Pura Vida Misional: First Week in Costa Rica

Wow, our first week in Costa Rica zipped by. The majority of the week was spent with the P.E.F./Self-Reliance Center's manager, as he trained us, introduced us to volunteers & other Ticos associated with our mission.

foto #1: This is a "tipico" Costa Rican meal. Was delicious

#2: At that same restaurant were these water vessels in the typical Costa Rican blue, or that's what I call that color.

#3: Val, in full Tico regalia, relaxing on our balcomy.

#4 & 5: our 1st weekend here was General Conference. We went to 4 different chapels to watch all 4 sessions. It's so fun to meet the "misionaros" & seeing the bottom of this Elder's shoes, tells me that he's been working hard.

#6: The Millers on the left are the couple that we replaced. They're from Sparks, Nevada & shared every bit of knowledge they had, in the few days they spent w/ us before going home. We were greeted by a clean apartment, ready for use. They even had food there so we wouldn't starve until we could go shop for food. Our daughter Melanie & her husband Jeff, both served missions here about 12 years ago. The Soto's are one of the families they knew then. It's fun to have members here, remember them. Maritza Soto, pictured here with her husband & their youngest daughter & spouse, is a key, dedicated volunteer at the P.E.F/Self-Reliance Center.