Counting Our Blessings in Costa Rica

Today started out like any other ordinary day.  In fact, it was a beautiful, clear, sunshiny morning.  I commented to Chris on the walk to school how clearly we could see the mountains!  Yesterday was our first day of Spanish classes and it was a little stressful, so I wasn't so eager to go back to school where EVERY word is in Espanol.  But I went anyway and prayed that today would be better.

 

Chris and I have our first two hours of class together in Grammar.  Today I was feeling like I was understanding more and really enjoying class.  Sometime in the second hour I looked over at Chris because I thought he was shaking my desk.  He looked at me like, "it's not me!"  We were in a classroom on the second floor, so it started out as a little shaking and progressively got worse.  Our teacher was very calm and I kept watching her thinking, is this normal?  When the tremoring stopped she told us "tranquilo" and motioned us out the door, which I was guessing  meant "Stay Calm!!!" 

 

We went outside and found that this was not a "normal" tremor at all for Costa Rica.  We went to the parking lot for safety then met in the chapel for information and a time of prayer.  It wasn't until then did I realize how much we have to be thankful for.  It could've been so much worse.  What we felt was a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that originated 90 miles away in the beach town of Cangrejal.  Praise to the Lord of all creation who saw fit for us to be here another day.

 

I want to share with you the scripture that was read in chapel today. 

 

 Psalm 46:1-3

 

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

 

 

Danica saw the moon this morning and she insisted that I take a picture.  I am so glad I did to show you how crystal clear the sky was this morning.  The moon is the little white dot above the palm trees.

Lastly,  please pray for the girls as this was quite an experience for them too.  Pray that they don't live in fear and we would be able to effectively share with them the reason we can live in true freedom.  We have already had some great discussions on how the Lord cares for us and in life or death that doesn't change.

We love you and appreciate all of your support.  Don't forget to take time today to count your blessings too!