Monday, Jan. 30 (Day 8) Samara Beach, CR

We've only missed one day of blogging, the day we traveled from San Jose to the beach house. So this is a retro-blog moment from Wed., Jan. 25 since the blog master doesn't let you create an entry on a previous day missed!

Wednesday, Jan. 25 (Day 3) San Jose to Playa Junquillal, CR
On our way from San Jose to the beach house on the Pacific Coast, we stopped in Nicoya for a much needed ice cream treat at "POPS Helados." Cannon spotted the missionaries across the street & we called them over: Elder Larson from New Mexico & Elder Flores from Guatemala. They had just gotten out of a meeting with mission leaders announcing the new schedule policy for Latin America.

Paul visited with them, mostly in Spanish. Elder Larson was so excited that we had met an old companion of his, Elder Gieger, back in San Jose where we stayed. Stacia was thoughtful enough to get the phone number of Elder Larson's parents & send this picture with a message that he looked happy & healthy. Their response touched our lives as we touched theirs.
From the mom: O thank you so much! This brought happy tears to my eyes!!! You can't imagine how this warms my heart!  Thank you for taking the time to send this to me.  We hope you have a wonderful time in Costa Rica.
Stacia told her no problem that she knew any mom would love to see any snippet of their child on a mission.
She replied:  Thank you!  He has been out for seven months and we miss him horribly!  Thanks again and enjoy your trip!!!
Stacia was expecting this.  The next text was not what she was expecting:
Next text:  This is his Dad.  Thanks so much for texting!  I didn't tell my wife but he had over 100 degrees fever last week and I've been praying that he would be better.  Your text and picture show he is!! My wife was just staring at me as I started crying, thank you for thinking of us he is a wonderful son!!!!!!They had been worried about their son who had been sick with a high fever earlier that week. Stacia's text was an answer to a parent's prayer: just to know that your son is doing better, thousands of miles away from home! What a testament to our family that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us.  It was a special experience.

In Nicoya with Elders Larson & Flores at POPS Heloados (ice cream place)

Now back to Today.
Monday, Jan. 30 (Day 8) Playa Samara, CR

Stacia relaxing while the kids play in the water

Breakfast was cereal for the early risers & scrambled eggs for the sleepy heads. We got off earlier than usual so we could have more time at Samara beach, a little further away. Samara is a large picturesque cove with smaller waves, less concerning for vigilant parents.

Cannon celebrates another beach day

Kyra, Cannon & Avery facing the shore

Avery, Cannon & Kyra facing the ocean

a break for lunch at "Arriba" restaurant

Sydney & Carley with their instructor

Carley riding in!

Sydney riding in!

the end of a great day of surfing

Leaving Playa Samara. All smiles, except for Cannon