Tuesday, November 06, 2012

2 Car Family

Skipping over my excuses for not blogging since July (GASP!!), I'm grateful to announce that we Dixons have added a van to our family!  We had long prayed and looked for a second vehicle for our family and ministry and had decided on getting a Hyundai Starex.  Our plan was to look for one seriously after our trip to the states in September.  (By the way, we were in the states in September. . .)  However, while there we received a mass email about one that was for sale.  Long story short: we bought it not long after our return to Costa Rica.  It's a 2001, 12 passenger, was owned by missionaries previously, and was a good price.  It fits in our garage with the Galloper (barely) and even has AC.  Yes, we are feeling spoiled.  There were a few minor things that needed maintenance, but overall it was in good shape.  (It did have a head gasket that went bad on the way back from a beach trip with our staff. . .but, all things considered, it could have been a lot worse, and that's another story.)  We are so thankful for a second vehicle; it will make life less complicated with our kids' schedules/pick-ups/activities, and also help out with transportation when we host groups and other visitors.  Plus, since car maintenance is a regular part of life here, we are hoping our cars will take turns at the mechanic and that we'll always have at least one running!  ; )

A special thank you to those who donated specifically towards us buying a vehicle.  We hope you'll come for a ride sometime!!              

----Tracey

Eye Surgery: Bleh

It seems my extreme near-sightedness is catching up with me.  In August, I finally went to the eye-doctor, which I hadn't done in the 4 years we've lived here (Big mistake.).  I found out that I have 2 thinning spots on my left retina that need to be lasered to my eye to prevent the retina from ripping.  Yikes.  Thankfully, I haven't really had symptoms of any problems, but I always hoped that eye surgery would mean correcting my prescription.  Apparently, I have to take care of this first.  So, Monday, if our insurance gives us pre-authorization to cover the costs, I will go in and have my retina secured.  Please pray for 2 things: insurance coverage and that the surgery and recovery will go smoothly, without complication.  Thank you so much!  I'll keep ya posted. . .   ---Tracey