Looking Toward the Future

Whenever we told people we are moving to Costa,  the next inevitable  question is something like, "And what are you going to do there?" Well, now it's time to figure that out.

First step, find a car. Check. Seth and I visited a lawyer and finished purchasing the car. When you buy a car here, you also buy the plates and assume any fines incurred. So a lawyer certifies and notarizes the transaction. Another interesting fact: they noted on all legal documents a person's name and marital status. It appears that any legal document signed by Seth is also bound to me as his wife. 

Next, a house. We want a house in the country with lots of land and space. But we just can't find anything. William, a member of the church, took us to visit another of the members in a gated community with condos. We found a three bedroom spacious house (unfurnished) for $1070/month. It's right down the street from a park, 20 min from the temple and 15 min from the church. It's not what we were expecting, but it was too good to pass up. We felt that, all things considered, this is where the Lord wants us to be: In the Tropicana Ward, close to the church where we can fully participate and, heaven forbid, with neighbors. 

Our experience here in Costa Rica is not matching up with what I read about a typical expat experience. The only other native English speaker we know is one of the Elders serving in the ward. We are mixing with natives constantly, and it is because of our membership in the church. In our church, we don't choose where we attend. There are clearly defined geographical boundaries and if you live in this boundary, you attend this ward with very few exceptions. It is truly the Lord's way of taking care of all of His saints. This system turns congregations into less of social clubs, and more like families. There are still elements of a social club, as there should be, but there is never a question about whether or not someone belongs. If you have (or seek) a testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and you live in the ward boundary, then you DO belong. Period. It doesn't matter what language you speak, how much money you make, how old you are or what race you are. When we walk into the door on Sunday, we have friends who love us and genuinely want to help us. Time and time again, we have had the opportunity to strive for the unity Paul speaks of to the Corinthians, and this is no exeption. I'm amazed at how much we actually have in common with the members here. The church culture gives us a lot in common, but we are all moms and dads, struggling to take care of our families, fulfill callings and minister to our fellow saints.