Almost 1 month into 2015 already!

Pura Vida!

Christmas and New Year's has come and gone. Quite a bit of difference than being in the States. Very low keyed, enjoyed time with our immediate family. Stockings were filled with candy, and Santa brought new swimsuits.

We celebrated New Year's at our pool with friends from near and far. What an experience. The 4th of July in the States does not hold a candle on how the Tico's celebrate the New Year. Fireworks for over an hour in every direction you looked. Dancing, food and fellowship. Grateful for being able to celebrate such a wonderful time with people all over the world!

So, getting caught on what is happening after the Holidays!

We did a little outreach to community about 30 minutes from here. A bit remote. We did a surprise Santa at the beginning of January. Unexpected for sure! Here are some of the pics of what occurred on our journey with Avispa's Adventures:

  Toys had been donated for the children and we also had candy canes to hand out. The squeals from some of the children will stay in my heart forever. Hannah did not really want to be in the pictures, but we caught one of her. She just wanted to BE in the moment, no thank yous....just doing. I know exactly what she feels.....it is a humbling experience.

And of course, our day would not be complete without finding an animal in need. Please let me introduce you to HOPE, Hannah's first rescue. We found the little girl as we were driving out of the Barrio. We asked the people on the street if it was their dog, because we wanted to get it medical attention. The answer, of course, was no. So we were free to take Dear Hope! YEAH!

Hannah right after she caught Hope

Hope's foot is in pretty tough shape

Ok, worse than we thought and has been injured for a very long time

Off to the vet in Liberia! Next stop! Dr Eugenia is amazing. She helps so many rescues. And she also has so many of her own. When Patas y Manos shows up, the animals are very well taken care of and quickly.

Hope as of now is recovering at Dr Eugenia's home. She called us that same day and said that she could not save Hope's leg, it had to be amputated. We all agreed it would be the best option. Actually, we saw Hope last week, and she is doing wonderful! Hopefully, we will be able to bring her back to Coco soon so she can join our pack and be close to Hannah. 

Sam has been busy also. She just finished her Rescue Dive Course! At 15 years old, she is a registered EFR (Emergency First Responder) amazing! 

In Costa Rica there is no such thing as a Good Samaritan Law. You actually have to ask someone's permission conscious or unconscious if you can help them. The laws are slowly changing. It is a roll of the dice, but in any case, I think helping a person in distress would be the THING to do.

Here are some actions shots of Sam on a simulated rescue. The people on the beach thought it was for real and came running over. LOL! Good on them! 

Sam with her rescue on the beach

Dragged her in

Preformed CPR

Returning to the shop, everyone is fine!

 So this has all happened in the past few weeks. Moving and grooving, and adventure awaits at every turn. I can say never a dull moment! That is for sure......

I hope everyone is doing well......girls are getting ready to head back to school. Looking forward to our visit in Minnesota in July/August. I can say one thing that I do know.....things will never be the same.....

Pura Vida and so much Love!