Well here we are, at the end. In fact Ann even made a sign that said "The End Is Near" the other day. Course she also made a sign that says "I made it!" which she plans on holding up as she arrives home to her family 😀
Sorry, I just had to use a picture like this 😛
We're in Tamarindo on the Western Coast of Costa Rica, not far from Liberia which we will be flying out of on Saturday and we're half way through our final debrief. The weather is hot and the first night here I woke up about every two hours from the heat, despite having the top bunk that is directly below the ceiling fan… still, at least it means the cold shower is a joy instead of a burden :-p (many of us on the squad are looking forward to having hot water on tap when we return home).
It's mostly a time of relaxation and we are about five to ten minutes walk from the beach. We're able to spend a bunch of time lying in the sun or swimming in the ocean, through which when the water is calmer at low tide you can see your feet at the bottom (although if you keep looking down and dont pay attention to your surroundings then the next wave is likely to hit your face and send water up your nose – guess how I figured that out…), and there are a number of nearby outlets which will let you have a surfboard for the day for only $10 (about £6). I took one out for a bit yesterday, didn't managed to stand up for very long as the waves were brutal at points but it was fun to have a go again.
Today we went out for a tour on the ocean on a 40 foot Catamaran. It picked us up from the beach and took us along the coast and round the corner to a more deserted area by an old reef, and we were able to strap on some snorkels and fins and go for a swim. They also had a few kayaks which I made use of and we had a good time in the water and on the beach. They also served us lunch and provided an open bar and we spent a little time doing flips off of the boat and into the sea. It made for an enjoyable time and we also met a missionary couple on holiday and a pastor and his wife honeymooning. An enjoyable day for all.
The next couple of days are free to relax in, with dinner together and evening activities and then we're done… It's great to relax but looming somewhere in the back of my mind (and quite present in the front of others') is the fact that this is likely the last time we will see this group together again. Worship tonight was moving as we sung prophetically and spoke life and encouragement into each other as we prepare to return home. We've also been set the task of writing ourselves a letter which Megan (our orginal squad leader) is going to take back in and send to us at some unknown point in the future.
In my next posts I will be telling you firstly why although the race ends in three days I wont be home for almost another two weeks and then secondly what I will be doing with my life upon my return (and maybe thoughts about beyond that).
