Harry and I, recently, had a wonderful dinner with our Costa Rican (Tico) friends Jose Pina and Neida Galindo. Harry lived with Jose and Neida 14 years ago while he was taking Spanish lessons from Neida at a Spanish immersion school in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Jose and Neida had built a new home since Harry was there and repeatedly warned us how small it was. They picked us up in their very first car (Jose still hasn't learned to drive so Neidia does all the driving) at our hotel and drove us to their home. Many of the roads in Costa Rica are dirt, rutted by rainstorms, and passable only by a four wheel drive vehicle. Theirs was this kind of road (we would call it a jeep trail). We were so surprised to see their beautiful little two bedroom home with an unfinished loft. They had new tile on the floors and teak paneling on one wall. They explained to us that a lot of their choices were to help keep the house cooler. It had a beautiful garden and was overall a wonderful home. Most importantly, it was full of love and happiness. Jose has been a pastry chef in Tamarindo for 13 years, but his expertise does not stop there, he is a wonderful cook. Jose then got busy in the kitchen cooking the red snapper and making a wonderful sauce to compliment the fish, rice, and vegetables. What a special treat!
Later that night, Harry and I were talking about how we all need to be thankful for all that has been given to us no matter how small. Our friends have a small home (by American standards) in Costa Rica but it is full of love, happiness and contentment. Many people in this world do not have the same comforts that many of us enjoy, but they are still happy. I took a picture of a barrio (low income subdivision) outside of San Jose, Costa Rica that shows you the diversity of living conditions in this world.
No matter if you live in a one room shack in the barrio or a castle on the mountaintop, remember that the Lord has given you love and friendships and so much more. Just don't forget to be thankful every day.
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