Tensions and Abounding Joy II

The abounding joy part comes in little bursts and simple pleasures and deep-seated stirrings and encounters with the Divine.

For example:

·      skype conversations that I had been meaning to have/waiting on for a while that happened and refreshed me by making me laugh or by sharing deeply or just had the regular feel

·      Finishing writing the oh-so-frustrating convocatoria tests, tutoring a student and real conversations and kind words from a few of the girls

·      Feeling supported and cared-for by co-workers/principal by food, emails, instruction, defense, questions

·      buying things we’ve been wanting/needing at the grocery store, eating bruschetta for dinner and baking for our neighbors

·      lazy-ish days and reading the Bible and other books, intercession

·      The Hunger Games with Kate and the Millikans. So much to like/chew on!

·      Things semi-working out in planning trips

·      Community service with the students and precious moments with the elderly—wheeling the wheel chairs, feeding, listening, pictures, being

·      A kind guy doing hurdles who helped me figure out how to get into the track bahaha and morning swims

·      Delicious tea from the tea shop where Kate worked in Columbus, OH

·      Being prayed-for in church

And the best-est was hiking yesterday. It was so glorious! Refreshing for the soul, invigorating for the body, delightful for the eyes, encouraging for the social element, overall lovely weather-wise, and fulfilling as an awaited small goal.

We hiked Pico-Blanco yesterday with a large-ish group of people—teenagers to parents, and we had been waiting for months! (Was very glad we waited until after rainy season, because the jungle portions were still slickery.)

Made the special packed pancakes and had some coffee so we wouldn’t be hungry and left by 6 or so in the caravan. We were dropped off where the road ends in Escazu and began the ascent by climbing over a fence and traipsing through someone’s yard up through a field. It was pretty steep most of the way and nice to go at a pretty steady pace or go quickly and take breaks to wait for everyone and take in the views of the hills, mountains and central valley. 

Each section was different, and I loved noticing the variety of plants, flowers, birds, lizards, rocks and even bugs (bee-like creatures, not so thankful because Savanna and I got stung and were certain of imminent doom like the tracker jackers ; )).

We hiked in and out of what felt like savanna, deciduous forest, bluffs and jungle, so we would see rocky outcroppings and caves, pine trees, vines and moss-covered trees, blooming plants and fallen trees, light playing on the far hills and peaking into the forest or spilling into a clearing, the wind would tickle your neck and then nearly blow you off the peak. 

Each of these steps reminds me of how very human I am and how wonderful my Creator is. What more glorious worship than reflecting on the psalms during our hike and being what we were made to be within the grander scheme of things? 

(pictures to follow)