The Last Hurrah
Some time ago, I told someone life is once and done. Opportunities need to be taken when they arise. There is no time in life for putting things off for another day. Snatch up the occasions to make memories.
This has been such a summer.
I got to help a wee bit with Vacation Bible School. So many delightful little ones!
We got to make it possible for our three teenage grandsons to spend nearly a week together. Along with their two little cousins and two of our daughters and their husbands, we made more precious memories than I can relate.
This past 5 days filled my happy tank as we headed to Costa Rica with two daughters and their families. We got to explore new places and experience different activities different from our usual, quiet lifestyle.
Being in a tropical place always thrills me. I love the ocean. Getting to go out on a boat was exciting as we saw a whale, some sea turtles, various sea birds, and interesting rock formations. Though I have some physical challenges this go ‘round, I was able to flop myself off the back of the boat and snorkel. Though the water was very cloudy, I was able to see several species of fish.
It’s always crazy to go to other countries and see buildings from several hundred years ago. It was great to listen to a very knowledgeable guide who explained not only much of the history of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, but also the current political issues shaping the countries.
The last tour was the icing on the cake for me. Getting to walk in the rainforest one more time was a highlight. Getting to see some special creatures was beyond exciting! Our guide was very accommodating and made sure my wishes were fulfilled as he took many pictures with my phone when I couldn’t get the best pictures from my angle. 
When I couldn’t go on part of a strenuous part of the walk, we met others who delighted me. We waited for our group in a large pavilion where a young man, Carlos, spoke with us. Thankfully, he was fluent in English. His two little boys and a small girl who was probably three years old played with me as I fooled around with an old marimba. The little girl grabbed one of the mallets and banged joyfully on the instrument and belted out a song. Her voice was so pure and sweet. I could have listened for much longer but her attention span was half a minute. She threw the mallet into the corner and zoomed away on her little scooter toy. Precious!
Carlos showed us a pit viper and took a great picture for us and explained about leaf cutter ants as we watched them work. Another young man cut open a cocoa pod and let us taste the seeds, and Carlos explained how they were processed to be ready for use.
It was a totally beautiful time of making treasured memories!
As I thanked and apologized to one young man who helped pull me back onto the boat, he said he hoped we could come back again. I told him this was probably my last hurrah.
But maybe it will just be my last hurrah for this summer. We’ll see.
Nehemiah 9:6 TLB says, ‘Then Ezra prayed. “You alone are God. You have made the skies and the heavens, the earth and the seas, and everything in them. You preserve it all; and all the angels of heaven worship You.’
And so do I!
Blessings
Kara Beth
