Costa Rica - Pura Vida

We recently visited Costa Rica. Nancy spoke at the first latin american gathering of women of the Church of God. Fellowship was rich. Nancy loved every minute of it.
With representation from some 18 countries, Paraguay was represented by five female pastors and leaders.

The country is a sought destination for hikers, bird watchers, retirees, and people who want to step into a country that offers security, beauty, entertainment and only a few hours by air from the USA.

Pura Vida slogan - Costa Ricans use this phrase everyday when saying goodbye or wishing you a good day.

After the conference, Nancy and I were able to share in two congregations of the church of God in this beautiful country. I connected the Costa Rica slogan with the words of Jesus. I asked those present How do we attain fullness of life? The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest. John 10:10.

One more fact that added immense emotional and spiritual firewood to my sermon, was the fact, that Costa Rica is one of the five blue zones in the world. You might wonder, what does being a blue zone mean?

These zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece.
So we came away from Costa Rica with a thankful heart and encouraged to continue making our corner of the world a better place.

I hope this brief insider view into the land of great coffee, stability, nature and a people that understand the value of protecting life in all its areas, helps us live abundantly in the corner of our world.

Wish you a fulfilling and long life . . .

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