first days in quepos, costa rica

Aug 20^th a.m....from jared

We had the easiest travel day that I can ever remember. We got an early start leaving Eileen’s parent’s house in Chicago around 4:40 a.m. With a quick stop at the local grocery to pick up a couple of requests of the Kim and Laura who are already down in Costa Rica, we were on our way. As much as Eileen and I had traveled together, we had never flown together. We have taken taxis, buses, trains, and even a tandem together, but we looked forward to this trip together.

This was the first travel day in a long time that I didn’t get delayed, miss a flight, or have something else happen. This dates back a while, so we had a peaceful flight to Houston, a short layover and then another easy flight to San Jose, CR. Once there, we hurried and got our bags and then through immigration. Once we got got outside, we were met immediately by a van from Quepos that Laura had hired for us to come pick us up. No problems, a peaceful 3 hour ride in the pouring rain until we got to Quepos with one coffee break stop in between. We were met with joy when we arrived to Kim’s house where we will stay for the first few days until we find somewhere to move into.

…a day later...

today is my first day at work in the center. I was very, very thankful to see some of the same faces. Oscar, who I wrote about last time I was here, is still here and doing a very good job to help run the house. He is slated to graduate next month. After his graduation, we are trying to find a way to hire him to work there at the center; that way it will be three total working there. Thank you for all your prayers, and I want to let you know that they are being answered; men’s lives are being changed.

now from eileen...
It was a different feel when we arrived in quepos this time. It didn’t seem too long ago that we were here together. The town felt familiar and I recognized all the places we had been to before. Moving somewhere is totally different than taking a short visit. I am looking forward to the relationships that will be made.

Right when we arrived, laura (the wife of kim stilwell who stared the center where jared is working) told us about the plans that were already on our schedule J

It seems crazy how easily things have been coming into place. I am very thankful and realize it is nothing but the Lord’s provision. I had no idea that we would be settled into our first home so soon! It was funny how we found the place because we were walking around the streets of quepos with no real leads for housing, but it was like we were just waiting for the perfect place to just pop up. We had heard of this place called Manuel Antionio Estates where an American girl had lived before, so we decided to go check it out since there were no other options yet.

We arrived and walked into the office and asked the owner if there were any spots available. He said there was one apartment available. He gave us the key, and we checked it out….it was a dream come true for the both of us. Jared had a huge smile on his face the whole time we were checking out the apartment. One of the things he said was it had a great table. I thought he said that because of the wood work…then, later I realized he said it because of the size….for GAMES!! Hilarious. But really, that is a blessing as well because I have never seen a table of this size around costa rica. It is on the rare side…especially for an apartment.

I have spoken with laura about possibilities for working in the schools. She gave me the run down of the schools and it sounds like private schools are the best option. She has 4 kids and they are all in school. Her youngest is in kindergarden and she is going to talk to that teacher to see how I could get involved in the schools. There also may be an opportunity for me to get a job as well. Please pray for my direction here in quepos.

We have been accepted with open arms here. Yesterday, we were able to see a lot of the Americans who live here and one couple drove us around town to show us the best places to go…it was nice. Then, we went to the grocery store to get some food, mainly beans and rice and we carried it all back to our place….about a 15 minute walk. We looked pretty funny carrying all our stuff. We were both carrying at least 30-40 lbs each. Jared was carrying a box with a gallon of oil, 3 sets of hangers, beans, hot dogs, etc. and I was carrying a bag with 30 lbs of beans and rice and my purse stuffed with stuff and kitchen utensils hanging out.

We are looking forward to getting connected into the community. I need to practice my Spanish, big time!

Thank you for your prayers and love.