Have I ever told you all how much I love Costa Rica?!? This past weekend FundaVida, another ministry in town, threw a double surprise party at our house. Two volunteers, Jeff and Yvonne, have both given over 2 years of their lives to serving here in Costa Rica for the ministry. The ministry team wanted to throw them a surprise going away party. Well it was also the ministry director's (Eladio's) 50th birthday, so his wife decided to surprise him as well. Each of the three thought the party was for the other person!! To top off the festivities, Eladio's wife, Blanca, hired a mariachi band to serenade us! Such fun!! Here's the birthday song...

Rodney and I went to the market that morning for fresh flowers. They are SO cheap here...I bought 15 Gerbera daisies, 3 bunches of mixed flowers with lilies and daisies, and 2 huge bunches of plain daisies...I made 5 table arrangements like this and one other huge vase with the lilies...and spent only $17 for them. I ♥ Costa Rica!!

Cindy cooked up a storm!! That's one big salad!! Plus she was so proud of her Nicaraguan pans.

 We spent the day decorating the house and preparing for 30 guests.

 Yvonne and Jeff give speeches after short video montages in their honor. Thank you both for all your service and hard work here in Costa Rica. You have made an indelible impression on the hearts and lives of all you came into contact with.

Happy birthday, Eladio!!!