Blessings: Health Care in Costa Rica

Brian and I are having so much fun here in Costa Rica. The week leading up to the big holiday of Semana Santa was pretty relaxing, not too much going on. Brian and I were able to have some fun. Brian has made some really nice friends: Alfredo, Luis, Tito, Roger and a few others who he likes to surf, play soccer on the beach and volleyball with.









So one day he went surfing and came back complaining that his leg was hurting just under his knee.

T: "ok well ice, elevate and relax."
B: "no, we are gonna play soccer."
T: "Ok, whatever."

The next day...
B: "My leg is killing me. Maybe I shouldn't surf today, but I really want to. I'm gonna go, but pad it with a ripped up shirt!"
T: "You are crazy!"

The next day...
B: "I can't really bend my knee and my leg looks a little swollen."
T: "Not sure what you want me to say."
B: "I'm ok! I'm gonna go play volleyball on the beach with the guys."

1 hr later...
B: "So I fell right on my leg and it hurts so bad I can barely walk!"
T: "GREAT!"

Midnight...
B: "My leg feels a little warm, can you feel it?"
T: "Holy heck! Your leg is on FIRE, your whole leg is so swollen and the bump is HUGE!"
B: "I'm ok!"

The next morning...
T: "Go to the Dr NOW"
B: "Ok"







So there I am, the day before BUSIEST week of the year for us, with a hotel full of people. I made breakfast for 30 people. I collected all the bills. I answered phones and worried all morning about how my poor husband is doing and which arm and leg he is going to trade for being seen by the Dr. After only a few hours, he returned with antibiotics in hand and NO BILL!! What?! He said he was seen very quickly by a local Dr., the office was so clean and they were so nice. He just has a small infection, but it will be just fine! Wow! What a blessing! Heavenly Father was really watching out for us! He is doing much better and his leg looks great! And even though he wasn't feeling his best, he helped a lot with the busiest week of the year! We survived and we are able to relax again!

Where to Begin?!

Since I have so much free time on my hands here in Costa Rica, I thought I would try blogging again! Here goes nothing...

We are here in Costa Rica taking care of a friend's hotel. We got here March 16th and will be here until July. We landed in San Jose and took a taxi to the Coca Cola bus station, only a few minutes away. We were told there would be some scary people there and to watch our bags, try to blend it and not look like a tourist. That is quite difficult when I have no idea where we are or where we are going, Brian speaks some Spanish, I speak NONE, we had 3 huge gigantic bags, a uke and 1 carry on bag! Yeah, we fit right in. The bus ride wasn't too bad, got to see some beautiful scenery!





We arrived at the hotel in about 2 and 1/2 hrs. It is a cute little place with 7 cottages. We are staying in the 7th, so there are only 6 for rent. There are 3 dogs and 1 cat on the property, who belong to the manager that we are filling in for. Although we are not animal people AT ALL and I'm very allergic to cats, it's not too bad and the dogs are super cute! I find myself talking baby talk to them and rubbing there bellies, which I never thought I'd do!

We have been so lucky with some of the guests who have stayed with us! It is so much fun to meet so many different people and just get to know them! We have made some really awesome friends in the month that we have been here! I hope to make more since we have a few more months to go. For the majority of the time, the beginning of the week is slower and the weekends are packed. In the beginning of the week Brian and I have a lot of time to ourselves! We have been playing lots of games, reading books, Brian is surfing and playing soccer and volleyball with everyone! We are having a blast for sure!







The down side to this is that I miss my family very much! I miss them EVERYDAY! I was hoping my mom, dad, Nui and London would be able to sneak over for a quick visit, but things are busy for them. I hope they will have time before we leave in July, but if not...we will survive! I hope! I get to skype my London everyday or every other day. Technology is so amazing! The things you can do. WOW! I'm so grateful for technology!

Brian's sister Jennifer and her husband Todd are for sure coming in May and we are so excited! We are hoping to spend some time touring around with them if the hotel isn't too busy. We will have to see. We hope Brian's grandparents, Dad and family from Wisconsin will be able to come also, but we aren't quite sure yet.

We are really missing my mother in law Elizabeth and wish she could come to visit too, but she is busy back home with her business. We are planning a trip to Guatemala on the way home in July to see their side of the family. I cannot wait for that! It's going to be so fun! I've never been there!

BRIAN AND I ARE ENGAGED!

WE ARE ENGAGED!!!

Brian proposed to me Tuesday, November 3rd at around 5:45pm. He gave me the most amazing ring I have ever seen! I love it so much! We have decided to have a quick engagement since we have been dating for 4 and 1/2 years! We are getting married Jan 2, 2010 in the LA temple! We are just so excited!! Here are the engagement pictures! 

London and his cousin Zayde

London was born Aug 6th at 3:59pm. Our little cousin Zayde came less than an hour after, but was a few weeks early. He was in the hospital for a little while, but it healthy and safe at home. He came to visit the other day and we had so much fun with him and his brothers, Zu and Zion, his mommy Jante and grandma Aunty Marisa! Here are a few pictures.

Zayde in the left car seat and London fatty on the right. 

London is the chunky one on the left. Zayde to the right. 

My cousin Jante and her 3 sons, Zu, Zion and baby Zayde.

Zu and Zion holding London

London on the left and Zayde on the right. 

Park with London

Warning: You may think this little handsome boy is my baby...do not be confused! This little guy is my mom's baby, therefor my BROTHER! Brian, the 4 year long boyfriend, and I wanted to take London to the park, but it was like 105 degrees, way too hot! So we waited and waited for it to cool down. We finally got to take him out...at 9pm! So these are just a few pictures of our fun at the park! 

Brian, London and I

The 3 of us, London hiding in his moby

London Kiakaha Harris...MY BROTHER!

Us! I love us!

London Boy

I recorded this video yesterday! He was being so cute! We like to have our brother sister time in my room and he was cracking up and I actually got it on video! Yay! Enjoy! London Kiakaha Harris

FINALLY...LONDON KIAKAHA HARRIS

These are the most recent pictures of our little London Kiakaha Harris! He was born Aug 6th at 3:59pm! He is so sweet! We just love him soo much! There are going to be a lot more pictures coming of this little guy, but here are the most recent! 

London is the one on the right. Our cousin Zayde was born the same day, less than an hour after London. He was early, but he is healthy and we could not be more thankful for both of our little guys! 

London on the left and Zayde on the right. London is a big fatty compared to Zayde!

London getting ready for church 

Handsome London all ready to go to church 

What a cutie

We are going to Hawaii this Saturday and this is one of his beach outfits!

Look at that belly! London taking a bath! He loves the water, just like his brother!

Me and my little London

Such a chubby boy!