Una semana agitada…One hectic week!

No, I have not slipped into a life of leisure and forgotten to include you all in our island adventure. The past 2 weeks, since David left, has been some of the most exhausting and challenging days I have had in my life. Because we were unable to locate a used vehicle while he was here, I was left to do so on my own.  Gone are the days I could sit back and be “mom”, while dad handled all the big, weighty matters that frankly, men tend to handle, and with good reason. I have been,  to what seems like, every part of the island, excluding the southern boarder. Traveling the oh-so-congested highways, to the very narrow inroads of municipalities that lead one to another, I have become quite familiar with the areas of Bayomon (pronounced By-o-moan), San Piedras (Pea-ay-drus), Carolina (Carol-eena…don’t forget to roll those r’s), Caguas (Kau-was), and many more.  And boy have I learned the meaning of “good condicione”…the Puerto Rican equivalent for what, to them, is a used vehicle in “good condition”.  Let’s just say, I’ve learned to “deal” in a way I never thought possible. I may be blonde, I may look like the common tourist ready to be taken for a ride, but not so.  I came so close, so many times, to what seemed like a good deal (calling David to report back to him my findings), only to find out the sticker was expired, the air really doesn’t work, or it just needs one small part. As desparate as we are to have our own vehicle, I've learned fast to point out the indescrepancy and move on to the next one. As I write this entry, knowing I am so far behind on my updates, I have only to report to you that I think I have found us a good, used minivan. As with everything else in this laid back culture, what would be a normal process back in the states of buyer makes purchase and seller delivers the goods, is anything but that on this island. I’m still waiting to receive the vehicle I purchased six days ago! I cannot close without telling of the counterfeit money I received from Western Union in the neighborhood supermarket. How did we know? The lady I am purchasing the minivan from detected it with the special pen that detects fake bills.  You may be asking, “What is she doing with one of these pens?”  At this point, I try to avoid asking that question myself and am trying even harder to lean on the optimistic side of things, while trusting the One who goes before me in place of my earthly husband.; however, it cannot be denied that skepticism surrounds us on a daily basis, as we are very aware of the crime, drug related activity, and corruption at high levels (unfortunately, the nice looking, muscle clad policeman standing on the street corner supposedly protecting both locals and tourists, may not be as trustworthy as we think).  We have been waiting for our friends Brian and Keli to return from the states to see how best I should handle the counterfeit bill I received, since he is with the FBI. As I close, I do so in deep security of the One who gave us this amazing opportunity, who has provided us a nice, little apartment where we feel very safe in spite of the dangers that exist all around us, and who has led us to a church family and friends who have undergirded everything we have done with great concern, guidance, and assistance where and when needed.

Being so far from what has always been our safety in our homeland, in our own neighborhood, with our own friends, and with husband and dad by our side, me and the kids, and even my mother, are challenged to think on where, or in whom, our security lies. I ask you to do the same by stripping yourself, perhaps mentally, of those things, or that person, who means the most to you today in order to find your ultimate security in Christ alone.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms of He who provides, protects, and points the way in the absence of my husband!  ~joni

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

Psalm 20:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1



Hunter showed us a spot on side of mountian near his school where we get our own "Ozarka". We fill up our water jugs once a week when we go to get him.



Wyatt, at a local school carnival, climbing a volcano



Bean Bag toss, the same in all countries!



Yoga at sundown, in park that sits on the beach.  It's so nice to "people watch" in the park, and sit along the beach in the breeze that comes through just before sundown.