The Happiest Place On Earth

It's been called the happiest place on earth and while we were there this past week, we discovered a little of why this might be true. Six couples, friends since highschool, turning 40 this year, trip planned for ten years--where else to go than a location that would bring so much to be enjoyed? Guana Caste, Costa Rica--happy and kind local people.

This tree is FILLED with parakeets!

Ping-pong at our rental home with the rainforest in the background.

Learning to surf.

Enjoying the pool.

Building friendships with the staff.

Cheering our husbands on as they play the Costa Ricans in soccer (futbal). Those silly boys challenged the natives, who were half their age! Score: 14-12 for Costa Rica. Not too bad!

Girl time.

Photographing scarlet macaws in the wild!

Taking a break from shopping in town.

All decked out for zip-lining.

Zip-lining all through the rainforest canopy and through canyons. How did they ever get me to do this? is what went through my mind MANY times!

Riverboat tour through the jungle. White-faced monkeys decided to join us!

Sunsets on the beach.

Fighting for the ball in a game of inner-tube water polo. Iguanas everywhere!

Over a thousand photos stare back at me from my screen and I long to return to Costa Rica, this time with my children. I don't think you can truly see enough of it to be fully satisfied. In a state of constant worship, I swam, tubed, zipped, shopped, visited, strolled, and stood in awe of what my Lord has created for His glory and our pleasure. Some of that "happiness" was due to the long-awaited pampering we received, however, the locals attributed their jovial behaviour to their laid-back, non-competitive philosophy of life. Perhaps the pressures, complications, and entitlement of North Americans rob us of this general sense of well-being. Christians know that no matter where we are in the world, Jesus can give us joy, but I believe it is best received in a place of simplicity and contentment.