The paseo was great! We needed REALLY needed the break after a VERY stressful week. (We have decided that we should only have three days of classes and then a weekend break. For some reason the school doesn't agree with us.) Anyway, the five sets of waterfalls were absolutely beautiful. The attraction includes admission to the falls, a buffet lunch along with admission to see the beautiful flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, monkeys, birds, frogs and snakes. However, we never quite made it to the snake house. Oh well, we do have our priorities.
Well, hope you enjoy the pictures. I must get back to studies. Remind the Father of us all week long - don't fizzle out on Thursdays and Fridays :) Double click on "Bubble Share" - a new box will appear at the top of the page, click on it and the "Bubble Share" pictures will be larger so you will be able to read the comments. Otherwise you only get part of the messages.
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
So Where Are We?
Costa Rica has an interesting way to locate an address. Since streets have no name and houses have no numbers, how does the Domino's man know where to deliver the pizza? Or, if you need a taxi (which we often do), how do you tell him how to get to your house? How does the mailman know where to deliver the mail?
They all can do it-- using their unique system of using landmarks. Here are official addresses on two bills that were delivered by the mailman.
Our CR Family's Name and the following address:
San Jose Zapote de la Ultimata Parada de Buses 50 Oeste 200 Sur Casa a Mano Izquierda Muro de Piedra Palmera al Frente
Translation: San Jose, Zapote (the name of our neighborhood), the Final Bus Stop, 50 meters West, 200 meters South, House on the left hand, Wall of Stone, Palm Tree in the front
Another is addressed: de la Ultima Parada de Buses 50 Oeste 150 Oeste 150 Sur Casa Celeste con Verja Blanca
Translation: The Final Bus Stop, 50 meters West, 150 Meters West, 150 Meters South, light blue house with White Railing (of a fence).
When we get into a taxi and give the driver this information, he drives us right to our door! Amazing! We have learned to say that their way is not bad or wrong- just different.
So, where do you live?
They all can do it-- using their unique system of using landmarks. Here are official addresses on two bills that were delivered by the mailman.
Our CR Family's Name and the following address:
San Jose Zapote de la Ultimata Parada de Buses 50 Oeste 200 Sur Casa a Mano Izquierda Muro de Piedra Palmera al Frente
Translation: San Jose, Zapote (the name of our neighborhood), the Final Bus Stop, 50 meters West, 200 meters South, House on the left hand, Wall of Stone, Palm Tree in the front
Another is addressed: de la Ultima Parada de Buses 50 Oeste 150 Oeste 150 Sur Casa Celeste con Verja Blanca
Translation: The Final Bus Stop, 50 meters West, 150 Meters West, 150 Meters South, light blue house with White Railing (of a fence).
When we get into a taxi and give the driver this information, he drives us right to our door! Amazing! We have learned to say that their way is not bad or wrong- just different.
So, where do you live?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Marriage Counselors Apparently Needed!
We learned a new word this week - at least an additional meaning of a word we had formerly learned. The word is "la esposa." For you Spanish geeks, you know it means "wife." Well, did you know it also means "handcuffs"!!!! Apparently the guy who came up with that expression was having troubles at home! Makes us thankful to have a happy marriage!
Want to take a tour of San Jose'? Come go with us! On Saturday, we decided to ride the public bus to Terra Mall, one of the area's newest malls. No problema! We found the bus stop and had a nice ride to the edge of town to the mall. After shopping, we walked back to the bus stop and got on our bus to return home. As we rode toward home, we noticed that the bus driver was taking a different route from the one we previously traveled. No Problema! Sometimes they make a loop. As the travel time grew longer than it should have and we watched the driver go straight several times when the signs said to turn to Zapote where we live, we began to realize that we were most likely on the wrong bus!!! Problema!!! After a wonderful ride into the heart of San Jose', the bus stopped and everyone got off - which meant we had to get off too! Muchos Problemas!!!
On Saturdays, every resident of Costa Rica and surrounding countries must all come to downtown San Jose'! We exited the bus into a throng of thousands of people going in every direction. Thankfully, we had been to downtown one time and remembered a landmark to get to the bus stop to return home. After a brave search for several minutes wondering if we would every see home again, we were back on a bus headed to Zapote. I never knew that it would feel so good to be on a Costa Rican autobus!
Glynis' motive for getting me to go to the mall was to buy a calendar and bag of rubber bands. No store at the mall had either. As we returned, we found a store a couple of blocks from our house that sold rubber bands. She still doesn't have her calendar. I guess that means we get another bus ride next Saturday! Come go with us! We promise you an adventure you will not forget.
Want to take a tour of San Jose'? Come go with us! On Saturday, we decided to ride the public bus to Terra Mall, one of the area's newest malls. No problema! We found the bus stop and had a nice ride to the edge of town to the mall. After shopping, we walked back to the bus stop and got on our bus to return home. As we rode toward home, we noticed that the bus driver was taking a different route from the one we previously traveled. No Problema! Sometimes they make a loop. As the travel time grew longer than it should have and we watched the driver go straight several times when the signs said to turn to Zapote where we live, we began to realize that we were most likely on the wrong bus!!! Problema!!! After a wonderful ride into the heart of San Jose', the bus stopped and everyone got off - which meant we had to get off too! Muchos Problemas!!!
On Saturdays, every resident of Costa Rica and surrounding countries must all come to downtown San Jose'! We exited the bus into a throng of thousands of people going in every direction. Thankfully, we had been to downtown one time and remembered a landmark to get to the bus stop to return home. After a brave search for several minutes wondering if we would every see home again, we were back on a bus headed to Zapote. I never knew that it would feel so good to be on a Costa Rican autobus!
Glynis' motive for getting me to go to the mall was to buy a calendar and bag of rubber bands. No store at the mall had either. As we returned, we found a store a couple of blocks from our house that sold rubber bands. She still doesn't have her calendar. I guess that means we get another bus ride next Saturday! Come go with us! We promise you an adventure you will not forget.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
More learning experiences
We have completed three days of classes and we know more than we did two weeks ago! There is much to learn, but the Spanish rules really do make sense. Still we spend a good amount of time in study.
Friday afternoon we took some time to go to the HiperMas (WalMart) via the Perifedica - that took about 3 hours. There is no such thing a a little run to the store, at least not for us because we don't know the exact bus routes, where to catch and get off the bus, but we are learning. We have laughed at how far we have walked to get a bus just because we have friends that caught the bus there. So we walk 3/4 mile or so to catch a bus and we could have caught it right where we began walking! Oh well, some things just come with time!
We had some friends who received a different learning experience Friday afternoon - one that brought the reality of who controls the hearts and lives of men of this world. They are well, just a few colonies lighter than they were. We are all more aware of God's protection.
As we think of our mothers on this special day, we are so thankful for the rich hertitage we both have. Other mothers have been such godly influences in our lives, and now we are assured of my mom's daily prayers. How blessed we are!
As I type this, I hear some beautiful Christian music. We will have to find out what's happening - "Great is Thy Faithfulness" is BEAUTI FUL in Spanish. May you experience the faithfulness of our God this week. Remind the Father of us.
To view larger pictures and their script, just clik on the picture and another window will open. Hope you enjoy!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.
Friday afternoon we took some time to go to the HiperMas (WalMart) via the Perifedica - that took about 3 hours. There is no such thing a a little run to the store, at least not for us because we don't know the exact bus routes, where to catch and get off the bus, but we are learning. We have laughed at how far we have walked to get a bus just because we have friends that caught the bus there. So we walk 3/4 mile or so to catch a bus and we could have caught it right where we began walking! Oh well, some things just come with time!
We had some friends who received a different learning experience Friday afternoon - one that brought the reality of who controls the hearts and lives of men of this world. They are well, just a few colonies lighter than they were. We are all more aware of God's protection.
As we think of our mothers on this special day, we are so thankful for the rich hertitage we both have. Other mothers have been such godly influences in our lives, and now we are assured of my mom's daily prayers. How blessed we are!
As I type this, I hear some beautiful Christian music. We will have to find out what's happening - "Great is Thy Faithfulness" is BEAUTI FUL in Spanish. May you experience the faithfulness of our God this week. Remind the Father of us.
To view larger pictures and their script, just clik on the picture and another window will open. Hope you enjoy!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Haircut and Games...
Well, two firsts for today...In clase de fonectica today, we played games. We are learning the letters of el alphabeto, so we must practice, practice, practice. And to help, my teacher had us play BINGO. The picture below indicates that I won twice! I've returned to the time of receiving a premio (prize) for being the ganadora (winner)!
We also played ahorcado - hangman. Great tools for learning el abecedario. We'll see just how much we have learned; tomorrow is my first quiz. She will show the letter, we will write the letter and the name of the letter. For example: "J - Hota."
I also had my first Costa Rican haircut today. Lorna is a precious Christian and we had such sweet fellowship as she shared her story of coming to Christ. Her family is not Christian and doesn't understand why she left her well-paying profession to style hair, but she is following Christ. She feels it is truly a ministry that she is doing. She allowed me to practice my Spanish, as little as I know, challenged me with new words, and then shared in perfect English. What a gift to me today! Below are a couple of pics of the new me!
Great $10 haircut with an absolutely WONDERFUL shampoo and massage! It was worth it all for just the shampoo and massage - AHH!
Isn't God good to even take care of the "trite" things in our lives like haircuts in such a special way?! I felt as though not only my hair was washed but my spirit was washed with His sweet presence and fragrance. What a day! Nmore studying in fonetica, lenguaje, and gramatica (there's supposed to be an accent on the "m," I haven't figured out how to do that on the blog so far).
Don't forget to hold us up!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Time to get down to BUSINESS...
Can't say that we didn't get down to business today, but a different sort. Today we spent the afternoon riding the autobus, then walking to the police station, then waiting in line after registering, then waiting in line for our name to be called, then waiting in line for a time to sit with the person to take all our information and then have another person fingeprint us. So we accomplished our task for today - learning to live without expectation and enjoy the time, waiting patiently for an extended period of time to get the required fingerprints at the local police station. We were thankful that we did not have small children with us, like some of our new friends. And we found those who processed us to be very nice and helpful- something we have not always found in government offices back home (like the Driver's License Office!!!)
Today was our last day of total ignorance! After today, there are no excuses but extended study and much practice. Bright and early tomorrow we begin!
Glynis' Schedule:
7:30 - 8:20 Gramatica
8:25 - 9:15 Gramatica
9:20 - 10:10 Fonetica
10:15 - 11:10 Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday
11:15 - 12:05 "free" Period
12:10 - 1:00 Language/Vocabulary
David's Schedule:
7:30 - 8:20 Language/Vocabulary
8:25 - 9:15 "free" Period
9:20 - 10:10 Fonetica
10:15 - 11:10 Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday
11:15 - 12:05 Gramatica
12:10 - 1:00 Gramatica
There are only the same four people in our classes which is good and bad. Good because we can get extra attention but bad because there is NO place to hide! Guess we will start the "early to bed, early to rise" schedule for sure now. You know the day can really get away from you if you are not careful. We need that early time with the Lord to get our hearts and minds prepared for the day.
A friend shared a verse from a retiring missionary which we too are claiming for our language study - Isaiah 50:7, "For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." Isn't that great?!
I am also claiming her prayer for us I'll be praying for your minds to be like rice, absorbing the water of the language and softening in the process so that the food you will give out in Spanish can be chewed and digested by those who hear and that much fruit will grow in the process. What metaphor for what we so desire - pray it along with us. Thanks for holding us up!
Today was our last day of total ignorance! After today, there are no excuses but extended study and much practice. Bright and early tomorrow we begin!
Glynis' Schedule:
7:30 - 8:20 Gramatica
8:25 - 9:15 Gramatica
9:20 - 10:10 Fonetica
10:15 - 11:10 Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday
11:15 - 12:05 "free" Period
12:10 - 1:00 Language/Vocabulary
David's Schedule:
7:30 - 8:20 Language/Vocabulary
8:25 - 9:15 "free" Period
9:20 - 10:10 Fonetica
10:15 - 11:10 Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday
11:15 - 12:05 Gramatica
12:10 - 1:00 Gramatica
There are only the same four people in our classes which is good and bad. Good because we can get extra attention but bad because there is NO place to hide! Guess we will start the "early to bed, early to rise" schedule for sure now. You know the day can really get away from you if you are not careful. We need that early time with the Lord to get our hearts and minds prepared for the day.
A friend shared a verse from a retiring missionary which we too are claiming for our language study - Isaiah 50:7, "For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." Isn't that great?!
I am also claiming her prayer for us I'll be praying for your minds to be like rice, absorbing the water of the language and softening in the process so that the food you will give out in Spanish can be chewed and digested by those who hear and that much fruit will grow in the process. What metaphor for what we so desire - pray it along with us. Thanks for holding us up!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Just in case...
Hello dear friends. Since several folks have asked for our mailing address, we thought we would give some guidelines that the school gave along with it.
Our address is:
David and Glynis Miller
Instituto de Lengua Espanola
Apartado 100 - 2350
San Jose, Costa Rica
America Central
This is not a physical location; it is only a post office box. ALL students share this address so it is IMPERATIVE that our name be on all correspondence. Everything mailed to Costa Rica is subject to duty charges. Should you wish to mail a package, please check with us ahead of time to see if what you wish to share is available in Costa Rica.
Today's worship experience was WONDERFUL! What a blessing to worship with brothers and sisters who love the Lord and walk pleasing to Him. We especially appreciated powerpoint today so that we could sing praises along with them. Today they celebrated the Lord's Supper together. the pastor called the seven recent youths (ages 15 to about 21) who had been saved and joined the church to come forward. they each gave their testimony and then the pastor asked them questions with the final one begining, "What changes has your salvation made in your daily life?" Wow - transparency living beofre the entire church of about 150. Afterwards, these young people served the Lord's Supper. Putting them right into ministry. It was a precious time of worship together. Gloria de Dios!
Two more days of Orientation and then the WORK begins!! Hold us to Him who knows ALL languages and delights in His peoples speaking to Him in any language!
Our address is:
David and Glynis Miller
Instituto de Lengua Espanola
Apartado 100 - 2350
San Jose, Costa Rica
America Central
This is not a physical location; it is only a post office box. ALL students share this address so it is IMPERATIVE that our name be on all correspondence. Everything mailed to Costa Rica is subject to duty charges. Should you wish to mail a package, please check with us ahead of time to see if what you wish to share is available in Costa Rica.
Today's worship experience was WONDERFUL! What a blessing to worship with brothers and sisters who love the Lord and walk pleasing to Him. We especially appreciated powerpoint today so that we could sing praises along with them. Today they celebrated the Lord's Supper together. the pastor called the seven recent youths (ages 15 to about 21) who had been saved and joined the church to come forward. they each gave their testimony and then the pastor asked them questions with the final one begining, "What changes has your salvation made in your daily life?" Wow - transparency living beofre the entire church of about 150. Afterwards, these young people served the Lord's Supper. Putting them right into ministry. It was a precious time of worship together. Gloria de Dios!
Two more days of Orientation and then the WORK begins!! Hold us to Him who knows ALL languages and delights in His peoples speaking to Him in any language!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Adjusting to life in Costa Rica..
We're adding a few new pictures for you to enjoy of our new life in Costa Rica. We have had a placement examination and will find our class roster on Tuesday. It is very humbling to have to turn in a examination with only your name at the top!
We have finding new friends and enjoying times with them. Our big brother and sister had us over for dinner - delicious homemade chicken noodle soup! Then last evening we had pizza with our MAC and SAM regions missionaries as we began our mentor orientation with them. We have found shopping areas - Big Lots, WalMart and American mall, and downtown San Jose.
We are looking forward to attending our first iglesia tomorrow with some friends. What joy the Father must have as the sound of myriads of languages worshipping Him resounds throughout heaven.
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We have finding new friends and enjoying times with them. Our big brother and sister had us over for dinner - delicious homemade chicken noodle soup! Then last evening we had pizza with our MAC and SAM regions missionaries as we began our mentor orientation with them. We have found shopping areas - Big Lots, WalMart and American mall, and downtown San Jose.
We are looking forward to attending our first iglesia tomorrow with some friends. What joy the Father must have as the sound of myriads of languages worshipping Him resounds throughout heaven.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Powered by BubbleShare
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