Goodbyes, bullfighting, and Feliz Año...

Thursday brought goodbyes, which aren't any easier the longer you are apart...





In the afternoon, we went to the fiesta in Zapote and to the "bullfight." Actually we called it "running from the bulls." Costa Rica is the only country where no matter what the bull does the person can't hurt the bull!




A girl bull rider entertained the crowd for awhile...she was really good and dismounted herself, without the "aid" of the bull :)!



Now this part is what we called..."Can you say ESTUPIDO?" Four guys sat on drink crates and waited for the bull to enter the ring...



after he entered the ring...



yep, he is knocked out cold. Both guys had to be removed on stretchers to the red cross area. Anyone else ready to give it a try?!

When we exited the ring, we were greeted with a traditional parade - dancing masks...


complete with their own band.



And then the new year was brought in with a BANG...literally..from about 10 pm to the GRAND finale at 11:45 until 12:30! Feliz Año!




May this year be the best you have ever experienced as you discover and walk in the will of God for your life!

Coffee and ox carts and shopping...

Tuesday was off to Doka coffee plantation...



seeing coffee growing...


sun drying...


and getting ready to be shipped...


(over 80% of the coffee from this finca is sent to the US, with Starbucks receiving the majority. Starbucks sells it as "Costa Rica" and also uses it in their special blends.)

doing a little tasting...



and shopping...David D's next Christmas gift?



Then to Sarchi, home of the world's largest ox cart...





Bananas anyone?

Zipping in the afternoon...

Monday afternoon brought ZIP LINING!!!

Mike...


Miriam...


Rebecca...


and David, trying not to spin...



Now for me...sitting on the porch sipping a Coca Cola Light, watching the stream roll along, photographing some beautiful flowers, reading a book and waiting for their return was all the adrenaline rush that I needed!


One of the flower arrangements in the restaurant...


Zinnas, my favorite flower...

La Paz

Bright and EARLY Monday morning, we left for a full day. The clouds did not cooperate so we were unable to visit Volcano Poas but that allowed us more time at La Paz Waterfalls.

From the top...



to the bottom...



and all between...


we enjoyed it all!

All the heavens and earth declare HIS glory! Praise His Name!

Returning from the beach...

Returning from the beach we dined at Daisy and Rodolfo's and received wonderful Christmas gifts and enjoyed a delicious typical meal.





Mike even played a video game with Anthony on his new PS3...


but the face tells it all...Anthony's a PRO in soccer!

Christmas Gifts...

Miriam & Mike and Rebecca arrived Christmas night filled with goodies for us and our tico family. Thanks so much WMU at Marieta First Baptist for purchasing everything on our list. Thanks to everyone else who sent special treats - thanks Cubbies at Abilene Baptist Church - and very special gifts - thanks Baptist Women at Abilene. Some friends even purchased the suitcase to bring the goodies down to Costa Rica! (We are planning to send that suitcase to Guatemala in January since we can only take 2 suitcases each in April.) To each of you - thanks so very much! The remaining money was added to our "Applicance Fund" to purchase a washer and dryer in Guatemala.

Then bright and early the next morning we headed to the beach at Quepos/Manuel Antonio. So much fun!




With views like these, we didn't want to return home but oh, there was so much more fun in store for us!