the top five of costa rica- #5 CONVERSATIONS

I’ve saved this one for last because I think it’s probably the most important highlight of our trip (and has the most potential to change our lives in the future, albeit in small ways). Now, I know that talking about doing something and actually doing it are two very different things, but I’m still thankful for the talking part- the beginning stages of actions that get you headed in the right direction. Or even for the talking it out part that allows you to see the big picture of what the Lord has done more clearly.

That’s why our conversations were the best part of this trip… it was so good to have time with Adam to plan and look ahead and to reflect and be thankful for what God has done and is doing in us. We talked a lot about the Itsy Bitsy, about ourselves as parents, about our hopes and the parts of parenting we’re terrified about. We talked some about the struggles we anticipate and about how we both have the tendency to be a little severe. We’ll definitely need to learn how to pick our battles, loosen our oh-so-high-expectations death grip and get some perspective about the really important stuff. We tried to think of the really fantastic parents we know and what they do well. We know that, no matter how well planned we are, that God will orchestrate all sorts of failures and detours… but it’s good to have something to shoot for and “must-do’s” to guide us back when we get lost. We talked about next year- what we think the Lord is asking of us and what an adventure it’ll be. And we talked a lot… a lot… about how thankful we are for the last five years, but I think that might be a whole different post.


Thanks for letting me reminisce all week, y’all… it has made it easier to settle back in and be away from the sun and all things vacation-y to look through pictures and think a little about the trip in order to share with you! :)

the top five of costa rica- #4 UPGRADES

In the spectrum of backpackers to five-star resort hoppers, Adam and I are firmly camped in the “budget travel” camp. So even researching places to stay from Frommers “Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts of Costa Rica” list was a COMPLETELY new experience for us (we usually bypass those lists entirely and head right to the “value” options). While I wouldn’t consider us converted spa junkies, the fabulous amenities were definitely a highlight of our trip! From infinity pools to morning yoga classes in an open air teak wood studio to a breakfast spread rivaling brunch at Pappa Deaux to pool boys circulating with chilled washcloths and frozen grapes, we were pampered and spoiled beyond belief. And we loved every minute of it!

the top five of costa rica- #3 FOOD

some sort of seafood/pasta deliciousness

(my grilled fish is in the background)

the view from one of our favorite dinner spots

The views from the hotspots we frequented for dinner (deemed as such by none other than Frommer’s, Foder’s, and now Adam and Kirst’s oh-so-selective critique) were certainly not the only perk of eating there… it seemed as though the local dishes were created specifically for us. Plentiful portions of grilled fish caught by local fisherman that morning complimented by mango, papaya, quince, tangerines and other fresh produce, beans and rice, and tropical sangria (just for Adam, of course)- GLORY!

the top five of costa rica- #2

rest

I firmly believe that God, in His infinite wisdom of our needs, builds mandatory rest periods into life (ahem, mono my junior year of college), and I am so thankful that He brought Adam and I a season (well, a week) of r&r right now. Our to-do lists for this spring are bulging at the seams…and after May 23, we’ve heard that sleep will be but a distant memory. But for now, our bodies are renewed with the energy necessary to take on the many projects ahead of us. Thank you Lord for rest!

babymoon fabulousness

After a truly glorious week of lounging, swimming, hiking, basking and relaxing we are back home and trying (sort of unsuccessfully) to remember what normal life looks like. In the midst of reorganizing my classroom and unpacking this week, I’ll try to post some pictures (those of you who’ve been emailing and asking for belly shots, you’re in luck!) and the top 5 highlights of our trip.

THE TOP FIVE OF COSTA RICA
#1 Manuel Antonio (the town we stayed in)

The part of Costa we visited boasts a monkey-meets-mahi, rainforest covered hills leveling into wide white sandy beaches, two-for-one sort of landscape. We’ve never visited the rainforest before and were surprised and delighted daily by the unique beach-meets-rainforest combo.

You’d think we’d get used to the wildly gorgeous views from our resort (and all the restaurants we ate at), but nope- just as stunning and amazing on Day 9 as on Day 1. And the surprise of spotting monkeys swinging through the trees bordering the beach, or of glancing up from my chaise next to the pool to notice an iguana lounging in the garden below us gave our “beach vacation” it’s own unique twist.

trust

While we were in Costa Rica, the guy that made an offer on the flip house rescinded his offer. Such a bummer! I've been praying lately that the Lord would give me a thankful, faith-filled trust when we receive great news AND not-so-great news... and here's my chance to practice!

In my efforts to have a more thankful, eternal perspective, I've been reflecting on the priceless, extravagant blessings of the Lord. Just a few things to praise Him for: the grace of the cross, a too-good-to-be-true, don't deserve him husband, a life full of met needs and luxuries I don't need... the Lord has more than provided for us in all things in the past, and we trust Him with the flip house now.

what a week

I know that when I started this little blog, it was mostly to chronicle "life in the glorious middle," or that little stuff that happens day to day that makes life unique and great. And I know that it seems like I just keep posting "big news" (well, it doesn't seem like that, I DO keep posting big news)... dental school and trips to Costa Rica aren't every day for us. I promise, this string of excitement can't keep this pace for long (we'll be back to our normal glorious middle soon). But for now, it just keeps coming.

We got, and accepted, an offer on the flip house!

I don't think I've ever, in my life, had a week like this week... it feels like God is showering us with good news. It's extravagant really. And we are more thankful than I can say.

I'm posting all of this so that y'all can PRAISE THE LORD with us, and also join us in prayer that the inspection goes well Tuesday, that there are no little (or big) hangups, and that this offer goes through.

I wonder what next week will be like. :)