Ash Wednesday

It's obvious that I didn't keep up with my "once a week blogging" resolution. As much as I would love to keep up that much, I just don't see it happening.

Today is Ash Wednesday on the Christian Calendar. In our family, we take the 40 days leading up to Easter very seriously and almost always decide to "sacrifice" something that affects our daily lives. Usually this is a bad habit or something edible, but this year I felt the Lord asking me to give up something extreme. After praying about it and talking it over with Scott, we've decided as a family to give up using our car for 40 days. The public transportation system is very reliable here in Costa Rica, so we will be learning bus routes well, as well as investing more time into transit daily. We are praying that the Lord uses this specific "fast" to help us focus on his sacrifice on the cross. Obviously, we will be bringing the kids along on this 40 day adventure - we pray that God opens their eyes in a new way as well.

The past few weeks brought Sydney's 5th birthday and first days of school for everyone except Scott. The kids started officially this past monday and are already enjoying their new classes and teachers. Elijah has to wear dress shoes everyday, and his major complaint is about sore feet - after wearing Crocs all summer, I'm not surprised that his feet are sore!!! I also started my on-line class with Nazarene Theological Seminary. I'm studying "Introduction to Christian Theology". It's an interesting format being online and I'm enjoying the "study at your own pace" pace. :) My first paper is due next week - here's to hoping I remember how to footnote correctly!!! Thankfully Scott is a walking grammar goalie - not too much get's by him. I'll have to have him edit, I'm sure!

I've been trying a few new things in the kitchen - last week I made "gallo pinto" - Costa Rican version of bean and rice. It turned out alright, but I need to make some adjustments. I also made some YUMMY spicy chicken empanadas, some homemade pita bread and hummus. The pita bread and hummus made a HUGE hit with the kids - they loved it.

I'll try and keep you updated on what's going on with school and all. OH - we got to watch the KU/Texas A&M game - we felt like God was especially smiling on us on Monday. :) Love to all!