Farewell to Costa RIca

This will be my last post from CR, although I still plan to put a few more pics here (and of course we will have my "best of" on my website). I can't believe I am leaving tomorrow - wait, a sec, yes I can! I have loved my time here, but I am ready to be home. I am kinda dreading the flight home (at least all the airport stuff). I have three bags, plus my backpack and I am hoping to pass one of the bags off as a checked carry-on size so I don't have to pay. One of my bags may be overweight as it is. Weeell, we will just have to see, won't we?

Margarita threw a farewell cena for me last night and it was beautiful. She gave me a few presents, and also a few things for Adia. I hope and pray this family comes to Jesus, they are such dear people. It makes me hurt to see them in pain and grieving with nowhere to turn for comfort except the saying "si Dios quiere." This statement amazes me because of the truth of the situation - whatever God wants. But when I hear it, I don't hear any of the hope Christians have. We trust God because we know He loves us for who we are, and not what we can do for Him. It makes such a difference.

Graduation was great today. It was all in Spanish and I followed along really well! Wahoo! Also, I got a diploma - that's right. I have officially graduated from ILE! Gabi told me that I only lacked one point to make the grammar requirements, and on my conversational skills I scored above their minimum requirements. So, she went ahead and graduated me! :) Que funny.

Tonight I am going to another get-together with 4 other girls. It is in the home of 2 missionaries here who work with student life at ILE. The Dudney's are wonderful people, and I am so thankful to have this time with them before I leave. I would LOVE for God to open up some doors into Santa Cruz for this couple. They are incredible.

There is a part of me that really wants to be sappy about this last journal article. :) Even though I am thankful for my time here, and I will miss the people - I am READY to get home and then get to Bolivia. So, it is hard to be sappy and emotional, no matter how much I have loved being here. My room is all packed (except for bedding, pillow and my monkey) and things just look bare). I will be seeing some of you very soon!