Home sweet home...

When I lived in Ecuador in 2005, I spent most of my 8 months in the kitchen with 4 wonderful women, Maria, Esperanza, Kenya, and Magdalena. They were the cooks for an after school program that was sponsored by Compassion International. The project was located at a church in a poor neighborhood called Carmen Bajo and there about 50-70 elementary school aged kids that participated in the program. Everyday these women would conjure up some of the yummiest food I ever ate while living in Ecuador. I was always amazed by these womens' ability to turn rice and vegetables (occasionally chicken) into a feast. My love for cooking started in that kitchen with those women and I will always be grateful for the time I was able to spend with them.

Me with Esperanza and her two daughters back in 2005.

This last Sunday I was reminded of many good memories with my Ecuadorian cooking friends because I once again found myself as the student learning from another skilled latina cook. Every week our church here in Costa Rica offers a post-service snack. The food ranges from different typical costa rican dishes to chinese fried rice to tacos (costa rican style), and sometimes even ice cream. Every once in awhile they serve up hot, delicious, freshly made cheese or bean empanadas. They are very tasty and I had decided that I would love to learn to make them.

They may not look like much, but they are packed with flavor!!

Two weeks ago I shared this thought with the Pastor's wife at our church and she set me up with Ethel. A dear woman who is known as a very good cook within our congregation. We were put in charge of making the post-service snack and we spent the majority of the church service whipping up these tasty treats and I felt right at home in the kitchen with her. It was so fun to watch her skilled hands work swiftly to make these delicious treats and now I will be able to carry on her legacy even when we move to Ecuador!

Ethel preparing the dough.

When it comes to any kind of dough, it's especially helpful to have a practiced cook teaching you. Here's the dough ready for making the empanadas.

This is genius. Jim and I always wondered how they got their empanadas to be the exact same size! We were convinced they had to be factory made, but they are not. To make the empanada, you take a golf ball size piece of dough and put in this contraption.

They come out looking like this every time! 

So much easier than rolling out each one with a rolling pin...

Then you fill it with cheese, 

fold it over and put it in the fry pan.

I'm thinking this empanada press-dealy 

would make a great souvenir of our time here...

But if you don't have one, Ethel showed me how to make a perfectly formed 

empanada without it. I was blown away by how quickly and evenly she formed that disc. 

I personally stuck with the press so that it wouldn't be SO obvious which empanadas were 

made by the gringa and which were made by Ethel.

 

The finished product, ready to serve to 

hungry members of the congregation.

I'm sorry I didn't meet Ethel sooner, but I do hope to continue to deepen our relationship over the next ten weeks. She is such a sweet woman and I look forward to pursuing similar relationships with women in Ecuador, too...ones that will be able to last a long time and build up from the passion for cooking that God has laid on our hearts!!

   -Suzy<><

 

                Ethel and I in the kitchen at church...          ...and of course, Kaia helped us, too!

Prayer Requests for Ecuador

     Today Suzy asked me, "What are we gonna do for Kaia's 1 year old birthday?" It's still a few months away, but it brought my mind zooming to Ecuador. That's only a few months away, too! Having been here in Costa Rica for about 5 months now, it's hard sometimes to remove ourselves from this current existence and imagine what life will be like in December.

     I will say, doing this FARO program (click here to read more about what that entails) has begun to give me a glimpse into what life may look like in Ecuador. For the past 2 weeks I've literally gone out every day to talk with Costa Ricans. During the week it's with people who live or work in this community, and on the weekends we've spoken with people for hours (literally hours) at church ministry opportunities or with church friends.

     Its been great! It's draining at times and there are frustrating parts as well, but overall it has been enjoyable just to sit and visit with people. I'm spending quality time with these individuals, building a relationship, and having opportunities to discuss life, culture, and things of importance. This is hopefully what life will look like in Ecuador as well.

A home in Calacalí, just a few doors down from El Refugio

     Another question Suzy brought up today while walking home from church was, "What do you think our home will be like in Ecuador?" It was fun for a minute to daydream about having our own space again-- a permanent space that we can decorate, settle into, and really call 'home!' Again, my mind went zooming to Ecuador... and I realized it's not all that far away. We don't have a 'home' lined up yet, and we'll be arriving in less than three months! 

     A lot of you asked us when we were meeting with you where we planned to live. That hasn't changed-- we plan to live in the town of Calacalí, where El Refugio is located. We want to live among the people we're serving and building relationships with. The one discouraging thing is that Calacalí is a small, rural town, so it may be difficult to find a place to rent. Therefore, will you join us in prayer? We know God goes before us and we trust that He will provide the perfect place for us to live-- but we want to be diligent in praying that the details would all come together and that we would indeed find the most ideal house to call home.

The staff at El Refugio

    

 Would you continue to pray with us regarding the following things:

 - That our Spanish speaking skills would continue to improve and that we would be able to represent ourselves and Christ well through the words that we speak

 - That God would be preparing the hearts of the individuals we'll be starting relationships with in the town of Calacalí

 - That God would continue to protect us physically and keep us safe from danger

 - For the ministry currently happening at El Refugio in Ecuador as well as through the entire Youth World team that we'll be joining

     Blessings to you this week! May you be encouraged in your faith and filled with the peace of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

 -jim

Mount Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Earthquake

A road very close to the epicenter of the earthquake

     I have never experienced an earthquake before. Well... maybe I have, but they've never been strong enough for me to feel. Last week we experienced a very strong earthquake here in Costa Rica. It was originally said to be a magnitude of 7.9, but then later declared it to have been a 7.6. Either way, it was very strong and quite noticeable.

     I was in class when it took place and it was really a bit surreal. I always expected an earthquake to just feel like I was being shaken back and forth, when in reality, it felt more like being on a boat in really rough water. The ground beneath us was moving back and forth, up and down, and everything was just seizing in different directions. It wasn't incredibly strong at first, so we all just looked around for a few seconds before fully realizing what was happening. It continued to grow stronger and stronger, and as it escalated we all made our way out of our seats and outside as quickly as possible. 

A bridge that collapsed due to the quake

     There was a small degree of hysteria, as many people had never experienced an earthquake before and some that had were just very frightened because they don't like them. Many people immediately thought of the safety of their family members and were understandably worked up. Cell phones were quickly seen all around me (those of the Costa Rican teachers in particular) frantically calling their loved ones to be assured of their safety. Though it felt incredibly strong where we were, the epicenter of the earthquake was about 120 miles away from us-- which makes it scary to imagine how it must have felt to those at the center.

     The school's president was out with all of us and called an impromptu gathering of all the students after the earth stopped shaking. We spent time in prayer together as a student body-- thinking of those who were near the epicenter, or in buildings and locations where significant damage had occurred. We read portions of scripture together. The staff did a great job of reigning in all of the emotion and excitement and focusing that energy on our hope and trust in Christ, and praying for those who sadly don't have that assurance.

A road blocked by boulders and debris 

     Suzy and Kaia were back in our apartment and made it out in a timely fashion as well. Our neighbor experienced the massive earthquake in Haiti a couple of years ago, so when Suzy overheard her telling their daughter to get outside, she promptly got Kaia up from her nap and joined them outside.

     It was a surreal experience. Though I felt a little dizzy and nauseous, I didn't feel fear. Isaiah 54:10 says, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." My hope is found in Christ. I don't fear the things of this world, because to live is Christ, but to die is gain. I can't imagine not having the assurance that we have in Christ and going through difficulty. Life is trying and difficult even with Christ; I can't imagine the fear, despair, and hopelessness others must feel when difficulty comes their way. 

     When the earth shakes, Jesus Christ is our rock, our cornerstone. When everything else in this world lets us down, God is faithful. When there is no one else to turn to, God is still patiently waiting. God has not given us a spirit of timidity or of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and discipline. And yet he tells us to cast all of our anxiety on him because he cares for us.

     So much has happened since we got back to Costa Rica-- physically, spiritually, and in our day-to-day schedules. Though we're incredibly busy, working hard, and the ground beneath is is shaking, Christ is faithful. He has called us here and we are overjoyed to be exactly where He wants us to be. Therefore, we praise his name! What a joy to live life for Jesus Christ, our Savior!

 -jim

La Ruta

A street right by our house where I'll be walking

   Instead of taking a standard 'language class' this trimester, I'm doing a program called FARO. FARO is an acronym for Facilitator, Assistant, Route, and Oir (which means 'to hear'). The spanish word for route is 'la ruta.'

     La ruta is at the same time the most important part of FARO as well as the most intimidating component. I need to create my own route-- meaning, I have to engage 8 to 20 Costa Ricans (or native spanish speakers) and ask them to speak with me twice a week for a minimum of 15 minutes per visit. The reality is in a culture like this, the minimum is more like 30-45 minutes. Time means everything here.

      Did you catch the intimidating part? I need to approach 8 - 20 people. Strangers. People who speak a different language than I do and have no idea who I am. And I have to speak their language to them to ask if they'll help me out. A stranger... who talks like a child in their language.

      I'd say that I'm a people person... but can't you  just feel that knot in your stomach that forms when you have to do something that is out of your comfort zone? You know it's good for you. You know how much it will help you. But what if the person behind that door doesn't want to buy your holiday wrapping paper? Or your girl scout cookies? Or those candy bars for your sports team?

      Tomorrow starts the second week of classes for this trimester. It's also the first week that I'll have to go out and walk my route, engaging with all of these Costa Ricans individually. I'll likely be spending 8+ hours talking with Costa Ricans this week. I'm both scared and incredibly excited all at the same time.

      I'll be planning out what topic to talk about with these people each time I see them-- so there will be a level of direction in the conversations. But I'm curious to see where some of them will lead. Please pray that God will use the little, broken spanish that I know to connect with these people I'll be investing in over the next 3 1/2 months.

      And if you're wondering about these 8 - 20 people, and when I have to go find them; that's what I've been doing since we got back. I'm just a couple of people away in terms of those who have committed to allowing me to talk with them on a weekly basis. And I definitely paced back and forth outside (nervously) for a while before talking to the first person... but it got a lot easier after that.

     Blessings to you and your family as we enter another week in the name of Christ, our Savior!

 -jim

That's why we love camping...

This past weekend we loaded into two vehicles and drove toward the mountains with the Baldwin family. My best friend from college, Luke, married Hannah, and they have two sons: Jed (2) and Barrett (15 days younger than Kaia). Luke and I drove in his truck while Suzy rode in the car with Hannah and the three little ones.

We arrived in the Snoqualmie - Mt. Baker National Forest after a beautiful drive filled with lively conversation. We found a great little spot that was a bit more isolated than the others. There was a river just down the way from us, and a big 'ol waterfall a short drive up the road which we explored one afternoon. 

I love camping. If there's one thing I regret from time to time, it's that we don't get out and go camping more often every year. There's something so therapeutic and restful about getting away from city life, busyness, electronics, and modern conveniences. 

There are so many things I love about camping: Sleeping outside and breathing in the crisp, natural outdoor air. Trees all around me. The lack of man-made sound. The lack of an agenda or obligations. Making fires. Sitting around them and staring at the flames. S'mores. Having deep, meaningful conversations while sitting around fires. Hiking. Exploring the beauty of God's creation. Feeling the flow of water on my body. Being dirty, and not minding. Taking in the amazing details of our surroundings. Being still.

Suzy and Hannah holding Kaia & Barrett

I think it's a natural thing when we step into the simplicity of God's creation that it's easier to view and understand life in simpler terms. I think of theology in the same sort of way. Because really, nature isn't so simple. There are so many tiny, complex intricate things that comprise it when you look closely. And theology, too, certainly has a lot of detailed, complex intricacies. But the beauty of it, in my opinion, is that theology always kind of circles back on itself and brings us to the simple, central message of the Gospel: we are broken, we need a savior, and Christ died to save us and be that savior. Nature has the same effect on me: I'm calmed in the beauty and simplicity, and then begin to notice all of the amazing, impossible-to-understand details; which eventually brings me back to the joy of the simplicity of my surroundings. And what a great environment to ponder and talk of deep, spiritual things, right?

So... we enjoyed ourselves. And it was Kaia's first camping trip, too. She was a champ. We all had an amazing time. 

If you haven't been camping in a while-- or ever-- I strongly encourage you to prioritize it. God has created a pretty amazing world. I think we forget that sometimes while enjoying the world man has created.

And that is why we love camping.

Suzy with Kaia, Jim, Luke with Barrett, and Hannah with Jed

Our campsite

Kaia enjoying the great outdoors!

Kaia finds Uncle Luke to be very intriguing...

this week...

     

     In 12 hours from now we'll be leaving our apartment here in Costa Rica for the next 19 days. We'll be boarding a plane to take us to Seattle, Washington. It's hard to believe this time has already arrived. It's even harder to believe that this will be our last visit to the States (potentially) for the next 2 years.

      We just finished our last week of classes for the trimester. There are a lot of different emotions and thoughts that have been running through my head. For example: This time is going by so quickly. I can't believe we've already been here this long. What will next trimester end up looking like? Will I be equipped in spanish well enough after just one more trimester?

     It's also a big shift as many singles, couples, and families have graduated and won't be around next trimester. We've also got 29 new families coming to begin at the language school starting in September. The campus will look quite a bit different.

      I asked one of the graduates after the ceremony on Friday how he felt about being done here and moving on to Peru. He said that it wasn't all that strange. It would be hard for him to say goodbye to some of the Costa Ricans he had befriended, attended church with, discipled, and shared life with. It was unlikely he would ever see them again. But he commented that as missionaries, we're always traveling. We may run into one another again. We may not. Either way, it simply felt to him like, 'it was time for all of us to get to work.' There's some sadness, some excitement, some apprehension-- but this is what we've all been called to, and now it's time to move on to the next step in the journey.

      I liked that.

     In terms of news about us, we've been amazed at how much Kaia has been developing over these past couple of weeks!  Last Monday we introduced her to food other than breast milk for the first time! She has now experienced Costa Rican bananas and avocados. She seems to prefer bananas.

     She also finally conquered the 'roll over from stomach to back' trick a little over a week ago. It seems most babies do that before having the ability to sit upright on their own... but she's doing things in the order she prefers! We're just excited to see her connecting the dots and developing new skills and more personality day by day!

   To wrap things up, we're really looking forward to some R & R. We've brought spanish workbooks, notes, and a little homework with us, but we're excited to take a breather, be with family, and be renewed before launching into another trimester of spanish. God is good!

     Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us-- we treasure each and every one of you and are so grateful for your support of us!

   May God bless your week!

 -jim

Recap and what's to come.

Hi!

       I thought it might be good to just throw a quick recap out there for all of you who might be following us in the blog world.

     Suzy, Kaia, and I arrived in Costa Rica on Sunday, April 29th. That was 14 weeks ago. Crazy! Kaia has actually spent the majority of her life living in Costa Rica at this point! 

     While we've been here we have been learning spanish, building relationships, and plugging in to a few other things without overwhelming ourselves. As it turns out, learning a new language is kind of hard and takes a lot of time. (go figure...)

     We've been attending a local, spanish-speaking Costa Rican church. We've been leading worship on a weekly basis at chapel on campus. I've been teaching a Korean man how to play the djembe (while speaking spanish). Suzy has been attending a Bible study with Costa Rican & Nicaraguan maids-- all in spanish. We've been buying and cooking local food, studying, tutoring, reading, praying, running, caring for Kaia, and have tried to get out and see a bit of Costa Rica as opportunities have presented themselves. We even did a pretty aggressive hike a couple weeks back!

         So, what's next? 

     The trimester ends this coming Friday. I took my comprehensive grammar test on Friday and have an oral presentation on Monday. So, things are winding down. We have officially decided to stay here in Costa Rica for another Trimester to continue studying spanish at the language institute. However, there is a break before classes resume again on September 4th.

     Therefore, we're heading back to the States for 2 1/2 weeks. My parents have been living in Washington State for the past several years, and we haven't been there for almost 2 years now. Additionally, neither of my younger siblings have been able to meet their one and only niece yet! So, we'll be staying with my parents in Everett, WA and Rachel and Tommy will get to spend some time getting to know their niece before we abscond with her to Ecuador for years to come. We're looking forward to one last stop in the States to be with family, relax a bit, and decompress after 14 weeks of learning spanish.

     We fly out on Monday and will return to Costa Rica on August 31st. We'll continue to study spanish and will hopefully reach the level of 'Advanced Low' by mid-December. We haven't bought our plane tickets yet, but plan to fly straight from here to Ecuador the third week in December. 

     And that's our timeline from now until arrival in Ecuador-- a couple weeks in Seattle, a few more months in Costa Rica, and then on to Ecuador, just in time for Christmas!

     Pray for us as we finish up this trimester and as we travel to and from the States. Blessings to you on this lovely Saturday! And feel free to shoot us an e-mail with any questions, updates, or prayer requests that you'd like to send our way! Contact us at jimandsuzyolsen@hotmail.com.

 -jim