A Wild Week

We have been so busy working and having a great time that I haven't stopped to tell you how much we're working and having a great time! July 5th we went on a business trip to the Caribbean coast. Too bad all business trips can't be like that. We got there and rushed to the local chapel to teach the first part of the workshop. We had a great turnout and we really enjoyed teaching. The majority of the participants are PEF candidates who haven't had the chance to take the workshop yet, which is a required part of the application process, so it was really rewarding to be there. There are no stakes in Limón, the province where we were teaching, so we were in a district of the church there. The next day, we didn't have the second part of the workshop until 6pm, so we headed to the beach with Rodrigo and his family. The beach was called Manzanillo, and it was absolutely gorgeous! I thought I had already seen beautiful, but...wow! We saw more wildlife, and I chased down some really cool crabs with my camera.
That evening we finished teaching the workshop with fantastic results! The people were wonderful, and humble, and gave really powerful interviews. I loved it!
We got back and the next week started working like crazy! On Tuesday we taught a workshop in the office and were filmed by Jan VanOrman, who works for the International Vice President of BYU, and his crew, the producer of a film they are making about the ERS program, and the director of the Kennedy Center. We taught another workshop in the evening especially for PEF candidates, and were filmed again. Wednesday it was a repeat, but teaching the second part of the workshop. We were exhausted by the time we finished at 9pm Wednesday. We didn't get much of a chance to rest though, because at 6:30 the next morning, our managers and Brother VanOrman and the crew picked us up to go on a "trip" to the coast. We drove, and drove, and drove, and then ended up at Los Sueños, an amazing resort owned by Marriott hotels, where we set up the cameras outside the spa (we were sorely tempted to ditch the interviewing and get a facial and a massage) and then Allie and I were interviewed about the experience we're having here. I guess they were impressed, because when we were done, Jan VanOrman (probably in his 60's, white hair and all) said "You two kick butt, man!" We thought that was great.
The next day, Rodrigo picked us up at 6am, and we headed back to the coast to teach another PEF workshop in Puntarenas. So to all of you who think we're not working here, let this be a lesson to you. It was a great workshop, and we fell in love with the people there. Again, they live in a district, and don't have a lot of contact with other members of the Church, and it was so fun to get to know them.
We got back to San José around 7pm, and the Roldan's picked us up to go see...Harry Potter! Despite not being an official Harry Potter fan, I must admit that I really liked it. And it kept me awake. Which says a lot, considering my state at that moment.
Sunday was great. Franklin, a young man we taught in the workshop came to church with us. He had so many questions and was really open to learning about the gospel. We had a great experience there with him, and he came over for lunch afterwards so we could continue to answer his questions. It was amazing. He is so excited to learn more. He has been reading the Book of Mormon since, and told me that he knows that it is true and that this is the true Church. We are meeting with him and the missionaries this evening. He is an amazing person, and has so much light! His family is already telling him not to investigate the Church or read the Book of Mormon, but he feels that it is the right thing to do, and says that he will do it anyway. Wow. We love missionary work! As a bonus, he applied the principles he learned in the workshop and already negotiated a better schedule and a higher salary. We are proud of him!
On Monday Allie's friend Ashley flew in and Tuesday Katy, another friend arrived. We have been balancing having fun with them with our work schedule, but tomorrow we are taking off to Arenal, the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. The twins are coming with us, and we're excited! Natural hot springs...lava flowing from the volcano at night...waterfalls...cloud forests with hanging bridges...Costa Rica's largest lake...as long as you promise not to get too jealous, I'll let you know all about it.