Clark met Roni at church the Sundary after arriving. Roni and Clark "hit it off" to say the least even though neither of them speak the same language. Roni is one of a few members who don't have much English as many other members do. Roni generously invited us into his home for dinner.
Our first settled date was postponed for a week-ish. Here is the rest of our experience...
We were invited for 7 pm. As 7 approached we didn't know the "address". Technically, there aren't addresses here. Roni was worried we would not find his home, so he offered to drive us. However, we had a concern about the space in his car. It was agreed Roni would come over and we could follow him. He arrived around 7:30 pm.
As we are following, Roni pulled over on the busy street and turned on his warning lights. Costa Ricans often do this on the roads here, no matter how busy it is. Of course, we don't understand why Roni stopped, and we could see, in the dark car, Roni using his phone. Then he called Clark and Clark says to the air before picking up, "Oh no! Don't call me. I can't speak Spanish with you!" Rosabel found this all very amusing and stated, "This is the most Costa Rican thing I've done so far!" and we were all laughing. I love her wit! Anyways, Roni tried to tell us what was happening, but he hung up and messaged instead. He explained he was looking for the missionaries.
Suddenly, Roni takes off driving and turns left into a neighborhood street. As we drove a few hundred meters, the missionaries became visible in the headlights! We found them even though we had NO IDEA they were coming too!
I was really relieved though and I said, "Thank You God!" because I thought this would be an awkward dinner for us not speaking Spanish well and Roni's family with no English. I imagined we would sit and stare at each other wondering how to express ourselves. Haha!
Continuing, we make it to Roni's and met his 9-year-old twin daughters. There was another gentleman I didn't really meet. After a few minutes, a teen boy of 14 and his mom came. His name is Braiton and the mom is Wendy. All this time I didn't meet Roni's wife, Aura. She was in the back of the house cooking. Roni brought in mustard and relish so maybe we would have hot dogs? Then Roni gifted us some paper colones which is Costa Rican money. Each colones bill is worth 5 colones. He explained to me briefly it is for me to "collect". I am grateful for his consideration and kindness. How thoughtful!! We had a discussion about pets and met Roni's HUGE boxer, Manilo? There was also a super sweet long haired calico cat called Molly. Molly was impressively well groomed!
Next. Roni directed us to sing a gospel song in Spanish then a missionary prayed. Roni asked the missionary to interpret as Roni told us the story of how he converted to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has a powerful story. I can't put in writing the depth of Roni's story. It was a special thing to be there listening.
Basically, Roni was at a difficult time in his life. His wife was questioning which church she should attend. Should she find a new church or go back to her old one? Neither seemed a good solution. Roni was reading the Bible and came across a verse about obedience. He decided to give up his "vices" such as coffee and alcohol. Shortly thereafter, the missionaries were visiting his grandmother and ran into Roni. He said he "battled" with them, having many questions. He went to church for the first time that week and discovered the meeting is very long. He decided to go pray in the back of the chapel during the last hour of lessons. Then he knew he should go to this church. He said he knew that first day. He also said if he hadn't given up his vices before he doesn't think he would have listened to the missionaries so easily. He has read the Book of Mormon 64 times in 7 years. Roni reads alot of scriptures! He has read the Bible 150 times. Wow! Roni chose to be baptized about a month later. Then Oidda needed longer to study and decide. The spirit of God was very sweet in the room when Roni told his story. He has a close relationship with God and Jesus Christ. I am honored he chose to share his witness of these things in his life.
Afterwards, Aura brought out a plate of burgers and poured mustard-flavored potato chips on another plate. Everyone just went and grabbed their food before the serving plates came. People stood around eating in the living room, which also had the dining table and Christmas tree displayed.
The missionaries left and I made small talk with Braiton to practice some Spanish and for him to practice his English. We learned that Braiton's aunt lives in New York City and they had recently visited so there was a lively discussion about that. We talked about how to cook fruta de pan and eggplant, two of Roni's favorites. Earlier there was discussion about Limon and when the sea turtles go there. Also, Roni explained that old sea turtles are often caught and sent as food to Canada. He said turtle is a tasty meat. I imagine much like alligator or frog legs?
That is the story of our first dinner invitation. I regret not getting a group picture but maybe I will add one from church. Muchas gracias to Roni and Aura for their hospitality and kindness!
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