A Kingdom Hall Is A Kingdom Hall Is A Kingdom Hall....

On our latest adventure, I was struck by how we could be driving along and randomly go "There's a Kingdom Hall!" This made me think of all the other times we could spot one in areas we had never been before, while driving down the road at ludicrous speed. (Bonus points if you get the reference!) There's something about a Kingdom Hall that always stands out. Personally, I think it's the modesty and cleanliness of the building and property.

So, I bring to you: Kingdom Halls from our various travels. Maybe you will see it too.

This hall doesn't have room for landscaping outside, so there's a garden inside!

A double hall in California. 

Our current Hall. Attached to the missionary home.

The End.

Nicaragua and How I Almost Got Rabies

Back to Nicaragua to meet up with some friends. At the border, we manage to lock our keys in the car and discover this just as the cop is coming to inspect it. Awesome. But we finally make it to Granada.

This is Lake Nicaragua. Apparently you can't actually swim in it, because of the pollution. On the other hand, there are also sharks in this lake, so maybe that's a good thing.

We met up with some friends one night for dinner on the bay. They have all been in their assignments a lot longer than us, so it was nice to hear their experiences.

Charley & Rachel,  Shelina,  and Shawn

Plus we got to spend some time with another awesome friend from Pioneer School and visit the English congregation there. 

So- how I got almost got rabies. The hotel we were staying at was a little dirty, so one night I thought I heard a mouse running around, digging in the trash. No big deal, mice are everywhere. I got up in the morning, didn't see any evidence of anything, forgot about it. Well the next night, I hear the same noise, but a lot closer to me. So I turn on the light.....there is a bat on the bed about a foot from my face crawling at me. Ok, I'm awake. We checked out of the hotel that morning.

Anyway, we made it home without too many mishaps. The last border crossing was awesome, we got through in about 20 minutes. After talking to the CO, apparently that's the one they have the most trouble with, so go figure. We had an unexpected stop in Siguatepeque for a few days, and had to leave the car there. But we found a really nice mechanic who drove us all the way home, and we get to pick up the car next week.

We are safe and sound. We got to do almost everything we set out to, and were able to see lots of friends. We definitely had an adventure, but I couldn't tell you about all of it or there would have to be way more posts. But next time, I think we will just take the boat to Belize. It's a lot easier.

Costa Rica, Part 3

Another day we went zip lining. Did you remember about those giant volcano islands in Nicaragua? Well, from where we were, you could actually see them. From a mountain in a different country. Weird.

At the end of the zip line, they had what was called a "Tarzan Swing." You climb onto a platform (first picture) and get attached to the safety harness, then bend your knees and swing across the creek to the platform at the bottom (second picture.) It looks scary, and while you are getting strapped it, you feel like you might go flying off the platform from the rope tension, but it was actually a lot of fun and really safe. 

Lizard with a bright blue-green tail

 We didn't get to go rafting, so Zach tried to do it on his own. 

Costa Rica, Part 2

More Pictures

We went on a horseback ride to the river for a hike and swim one day. Turns out we definitely do not like horses.

Because we were so close to a volcano, the water had minerals in it that gave off a chalky blue color. None of these are photo shopped. 

This shot is from behind the waterfall. I think it looks like snow or ash.

This is a road. You can tell, right?

The only wild animal we saw- a sloth.