Back In The States...

[Wes Smith]

Been back in the States for 10 days.

First, was a reunion with son, Josh, and a trip to and through the Grand Canyon. I have posted that adventure elsewhere. SO thankful for the experience and for God's grace and the strength to make it through!

Then, next, to my brother Bruce's home in San Diego. (actually, Bonita). What a great time getting back together with Larry and Bruce. We three guys started out in life with our fair share of competition, but God has worked a wonderful miracle in bringing us into the 3 peas in a pod relationship. Larry is 72. Bruce is 62. And, I am 65. Whoever would've thought that we would have the capacity to gather and enjoy each other so much. We leave in a couple days to spend another week together with each other and with our two sisters in Iowa. What fun!

Two things I've notices about the States, since being away for one year, that really come under one description: options.

1. There are (paved) roads to everywhere.

2. The amount and variety of food is unbelievable. I'm sure I knew this before the year in Costa Rica, but what is taken for granted here is very absent in Costa Rica.

With being back only 10 days, or so, I can say that while I am enjoying all the options of the States, I am already looking forward to getting back to the greater simplicity of CR.

Friend,

Wes

[Rich Schmidt]

Two things I've notices about the States, since being away for one year, that really come under one description: options.

1. There are (paved) roads to everywhere.

2. The amount and variety of food is unbelievable. I'm sure I knew this before the year in Costa Rica, but what is taken for granted here is very absent in Costa Rica.

One of my church members had family visiting from Slovenia for a week recently. It was their first time in the USA. They were struck by all the options, too, especially at restaurants.

We do love our options here, don't we?

[Eric Frey]

Interestingly, I read a study not long ago that showed a correspondence between the number of options and our level of dissatisfaction with the option we chose...

[Rich Schmidt]

Interestingly, I read a study not long ago that showed a correspondence between the number of options and our level of dissatisfaction with the option we chose...

Here's a 20-minute TED talk on the subject: http://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwa...of_choice.html

[Susan Unger]

Friends of mine who had been missionaries in Ciskei, South Africa for several years had a real problem with all options when they came back on furlough. In ciskei, if they needed a new toilet seat, they got the only choice they had - hard, white. But in the USA, John needed one, went to the store to get one and stood there paralyzed for many minutes because he couldn't decide with all the color choices plus hard or soft. I think of that when ever I feel overwhelmed by choices.

[Gina Stevenson]

Wes, you mentioned reuniting with your son. Tho't they had moved down there, too ... or did they move back to the States? Just curious, as I tho't everyone had moved.

[Jim Franklin]

Wes, tell your siblings "hi" from Jim and Gracie your old White River/Norris connections.

[Hans Deventer]

One of my church members had family visiting from Slovenia for a week recently. It was their first time in the USA. They were struck by all the options, too, especially at restaurants.

We do love our options here, don't we?

That's just as well, you have to live with them! For me, they could be less. I even avoid going to Subway. When I want a sandwhich, I just want a sandwich. Ham, egg, whatever. Don't keep asking me endless questions. I'd almost ask, what do I need to pay you to stop asking questions and just make me a sandwich?

[Gina Stevenson]

Well, Hans, tho' a rare Subway participant (usually has been when at WalMart too near dinner, to avoid buying junk while hungry), usually either a small breakfast one or verrry little meat, then either one loaded down w/theirveggies & some spicy mustard added.

[Wes Smith]

Wes, you mentioned reuniting with your son. Tho't they had moved down there, too ... or did they move back to the States? Just curious, as I tho't everyone had moved.

Gina,

We all moved down there together. Josh's job allowed him to "telecommute," but that changed when his division was sold to another large bank. It was vital for him to be back home for the transition and for integration into the new company.

So, Colleen and I are the Costa Rican delegation now! We would, of course, prefer to have the family together in the same area, but I'm pretty sure we can work out a couple times per year visit!

Friend,

Wes