Happy First Birthday!

On August 26th, our son David turned 1! On Sunday the 25th we had a small party to celebrate, inviting some of our friends who had young kids. Among the participants were his grandfather (Rebeca's dad) and great grandmother, who traveled from Honduras to spend a week with us to get to know David. Jeremias made a big piñata in the shape of a "1" in honor of the occasion. It was a big "hit" (ha ha ha).

Birthday boy gave a valiant effort

Others thought the game a bit childish

Others had fun trying, but didn't make a dent

Finally the designated hitter was brought in and candy was had for all

We are very grateful for David's presence in our life, his health, his sense of humor, and his explorer's nature. We look forward to seeing him grow up!

Nicaragua Trip

The last week in August we were privileged to be able to visit Nicaragua. Rebeca was part of the leadership team putting on the YL Central America Area Director's Retreat at Young Life's La Finca camp. I used frequent flyer miles to go along and visit with our dear friends Joey and Sara Espinoza, who were previously with us at Pico Escondido, and are now at La Finca. Since I have been asked often to lend my camping experience to the Central America region, it was also great to see many of the people I have worked with and also get to visit La Finca for the first time. It was a wonderful trip.

 

After a very busy summer, I needed a break, and while keeping up with a toddler 27/7 is not necessarily physically relaxing, the change of pace from running a camp was a great mental break. Joey and I were also able to escape a couple of times to go on mountain bike rides through the beautiful mountainous terrain of northern Nicaragua. This is coffee country, and the huge trees shading the coffee plants and the abundant rainfall make for a beautiful ride. Joey and Sara became very close friends of ours here in the Dominican Republic. It was sad to see them leave last year, but great to know they would continue helping Young Life camps in Latin America progress. Joey is project manager for the next phase of development at La Finca. 

Joey, Risa, Micah, and Jace Espinoza with Rebeca and David

La Finca sits at about 4000 feet of elevation, which was a nice cool break from the Dominican Republic. David loved exploring camp and taking long naps in the cool mountain air.

Enjoying the cool of La Finca

So while it looks like we just found a tiny body, David was rather enjoying napping in the grass.

Thank you, Joey and Sara, Harold Amador, and the rest of the Vida Joven Nicaragua team who made us feel so welcome. We look forward to our next visit.