At The Feria

Feria literally means fair, but in this case it refers to a weekly farmer's market-type 'fair' that we go to most every Saturday. This is the place to be if you want fresh tropical delights and staple fruits and vegetables...fresh...and cheap! Have a look:

The kids play at the park while and after we shop. Here's Adrielle's little friend, Yanique.

Also, there's a rough bunch of muchachos who play pick-up ball on the court next the the feria each Saturday. In hopes of getting to know a few, I have tried to work my way into the games. No injuries thus far...but I don't think these maes (a slang term that get's tossed around a lot here, especially on the basketball court, translates to something like 'dude') are much impressed by my game (or lack thereof). This court attracts some really good players. Lot's of fun.

As you look at the picture, you might say a brief prayer for some of the guys, especially Louis. Yanique's dad plays every Saturday, too.

Adrielle Turns 4...Boden Gets A Haricut

Adrielle is now 4. According to her, this means she now has bigger feet and legs, bigger bones, bigger arms, a bigger face and she can eat lemons...but not peppers...

at least not 'til she's 5.

Dora the Explorer helped us usher in this momentous occasion, primarily by offering to get beat on in the form of a piñata. After much effort by all the young'ns in attendance, it eventually rained joy and sweetness for all to partake.

Life is precious; children are a gift. We're glad to cherish and celebrate these moments...

they pass by so rapidly!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In other news, Boden just got a drastic haircut. We thought we'd show you his new look. 

Language School

Just to keep things lighthearted, one of my classmates brought this shirt to class one day. He said it was a prize to be passed around the class to whomever makes the biggest and best language goof of the day. It is currently in my possession. Enough said.

Culture Shock?

We just wanted to offer a visual demonstration of the potential swings in emotion that exist when living in another country/culture. Observe:

Men's Retreat

This was the setting for a little men's retreat I attended organized by the language institute. It was the first chance for any of us to actually get out of town, away from the city. 2 1/2 hours south on a little mini-bus  led us into a little obscure valley in high in the mountains (6,700 feet or so), exploding with green and with life.

It was definitely a full-fledged change of setting: cool air (downright cold at night), a mountain stream strewn with boulders (complete with crystal clear water and trout), heavy green forest full of extraordinary flora and fauna...yeah. 

The weekend was, of course, about growing spiritually and encouraging one another, but it was also meant to be an outlet for fathers and husbands to have some good old-fashioned, getin' dirty fun. I took my chances for the first time as a paintball participant (or should I say 'target?'), we enjoyed some high ropes course fun, an impressive climbing wall, a little basketball, and just being outdoors. 

Of course, this endeavor required the lovingkindness of my beautiful wife to hold down the fort in a new country all by her lonesome. The Lord graciously answered prayers and she had one of the smoothest weekends yet (maybe she sent away the catalyst of all our chaos!). Jess bought milk at the corner store, all on her own. Jess bought fruits and vegetables at the farmers' market, all on her own. Jess even had to deal with cable/internet installation guys, all on her own (figures they would arrive 45 minutes after I left...we had been waiting for them for almost 3 weeks!). 

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."