Dios es bueno todo el tiempo; Todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno

So November, although it was filled with routine and schedule, was really an amazing spirit-filled month.  I feel like God is really bringing me back to the basics of my faith and teaching me so much in the process!  It has been amazing the clarity and direction that He provides when we give Him time to do it.  I feel like God has really been making clear to me His purpose for my time here in Costa Rica and how it can prepare me for the next calling that He has in my life.  This culture is really pushing me to step past culture and religion and really look at what the Bible says and what God says.  It is amazing to me some of the differences that I am seeing between the church as a whole here in Costa Rica and the church in the United States.  It has been super important for me to take a little of what I have learned from both to bring a different perspective to my readings and prayers!  I think that God has brought me to Costa Rica as much for my own spiritual growth as anything else, and it has definitely been a time of growth and reflection!
In addition to all of this amazing God time I have been having, classes, both English and Spanish, having been going really well!  I am at the top of my class in Spanish! jk...I am the only student, but really they have been going really well.  I have been learning so much and it has really given me so much more confidence in speaking Spanish in front of people.  I still have a long way to go, but I really have overcome a lot of the things that have been holding me back, and it is so exciting!!
English classes have been wonderful!  I am having SO much fun teaching adults and youth.  I always thought that I wouldn't enjoy adults as students, but they really come with such a passion and desire to learn that I really admire, and it gives me such a passion to teach!  Here are some pictures from Alajuela and Limon of some of the things we have been doing in class:

Our "Pictionary" review game the night before the test 

Boys winning

Manuel looking at me like...you want me to draw what?!? haha

Our autobiography presentations: Esteban

Cecilia's presentation :)

Our November birthday celebration: Happy Birthday to Manuel and to my mommy! :)

Limon: playing games to teach colors

Jonathan's group

We also were able to go to another church close by one afternoon for some preaching, skits, and drama presentations.  They were all so amazing but the lighting was awful so I didn't get very many pictures, but here are a couple from the skits that were done:

I also had a super amazing Thanksgiving.  I missed my family a lot a lot, but with Skype and Jonathan and his family I was able to have a Thanksgiving to remember!  I just want to say that I super thank God for the gift of Skype I don't know what my family and I would do without it! I was able to pray with my family and watch them all eat! hahaha!

Jonathan and his mom fixed this super yummy Thanksgiving meal...no casserole, but still AMAZING!

We searched and searched and finally found a football game mixed in with all the soccer games! :) Because what is Thanksgiving without football?!

The Brooks house on Thanksgiving Day... The Howells talking to me on Skype

Logan, Jonathan and me on Thanksgiving day!

I also had a special visitor come for the week of Thanksgiving to spend some time in Costa Rica and with me!!  Shannon Finnegan, a friend of mine from school saved up money just to come and visit me!  We had lots of fun!  We went to Volcano Poas...well at least I think we did.  We couldn't see anything because of the fog and rain, but I am sure there was a volcano there somewhere.  We also went zip lining at a place that I have never been before, and we went to the beach! :)  Plus, we went to Pops everyday!  For those of you who don't know what Pops is, it is the reason that everyone gains weight when they come to Costa Rica! :)  It is the best icecream shop ever...super yummy!  Shannon, I love you lots and I really appreciate your visit! It was right when I needed it the most!  

Leccy, Me, Jonathan, and Shannon getting ready to go on the zip line tour!

Precious Shannon

Shannon and I making a pretend volcano because you can see behind us...well, nothing

At the beach enjoying the beautiful weather!

I also went to my first Costa Rican wedding.  Jonathan's younger brother got married this passed weekend.  It was super different than anything that I have ever been to, but it was really pretty and lots of fun.  Here are some pictures from the wedding ceremony:

The family of the groom

The time the wedding started...just so you know it was supposed to start at 3! haha! I love CR!

The man making the super scared face in the background...that is the bride's father! :)

This month has definitely been an amazing one.  I have learned so much about myself, about the Lord, and about my faith in Him.  I have grown so much since I have been here and I can't wait to see what else God has in store.  He has been taking me on a journey that is sometimes nice and easy and sometimes super bumpy, but every bumpy stretch and every easy stretch have taught me something new.  I am so thankful for this experience and for all of your love and support.  You are truly helping to build the kingdom of God here on earth, and I appreciate your dedication to this mission.  I love you all lots and I hope to see you soon! :)