Despedida...Otra Vez

Our friends The Kampers have been here with us since the beginning. They were our big brothers in language school and helped out tremendously in our move down here. It's been fun sharing experiences in this missionary journey together. It seemed fitting that they were the ones to throw us a despedida as we're now moving on to the next phase of this crazy life. It feels like yesterday we were having our despedida in Memphis, and here we are having another one only two years later in Costa Rica. It was held out at The Kamper's house in the mountains of Heredia and it was a perfect sendoff. Noah and Liz worked so hard to make it a very nice day full of fun, food and sweet memories. The Kampers will always have a special place in our hearts. We couldn't have asked for a better time.

When we arrived, families divided into teams to do some outdoor games to earn points toward the big prize. Everyone wanted to take home the box of homemade chocolate chip cookies!


bean bag toss

 

ring toss

 

bubble blowing station

 

 

 

 

 

and a fun photo booth with sweet messages from friends

 

 

 

 

Michelle & Curtis - fellow southerners

James & Savanna - see y'all soon in Nashville

I actually had this girl in youth group when we worked at KWBC. So fun to share some more memories with Hannah.

Zack & Will - we're coming to visit Montana

Cynthia, Hannah and me

Dawn carried Ally around for a while and gave us a nice break

I met Tracey in the park on our first day here. Our kids hit it off right away and have become such good friends. I'll miss you tons Tracey!

There are no words to describe how much I will miss Jennie. We were in classes together at language school, we've lived here in Costa Rica together, and our families are such good friends. I will definitely see you again soon amiga!

And once the rain started the boys decided to play some futbol

Boys and bubbles

Ally and Quinn. Missionary babies only 4 months apart. Emma says they will get married one day.

Sweet time of prayer for us at the end

We love all these people who have meant so much to us here in Costa Rica. It can be difficult to get together, so it was really neat having everyone together to say goodbye. We will never forget you.

I want to include one last picture of Liz and me with our babies. Our friendship is so funny to me - she's from the country in Michigan, very artsy and loves crafts, makes food from scratch and buys organic. I am pretty much none of those things. We couldn't be more opposite! But this missionary experience has bonded us together in an indescribable way no matter our backgrounds or interests. I love that. Thanks Liz for everything! Come visit us sometime in Memphis.