. Considering the coincidence of it all, I thought it would be a shame if we couldn't celebrate somehow or other. So, after looking at various options, we decided to head downtown for a meal at a new location of a restaurant we had frequented previously with typical Yucatan cuisine.
Here we revisited the tastes of pollo pibil, cochinita, sopa de lima, salsa de pepita, and vaporcitos, not to mention a refreshing chaya drink. (If you hadn't heard, chaya is the new spinach, with boatloads of calcium!)
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for the kids, we first visited Santa Lucia park (because the restaurant hadn't opened yet), and saw that they had put in a Dairy Queen! I let them choose something small as not to spoil their appetite - DQ sandwiches - while Dave and I tried the "duos", ice cream sandwiched between 2 small chips a'hoy cookies.

Before leaving the downtown park, we stopped in a souvenir shop that had recently opened in order to feel really touristy ;)   Then, on our way to lunch, we saw a fun sign advertising tours and stopped to snap a picture to commemorate the day.

Now, on the way downtown, we had stopped at a coffee shop so Dave could buy more beans to roast his coffee at home. He has become friends with the owner at Cafico, where he always buys his stuff.   Being a "client" has its perks- they invited us to stop by again after we ate, and said they would have 5 frappuccinos waiting for us! Federico, the owner, has always been exceptional, even making home deliveries at times when we've run out of coffee.

A view from the car while Bekah and Dave get the coffee.

I would say we had a quite fulfilling few hours being tourists in a city we've come to love, mostly because of the people in it.

What obscure holiday will you take time to celebrate with the people you love? 

I hear that Sunday is Coffee Day...have fun celebrating...

Mother's Day in Mexico

I got an outpouring of love from my kids this Mother's Day here in Mexico, a mere 2 days before most of our family and friends celebrate in the USA.  Each one wrote or created a special note especially for me and later in the evening sang an original song/rap that my daughter wrote.  Their Dad even played guitar to accompany.  All told, it was a great day which finished with dinner at a Thai restaurant (the only one in Mérida to my knowledge) and a homemade sundae back at the house. 

 I'm so thankful for my husband and kids and for all those who aren't their parents who contribute to their growth and well being! 

 May God bless all of you this Mother's Day!

A little gray . . .

As I left to retrieve my son's water bottle from the car during a break at his sport's practice yesterday, I overheard his friend ask, "Is that your grandma?"

My first thought went to my increasing gray hairs that cannot be hidden at 38 years of age.  Should I dye my hair to keep from being asked that question in the future?  You know, I could let the comment take seed and fester, prompting me to take action, make a rash decision.  Nah.  I've done the hair coloring thing in the past.  Not good experiences for me, although I know lots of people who do it and love the results.  I guess I should get used to the question.  But was that why he asked it?

His question could have been prompted by my English conversation in a Spanish-speaking country.  It also could have been the result of his own experiences - maybe his own grandparents are the ones who take him to practice.  He's an 8 year old kid, maybe he was just making conversation.  We're new to the school, after all.  Whatever the case, I decided to not let it bother me and smiled ever so slightly as I continued on my way to the car.

It made me think of how we are perceived in other situations.  Sometimes people ask their question out loud, other times they keep it to themselves, yet either way an opinion is formed.  Why do they ask it?  We may never know.  But, more importantly, how do we respond?  How do I respond?  I hope that my initial response is not defensive or sarcastic.  That could stop the conversation before it has even begun.  I love the Scripture in Romans that encourages us in this regard:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (12:18)

I think most of the time, it is possible.

Lord, help me to keep the lines of communication open.  I don't want to let the "little stuff" get under my skin and keep me from being a potential witness for You.  May my response to all those I come in contact with point to You and away from myself. Amen.

Missionary Retreat - some renewal time on the coast

         

     

A New Song

As I was getting ready for the evening, I heard these lyrics coming from the main bathroom "I want to know you more so I can love you . . .."  But these words weren't coming from the radio or a stereo or an MP3 device.  It was our 9 year old's own song of love to his Lord.  As I picked up my Bible (on my cell phone) I began my reading for the day.  It just happened to be Psalm 98.  It begins "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things . . .."  

How good you are, Lord, to remind us of your Word, both written and in action.

With some church friends at the zoo

The not-so-routine

March 12, 2012

I felt like writing all evening, but housework and family kept me pretty busy. I've also been wanting to write about the idea of “life together” for awhile now. I will try to tie that idea into what I'm sharing.  

Circumstances today left me with no vehicle to pick up the kids from school. I got a call from my Hubby saying that his meeting plans had taken a different turn and he wouldn't be home until later today. That is just how things go sometimes in Latin America (and probably all around the world!). Mondays, for us, are a bit trickier because there are some time restraints built into our schedule. One child stays after school for one activity, the other for sports, and the first then has a music lesson soon afterward. This “doable” schedule becomes complicated when one has to rely on public transportation, however.  

But, I had done the routine before: catching the combi, walking 10 minutes from where it let me off to the kids' school, hanging out until their activities were over, catching the bus with my kids, then walking the 4 blocks back to the house with them (in the hot, hot sun).

When I am forced out of my comfortable (air conditioned!) SUV, I see and experience more of life here. I waited for the combi. I hung on for dear life once I got inside the combi and sat so close to the strangers with me that it would be considered unacceptable on a park bench and a sin if we were in a church pew.

While hanging out at school, there is often time for conversation. Today I found out that a family is here because of the Dad being “let go,” choosing to use their savings and this time off to engage in learning another culture and language.

On the way home from school, taking the bus, I was able to think and not have to concentrate on the traffic or other drivers. Although, the large Guns'n'Roses sticker and the Jesus-hanging-on-the-cross fixture at the front of the bus were a bit odd and distracting.

As we walked the few blocks from the bus stop, we saw an old friend and found out that my other friend gets her hair cut 2 blocks from my house.

Later, as I walked my son to his music lesson, I realized I had no meat for dinner, nothing prepared or even planned except a pot of black beans. On the way back to the house I noticed the menu at the tienda between the music school and my house. Would they have anything left? It was past the usual time of comida. 
I grabbed an eco bag, a few plastic containers, and some money from the house and headed back to our little local convenience store. They had pollo asado left – that would be perfect. While I was waiting for the owner to grill the 2 legs and thighs, I met another neighbor who lives around the corner from us, talked with the owners about the Mayan language and learned a few words (ni – nose, hich – to tie tightly, ich – eyes OR two people that always hang out together). No wonder people say that the English and Mayan languages have common sounds (ni-knee, hich-hitch, ich-itch). Very interesting stuff. The one owner wrote down both their names and the number of their tienda and told me I could call “sin compromiso” to find out the daily menu. I had been there several times before, for this-and-that, but never bought a meal. I thanked them and left with my 42 peso chicken, 12 peso notebook (which I remembered my daughter needed for math), and 2 lemons (for a peso a piece) thinking, not bad for a last minute plan!

I wish I could say that I have experiences like this all the time – lots of various human contact and conversation. But, the truth is, it only happens when I break out of my routine and put my own culture aside. I like the interacting, the walking, the unknown, even. But it all takes lots more time. Sometimes I have it. Sometimes I don't. I have also been ingrained with lot of independent thoughts – how to get stuff done on my own. I'm capable, right? And yet, I feel that I'm lacking that aspect of “life together” - sharing in life with community – depending on others and allowing them to depend on me. I haven't figured out how exactly to go about this, yet, but I think it begins by incorporating it more and more into my routine.

Lord, help me put away some of my own “traditions” for more of a community mindset. And may it build Your kingdom.
Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Another blog site

You may have seen my previous post regarding Lent and my decision to nix the white flour and sugar.  Since this relates more to eating or "not eating", as the case may be, I think that a better place to post might be a health-related blog.  So, since I have one on the SparkPeople site, I will be posting there as my experiences relate to this season of Lent.  If there are family or spiritual issues, however, I will try to post them here.

Also, my brother-in-law has also decided to participate in his own way during the Lent season.  You may enjoy reading his post here.

Lent and what goes with it

Bible reading plans, local celebrations, fasting, repentance . . . just to name a few.

About 2 years ago, I began using an app called YouVersion.  It is actually a Bible app with several extras.  One of those added features connects me to several different reading plans, allowing me to daily see a devotional or which chapters of the Bible I should read to complete a "plan" by a certain date or after so many days.  I am currently using 2 - a parenting devotional and a Bible-in-a-year plan. They'll even send me e-mail reminders.  Because Lent was approaching, I received a notice at the bottom of my app asking me, more or less, if I celebrated Lent and if I wanted to browse their reading plans for the occasion. I answered (silently) "no, but I'm interested in seeing what that involves." Browsing the plans, I noticed that one was 46 days.  Strange.  I thought Lent was 40 days.  So I looked it up.  Thanks to google, the answer was at my fingertips - yes, 40 days, not counting Sundays, between Ash Wednesday and the Saturday before Easter.  That clears things up a bit.  But there is more surrounding this holiday.

Here in the Yucatan, the days leading up to it involve something called Carnaval which is like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA.  The Evangelical church here is diabolically opposed to this "celebration" as it basically puts the bar and club scene out on the streets of Mérida for several nights.  My hubby reminded me of a conversation we had with a family who saw it as a time to basically get your fun in, then repent on Ash Wednesday, no harm done. Needless to say, we didn't take part in this aspect of Lent.  But it raises my curiosity.  What goes on in the life of these individuals during Lent?

Traditionally, I found out through the trusted Wikipedia site, people are expected to fast in some form, generally giving up meat products at least on the Fridays as well as Ash Wednesday during Lent as a form of penitence.  However, there are several Protestants who also choose to observe some form of fasting during this time through giving up some particular food or habit.  This is done more out of choice than obligation.  Even popular healthy living sites are using this as a motivational tool.  

This morning during breakfast, Dave shared with me and article he received from sparkpeople.com about this very topic.  In it, the author listed 14 ways to improve your health during the season of Lent not only for observers but also for those wanting to support friend and family members who "do without" during this time.  This peaked my interest.  What could I do?  Some areas mentioned in the article were things we already did - drinking enough water, daily walks, eating 3 servings of fruit a day . . ..  I guess I was feeling gutsy.  I suggested something to Dave and Rebekah during our morning walk.

 "I think I want to give up white flour and sugar." 

Now, this wasn't an out-of-the-blue thing.  Earlier this week I was listening to my missionary friend's thoughts on how her family is eliminating carbs from their diet when they're in the form of white flour and high fructose corn syrup.  They are even trying to eliminate corn in general from their diet because of what it turns into in the body when not expended by daily exercise.  My Mom has also said for years how badly white flour and sugar affect her system.  Of course, if I was choosing to give these things up, that didn't mean my family had to as well.  I just wanted them to know my plans, but that they were welcome to join me if they so chose.  Imagine my surprise at dinner today - lentil soup - when my 13 and 11-year-old kiddos chimed in that they also wanted to participate!  I clearly said NO white flour or sugar, mind you.

So, here begins my/our journey.  There will be major changes, moody days, cravings, and frustrations.  But there will also, hopefully, be a sense of togetherness, improvements in health, more energy (eventually), weight-loss(?) and growth as we investigate and move forward in this new endeavor.

Do you celebrate Lent?  Are you giving up something or adding something healthy to your routine?  Maybe you've tried to give up white flour and sugar - any advice? 

Beyond the GPS

Cocoyol (coco - joel'). It isn't on google maps, but it certainly exists.  It took us over 3 hours to get there, which included a few wrong turns.  It was raining during about half of our trip and raining when we arrived. Why did we go?  To be part of a new work going on in Yucatan to start or "plant" new churches in the Mayan language.  We are what you might call the "link" - hooking up those who have a vision to see the message of Jesus brought to people in their own language with a group of believers who have a desire and commitment to start a church, oh, and that speak both Maya and Spanish (that part is important!).

The Maya have been in math & history books, in several tourist guides and even in Hollywood, but I don't think the current culture or people get that much publicity.  In Cocoyol, we saw a snapshot of life for this indigenous people group.
It was a bit like entering any other small town at first glance.  After we found the correct road, we traveled under a canopy of trees, that would have provided shade had it not been raining, and arrived at the "center of town" where the Catholic church and the local school were situated on two joining sides of  a basketball court.  The team had arrived before us, visiting the 100 families that make up this Maya community and letting them know about the event. Upon returning, they got to work setting up a portable screen and projector to show the Jesus film, not in Spanish but in Maya.  "Wait!" you're saying, "aren't you living in Mexico?" Yes, yes we are.  Although Spanish is the national language of Mexico, there are, according to Wikepedia, over 6 million indigenous Maya in 4 countries!  And one of those is Mexico.

While the setup was taking place, I watched, snapped some photos, and spoke with the kids who were gathering.  Fortunately, I didn't need a personal translator since some of the kids were able to communicate in Spanish.  I even got a few questions/words in English since some of the kids' family members most likely have work in tourist areas.  One particular boy acted as a sort of spokesman for the group; he even confiscated my camera and snapped a shot of Rebekah and me.

However, the kids spoke to each other in Maya.  All. the. time. It was like being in another country for me.

I knew that there were several families, even in the city where we live, who continued to speak Maya inside the home or between family members.  There are older ladies in our church who help us with basic phrases to learn something new in their native tongue. But, hearing their everyday conversation being spoken in something other than Spanish was a bit surprising.

This was not the first time that the message of Jesus' love had come to the small town.  One boy told me of another group that had come on a few occasions (with a bigger screen!).  The difference, we hope, is that the team's goal is to come, to stay, and to speak their language. The Maya language.  The team is not from America or Korea, but from a larger town in Mexico, about 30 minutes or so away.  And they don't plan on being a passing memory.

I played a small part, not being on the team and not speaking the language.  Sure, I spoke Spanish and a few answered me in Spanish.  I mainly talked and played with the kids.  My kids and I taught them Simon Says and they taught us "veneno" (poison) which, fortunately, was a harmless game where they spun in different directions holding hands ;-) They practiced some English phrases and I practiced some Maya ones.  They were amazed at the height of our daughter, who is 12 going on 13.  I marveled at their ages being 12 and 17 and still being in the 3rd and 6th grades, respectively, of their elementary school.

It is clear we are very different, but we are loved by the same God.  I am glad my God doesn't speak to me in Mandarin or French or Turkish.  Can you even imagine? . . .
That is the idea behind this team and others that will follow in their footsteps and in the footsteps of Jesus - speaking the language of the people, sharing His beautiful words of life.

me joseph

Hey its me Joseph I love playing games and at school I work hard and at the same time I have fun

The Ruins in Yucatan

Most states have attractions that draw tourists or field trips or become vacation destinations.  The state of Yucatan is no exception. In fact, it is a fairly well known tourist attraction because of its rich history and the geography of the region.  And when you call a place like this home, you have to make an effort to see it as the cultural jewel that it is and experience it as if for the first time.

This spring we invited our Yucateco friends to Chichén Itzá, one of the modern 7 wonders of the world in our own "backyard." Although they had visited it in the past, they had not in recent years, so for their kids it was like going for the first time.  We chose a crazy, chaotic day to go - the Spring Equinox - when the shadows formed by the sun on the main pyramid, Kukulkan, form the body of a serpent.
We waited for what seemed like forever in the line to pay for our ticket to enter into the ruins.  Mexicans pay a minimal amount to get in, and foreigners like us pay a slightly steeper fee. Students get in at a reduced price. So as we chatted to pass the time during the heat of the day, the kids occupied themselves with various games.

Once on the grounds, you follow a pathway that winds its way past the many structures built by the Maya people.  The main attraction is the pyramid, but there are also a ball court, buildings with columns, and a cenote with an altar built in front of it where it is believed that sacrifices were given to various gods.  Because of the attraction it is, many vendors line the walkways with trinkets and souvenirs, t-shirts and hammocks, all to commemorate your special time in the Yucatan.

One vendor sells wooden figures.

On the far left is the serpent's head,
and the light in between the shadows
forms its body.

Here are some fun shots of our time there:

As you can see, we all had a fun time together enjoying this "modern wonder of the world." 

First Day of the New Year - 2011

A new morning.  Start of the week. First day of school. January 1st.  All opportunities for a change, a fresh start - today is just that.  I've heard philosophies on resolutions, goal setting, etc.  Some people say not even to make a resolution because you won't complete or follow through with it.  I see their point, but only briefly. Determining to improve your health, exercise more, do good deeds, spend more time in prayer, save money, spend less - all are worthwhile aspirations.  I must admit that although I have not written anything concrete for this New Year I am starting with this blog entry.  Now to work on some more.

A fun irony

Boat races where there are lakes . . . ice hockey in Canada . . . flying kites in large wide-open spaces . . . rock climbing in the mountains . . . these are all things that are normal, expected even.  But what about ice skating on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico?  Yes, where the climate is hot or hotter, all year round.  And yet, that is exactly what our kids did last week with their missionary friend who was visiting.  They also ran into (not literally) a few classmates on the rink.

A few stopped long enough for me to capture a photo:

And one just kept on moving:

This was an excellent break for all of us after our first few busy weeks here.  Kids with school stuff.  Us with trying to settle on/in a house and all that goes with that.  Plus, the meetings and services associated with the national convention for the AG in Mexico took place in our city. Just a few things going on . . .

Learning the City

Right now the music from the school behind our apartments is blaring through our open windows as they ensayar (practice) for some kind of presentation tomorrow. And although our kids don't attend this school, they are also working on their own presentation for this Friday. We have returned to the city where we spent our first term as missionaries. It is the same city, but it is a very different experience. The first time, Dave arrived in our STL (Speed the Light) vehicle, crossing the border and making the 4-5 day trip with my Dad while the kids and I flew straight in by plane, greeted by our fellow missionaries. This time, the family flew in together, arriving at the airport to be greeted by friends that we had made during those first few years here. Last time, the kids and I stayed with our missionary friends and used their car to make purchases for the home we had already contracted while we waited for Dave to arrive.  This time we rented a furnished apartment until we find a house, all the stuff that goes with that, and a car.
However, while we are here without a car, we have relied on the bus system, taxis, and gracious offers to be picked up or dropped off somewhere by those same friends. Oh, and we walk. A lot. Places that take 5 minutes in a car can take 25 minutes or more. That means more time alloted to do basic things. You have to wait for buses and taxis, too. So, here is a snapshot of the family who walked to where we catch the bus, who waited and took the correct bus to get to a church service, but were let out several blocks away because the bus took a right turn a few streets early and didn't have a functioning buzzer to alert the driver that we would like to be let off. So this family then walked several more blocks to arrive at the church where we enjoyed a great service with friends. This is a small look at life in the city. So thankful for friends. But, ready for a car!

Some Costa Rican Memories

This past weekend we were expecting some pretty stormy weather, so we stayed in most of the time. Friday evening we got together with some other missionaries for a game night - but we were enjoying the conversation so much that we never got to the game part - we just left that for the kids! On Saturday morning for breakfast I made a traditional meal of gallo pinto - Costa Rican rice and beans. The dish is made different ways and in several countries, but here it has a secret ingredient (that isn't so secret) called Salsa Lizano. Its closest substitute would be Worcestershire Sauce or Salsa Inglesa, but any Tico would tell you that it could not, would not taste the same without this key ingredient. I complimented the meal with some real bacon (we had been getting turkey bacon as of late), a slice of tomato, eggs, and some clementines (which were amazingly sweet!). Dave made us some Americanos to complete this Tico breakfast.

We also made plans to visit our friend, Mayra. We first met 5 years ago because she worked for us, coming to our house twice a week to help clean and occasionally make a meal for us. However, Dave put it well when he expressed to her how she became so much more, she was our teacher and our friend. She listened when we were just starting to speak the language, pushed our boys around the house in laundry baskets, and introduced us to the culture here in her country. On Sunday when we visited her at her house, she made us a simple traditional meal of pastel de yucca - a type of casserole dish that was filling and yummy. It was topped off with some baked plantain with a mozzarella-type cheese. It was a suprisingly tasty treat. What a pleasure it was to spend the afternoon with her and her friend visiting from Columbia, soaking in the beauty of different cultures.