Nostalgia in Paradise

This is such a fun trip; the birds sing every morning, the wind blows and the rain pours, the sun peaks through the clouds once in a while. We all miss Manzanillo already but we are quickly acclamating to Tortuguero even though we will only be here for two nights. Our morning canoeing trip was refreshing and wet as the sky opened and closed every 30 minutes. Our night walk was scary and intriguing at the same time as we saw spiders, frogs, and a couple of snakes. So far, the trip has been a blast and we are looking forward to the next week!

-Sierra

Pura vida!!!

This is the slogan for the place we are in, which is Tortuguero. We just got here yesterday, and have had a wet blast so far. There are no roads to get here, only planes and river boats. We took a boat for forty five minutes, and arrived in a little town. The town has winding streets and is really confusing to me. The little hotel is nice, almost just like the one in Manzinillo. we are right on the beach, which is really nice. It is raining all the time, but at least it's warm. We took a night jungle hike last night, which was REALLY muddy and wet, but interesting to. We saw lots of spiders, frogs, and one snake. At six this morning we were moving out to go canoeing on the intricate web of rivers. We saw lots of cammons, which are in the alligator family, monkeys, lizards, birds, butterflys, etc. it was wet, but a lot of fun. Now it is raining once again. Pura Vida!!!! (pure life)

Canoeing!

At six this morning, we left to the river for a canoe trip with Alejandro and two other guides. It took three and a half hours, and it went through the local national park. We saw many lizards, iguanas, and monkeys! It was exciting, and we have a few hours to relax now before lunch and some schoolwork with Mr. Claus. Tonight is the night hike on the beach from 10 to 12, and I really hope we'll get to see some sea turtles!

--Brynna

SUCCESS

I experienced success!  I lost the password for this blog and for several days endeavored to prove I belong to this blog.  Google gave up first.  Finally I received a simple email with few instructions.  Now the Costa Rica travelers can blog to all of their fans and followers.  I can't wait to see what they write.  Stay tuned.

htbh

Sunday January 8, 2012



I struggle with the concept of making New Year's resolutions.  I view each day as a chance to decide what's important and what can be a goal for that week.  Now that I've said that, I will share with you a few of the resolutions I've made for the new year.  It isn't a complete list and they will not be in order of importance.
1) Eliminate or lessen the use of conversational preambles.
2) Speak without detailed explanations of what I think or believe.
3) Practice what I read and believe about holistic health.
4) Avoid giving advice unless asked.
5) Once a month sponsor a party for the purpose of having fun.
6) Talk less and listen more when I pray.
7) Be specific in the continual search for God's fellowship.

The End

ATTT

Hey, Jeff!

I once had this student who knew what I was thinking before I expressed my thought in word, look, or body language.  It was scary.  No exaggeration.  Scary.  You're not so sure that this was scary?  Imagine your folks knowing what is streaming through your brain.  Picture the friend that knows you were using a little white lie to avoid difficulty.  Imagine your employees or co-workers knowing in advance what selfish act you were on the verge of inflicting upon them or others.

Actually, we were both able to "guess" (not know) what the other was thinking in differing situations.  Let's call it a extra portion of perception and avoid the concept of scary.  Let's call it fun.  Ya, it was great fun to be able to guess what the other was thinking.  However, with an extra sense of understanding of another individual, comes the knowledge of how to frustrate, or how to manipulate that person.

Looking back I believe we both used this perceptiveness to irritate each other.  It is also true that with the frustration comes a type of appreciation for the one with whom you share a God given gift.  Growing up I never realized the positive potential in being perceptive.

Two weeks ago I thought that I should email Jeff and ask how things were going.  The next day he emailed me first!  I was a little irritated that he wrote first, but was glad to hear he was doing well and continuing with his training.  I'm not sure I ever conveyed to Jeff that I saw his strengths as gifts to him, from God.  Jeff is a light.  He is granted the privilege of seeing and understanding what people need before they speak a word.  He probably knew that sending me the above picture would be a Christmas gift I would enjoy receiving.  He asked that I not share the picture with anyone.  HA!  He knew I would, and I knew he wouldn't care!

Hey, Jeff, celebrate the gifts God has given you, and remember the best way to celebrate is to use your talents to help another person that God places in your daily path.  Merry Christmas!  I miss you!  There's always room for you on one of those expensive classroom couches.

HTBH

Sydney Who?

"Sydney is teaching today," came the yell from across campus.  "Sydney, who?" came the cry back.  I paused for a moment and thought, "Sydney, Who?"  I smiled, "boy I could tell you about Sydney Who!"
Sydney Who came to Orcas Island with her family 12+ years ago.  She was in the 3rd grade (That's my best guess).  When I moved to Orcas to teach at OCS Sydney was in the 6th grade.  I soon learned that Sydney the sixth grader, besides having the best smile on Orcas Island, also could express how she felt on almost every subject.  Knowing what it means to express one's self on every subject, I anticipated Ms. Who and her classmates' arrival into the high school at OCS.

When that first high school day came I found her class to be what I expected: Articulate, cute, and very bright.  Oh, did I mention that they were outspoken?  I should mention that another word for outspoken is opinionated.  Having made the top ten list of opinionated people in the United States, I can spot a class with this trait a ferry away.  I was right about something else, this class was loaded with potential in every area of life.  They could earn top grades, sing, play all sports, speak in front of groups, be great OCS big brothers and sisters, and what I liked most-make you think.  And Sydney Who loved to "make you think."  Her favorite question was, "so what do you think Mr. Worley?" Followed by a, "uh, uh?"

And so the other day when I was looking at the OCS web page I saw Sydney Harris posing with her students, that's right, her students, in  the OCS gym.  I thought to myself, how proud her parents must be when they see her helping kids in the same places where teachers had helped her.  I thought to myself, how proud her church must be when they see her living for Jesus and using her talents to impact the lives of people.  I thought of how proud her teachers were when we saw her return and take on the responsibility of caring for young questioning minds.  How amazing that this 3rd grader has come back and can be trusted to care for the next group of emerging teachers, plumbers, coaches, and youth leaders.

All of this reminded me that teaching and parenting is like seed planting.  You do your best to share information, instruct in how to do things, and try to live the values that are needed on our struggling planet. Then, after planting the seed, you wait for God to care for, watch over, and grow the seed.  God is so far beyond me in knowing what is best.  Just the other day when I needed these reminders about seed planting, Sydney Harris the substitute kingergarten teacher drove into the OCS parking lot. 

I work for God.  I plant the seed.  He grows the seed in just the right way, in just the right time.  My Father knows best!  "So, What Do You Think, Ms. Harris? Uh, Uh?"

CNAF