Flashes of light

Today is December 1st. We just returned from a walk; since it’s already almost dark around 5:00 PM, it was a bit shorter. I won’t get used to the early darkness. This also means for the Ticos that they almost always come home from work in the dark. A taxi driver told us that he is a policeman and works 12-hour shifts for three days and then drives a taxi for the other three days. And that’s amidst the constant traffic jams and noise. However, this doesn’t affect their good mood.

On November 25th, we went to Rancho Samana (only about an hour from here), a recreational area deep in the jungle, but shrouded in fog. There were many animals and also playground equipment, which is especially interesting for kids. Our walk down to a river surrounded by lots of plants was a fantastic experience. There was also a large, very rustic place where we had the typical fried bananas. When we returned, we had sunshine again. Weather forecasts are hard to make here since different neighborhoods can have very different weather. At the moment, the weather is very changeable and cooler overall than at the beginning. However, the rain is significantly less.

On November 26th, we were at the Intercontinental Hotel, where the Konrad Adenauer Foundation was holding its conference for Latin America. Martin held a devotion there with the young pastor who works at the local church. We were able to personally greet Norbert Lammert, who still leads the foundation and was previously the President of the Bundestag.

Of the three applications for the pastoral position here, unfortunately, two have withdrawn. One candidate is likely to come for a visit in February.

Our trip to Panama has been postponed; perhaps it will work out during the Easter season. But we are not annoyed, as we could book a hotel for ourselves on the Pacific from December 15th to 18th and hope for peace and relaxation. That would be our first real break.

On November 27th, preparations for the Advent bazaar took place in the community. This meant a lot of work.

The next day, the weather was awful, gray and dreary, so we took the opportunity to visit the Jade Museum in the city. It was very interesting and impressively presented. Some finds date back to 300 BC. However, we did not stay in the city longer because it was very crowded (Black Friday).

1st Advent: Christmas bazaar in our community. I am always amazed at what the community here accomplishes, especially the church council. There were definitely 200-250 visitors, all of whom had to be catered for. Everyone was involved. The atmosphere was carefree and joyful. There was even mulled wine despite the summer temperatures. Martin also held a brief Advent devotion in German and Spanish, accompanied by music. I know many people here in the community now and already feel quite at home in that regard. The housing situation remains difficult for me.

When everything was back in order after the bazaar in the evening, it was already late. But we sat down with the helpers, ate, and shared stories. Satisfied, but also very tired, everyone then went home. Starting tomorrow, a 9th grade class will use the community hall until the Christmas holidays due to construction work in the Humboldt School. Classes start here at 7:00 AM. I hope it won’t be too loud.

This evening, I will sing in the choir again. On December 11th, we have our choir concert, which I am very much looking forward to, because 'my' choir in Germany has a performance in January that I cannot join.