Today I Saw a Capybara
Today I saw a capybara. A real capybara in the wild! Well, kind of. It was at a Garden and Home store in Costa Rica, something similar to the Garden section at a Home Depot or Lowes. Does that count as in the wild? It wasn’t the store’s pet, to my knowledge. And the store […]
In Honor of Gabe
Then Written in the days following Gabe’s passing, in August 2025. I’m not quite sure where to begin. So here’s a list of memories, plans, expressions, ideas, and other thoughts about Gabe, whose life ended too soon and in an unimaginable way. I expect this will not be my easiest-to-follow blog. Instead, a collection of […]
An Unexpected Gift of Cross-Cultural Communication
One of the many blessings and excitements of my work is the opportunity to travel to a different culture, over and over again. I’ve visited the same community of San Ramón, Costa Rica five times over the course of two years. The more I am there, the more I can see the gifts of this […]
Today I Went Snorkeling
Today I went snorkeling. Off the coast of Costa Rica, I jumped into the water to see what was below. This is the third time I’ve snorkeled. The two other experiences were magical. My first time was in Hawaii on a family vacation when I was a child. I vividly remember swimming in a lagoon […]
Today I Led Bible Study
Today I led Bible Study. I led a group of young adults through a study on 2 Corinthians 12:9, But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest […]
5 Ways Costa Rica Surprised Me
Before going to Costa Rica for the first time in 2023, I considered myself reasonably well-traveled. Growing up we took family vacations–mostly road trips as good Midwesterners do. As an adult I’ve spent time on 3 continents, 8 countries, and many of the 50 states. I’ve taken planes, trains, buses, ferry boats, and cruise ships. […]
4 Reasons FSM is the Best First Mission Trip
It might be a bold statement, but I truly believe Faithful Servant Missions in San Ramón, Costa Rica is the best first mission trip. Whether you’re a new or experienced traveler, new to faith or walking with Jesus for years, or any age! I’ve been on international short-term mission trips with organizations in Kenya, Dominican […]
Tattoos
On my first trip to Costa Rica, I was surprised at how many people had tattoos! Even teenagers as young as 12 had tattoos up and down their arms. Although there are laws about how old you can be to get a tattoo, with a parent’s consent there’s really no limit. On my second trip […]
Escribo Libros
I’m writing a book! Okay, so I’ve actually already written it. In 2023 I published my first devotional book The Way of Gratitude. Since then I’ve had it in my mind to release it in multiple languages, but was never quite sure where to start. My husband and I have a friend from Burma who […]
Sanson
“That can’t be safe” were the first words that left my mouth when I saw them. They weren’t in a cage or behind a fence. They weren’t tied to a post or restrained in any way. After a morning spent walking through beautiful butterfly gardens and a sanctuary of hummingbirds in a nature park in […]