Abandon & Abide: Pura Vida

Something we learned very early on in our time here in Costa Rica is the phrase "Pura Vida" (POO-rah VEE-dah).

You see & hear it everywhere.

It's known as the "unofficial" motto of the country.

But ... What does it mean?

Well ... it literally translates to "pure life" ... but here are several ways that it can be used.

In summary, it is used to describe a peaceful, simple, uncluttered life here in Costa Rica that we are now embracing as our own.

Almost like ...

"Hakuna Matata"
"Don't worry ... Be Happy"
"Take it easy"
"All is good"
"This is life!"
"Enjoy Life!"

All in all, there is a huge emphasis here on focusing on the simple things in life & realizing that those simple things make living worthwhile.

What a change in our every day life!

We are no longer minutes from family or friends, just down the road from our church, or a quick car ride away from anything we may need or want. We are not living in the hustle of going, doing, and being.

It has been hard to adjust our mindset in a lot of ways as we slow life down for this year of studying Spanish. But there has been some freedom & peace found in living in this "Pura Vida" mindset.

We are learning to rest. And finally understanding the importance of The Lord's command for us to REST in Him.

We think they may be onto something here ... living "pura vida" seems to line up so closely with what The Lord desires from our lives!

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Here are some of the ways our life is so different for us here!

... you can't flush your toilet paper!

... we live behind 3 locked doors that each take a different key (gate lock, front door lock, and main door lock)

... the walls of our apartment are made out of cement so forget hanging anything by nail!

.... the city truly never sleeps! You learn quickly how to sleep to the sounds of the city! (cars whizzing by all night, horns honking, fireworks, etc.)

... your shower may or may not be a hot one!

... it is not unusual to smell an active volcano or even see some residue from ash in the air!

We are so thankful to have this year to shift our perspective, dig deep into God's word, learn Spanish on a heart level, & prepare ourselves for the next step into the field full time.

PURA VIDA!