Update

Volcan Arenal

So since the last blog update we have finished a trimester of studying, enjoyed a visit from Heather's parents, and embarked on our final trimester of classes at the institute. When we first arrived in Costa Rica, a year seemed like such a long time to learn a language. But now that we have only 3 more months to learn what we need to know to communicate well with patients, the pressure is on once again.

Heather's lenguaje class--what a great group of ladies!

We were a bit burnt out at the end of the last trimester--apparently this is quite common for language students that about mid-way through their studies they sort of hit the wall. So a week of vacation with nana and papa was very refreshing. Hard to beat the beautiful views of Volcan Arenal--an active volcano in the central part of Costa Rica. The kids enjoyed swimming in the natural hot pools at the hotel, too.

We are fortunate that Mike and I are together in a lenguaje class this trimester that focuses on medical terms this trimester. It already has proved very useful for discussions about "fun" medical problems like constipation, peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea. Can you tell we just finished studying the digestive system? =) We know this is preparing us well for what awaits us in Shell so we will push forward in this slow process of language-learning with God's grace and your prayers sustaining us. Thank you!