I've been working like a crazy woman these past few days, doing respite for HH. I'm working because I know they need it, but it's exhausting. I've already worked 27 hours in 3 days (20 of those were straight) and have about that many left to work by the end of Saturday.
So I'm appreciating the break that was scheduled in for me today. Yesterday was an endless day. I go back from 3-3:30, 5-8, and then sleep over starting at 11pm.
In other news...Sarah comes back tomorrow! I'm excited, although sad she had such a short break at home. We leave in just a few days for Connecticut, a trip I'm really excited about.
Life here has pretty much gone back to normal. Work, killing time, thinking about books for next semester....except now I'm dreading the classes, worried I'll be "bored out of my gourd."
It will be good. At least it's only one more semester. And I have people to talk to :) That helps tons.
29 December 2006
25 December 2006
I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...
Merry Christmas!
¡Feliz Navidad!
Although the scenery outside remains brownish-green with no snow in sight, (that's only in my dreams, I suppose...), may you have a blessed Christmas wherever you are. Enjoy the day, the people, the food, and everything good about it... Jesus was born today!22 December 2006
Popping the Bubble
It's the new title of my blog. And I think it deserves some explaining. I realize that I haven't posted in a week, more or less.
I'm home. I ran across an airport to get home, but I got home, all in one piece. And as I look back on my semester and answer the "How Was it?" question, I've come to a conclusion for myself. I'm popping the bubble I live in.
Popping the bubble? You ask. The world is large, my friends, and my world got bigger by visiting Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and even Miami. My world is bigger by knowing people around the US and around Central America. My world is bigger knowing different perspectives.
And I want my bubble popped. I want to expand the way I understand things. And so I'm going to be 'popping the bubble' from now on. And my blog has moved from "La Vida Costarricense" to "Popping the Bubble." That's my mission.
I'm home. I ran across an airport to get home, but I got home, all in one piece. And as I look back on my semester and answer the "How Was it?" question, I've come to a conclusion for myself. I'm popping the bubble I live in.
Popping the bubble? You ask. The world is large, my friends, and my world got bigger by visiting Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and even Miami. My world is bigger by knowing people around the US and around Central America. My world is bigger knowing different perspectives.
And I want my bubble popped. I want to expand the way I understand things. And so I'm going to be 'popping the bubble' from now on. And my blog has moved from "La Vida Costarricense" to "Popping the Bubble." That's my mission.
15 December 2006
beach
beach.
rain.
overcast.
sand.
beautiful.
friendships.
time to say goodbye.
change of scenery.
excitement.
nervousness.
anticipation.
rain.
overcast.
sand.
beautiful.
friendships.
time to say goodbye.
change of scenery.
excitement.
nervousness.
anticipation.
14 December 2006
Trying to leave Central America...and they won't let me leave!
Okay, so it's not as scary as it sounds on the title.
I'm in Guatemala City, hanging out in the airport, using free wireless, and waiting impatiently because the connection is slow and flaky. But it works, so I'm not going to complain too much. And it's free, which is rare now in US airports. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 2:55, but it is now leaving at 4:04, putting our arrival into Miami about 45 minutes late. Ultimately, it's not that big of a deal. We're spending Friday and Saturday in Miami for re-entry, beach visits, and a isit to Little Havana, but it would be nice to get there instead of just sitting around in the airport.
My trip to Guatemala was amazing. For 4 1/2 days I worked at a center for malnourished children, playing with them, loving on them, and just plain helping out. It was amazing. I've never seen more malnourished kids in my life, but they were also amazingly happy. Go here
for some amazing pictures!
Tomorow we go to South Beach for the day and have a talent show at night. On Saturday we're having "re-entry" orientation as well as a visit to LIttle Havana. Sunday I fly home, hopefully getting in at 6pm if stand-by works out well!
You can call me cell phone anytime after 8pm tonight, if you're one of "those" people. If I don't answer, I'm busy. But leave me a message and I'll get it!
Jehovah Jaira and much blessings.
I'm in Guatemala City, hanging out in the airport, using free wireless, and waiting impatiently because the connection is slow and flaky. But it works, so I'm not going to complain too much. And it's free, which is rare now in US airports. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 2:55, but it is now leaving at 4:04, putting our arrival into Miami about 45 minutes late. Ultimately, it's not that big of a deal. We're spending Friday and Saturday in Miami for re-entry, beach visits, and a isit to Little Havana, but it would be nice to get there instead of just sitting around in the airport.
My trip to Guatemala was amazing. For 4 1/2 days I worked at a center for malnourished children, playing with them, loving on them, and just plain helping out. It was amazing. I've never seen more malnourished kids in my life, but they were also amazingly happy. Go here
for some amazing pictures!
Tomorow we go to South Beach for the day and have a talent show at night. On Saturday we're having "re-entry" orientation as well as a visit to LIttle Havana. Sunday I fly home, hopefully getting in at 6pm if stand-by works out well!
You can call me cell phone anytime after 8pm tonight, if you're one of "those" people. If I don't answer, I'm busy. But leave me a message and I'll get it!
Jehovah Jaira and much blessings.
01 December 2006
One more blog for the road...
Hello my Friends,
I realize that it’s been an eternity since I’ve last blogged. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been swamped with so much to do that I haven’t even had time to go to the internet café. Last night was one of my favorite times all semester - I cooked for my family, we hung out, and I got to give them a scrapbook I made. This week was filled with projects and meetings and tests and all sorts of “end of the semester” type stuff.
Why? You ask. Yes, I do have two more weeks. But on Sunday, we leave for Guatemala. We’ll be there for ten days and then we’ll be spending the last three days of the semester in Miami, doing a “re-entry retreat.” Hopefully the experience will be hurricane-free this time!
Looking back, I’d say it was a good semester. Yesterday someone asked me that if I was given the opportunity to repeat this semester, would I do it? The truth is, this semester was great for the culture experience, for the friendships gained, for the family gained. But I’m not sure I would do the rest of the experience. I ended up having some struggles along the way these past few weeks in reference to differing opinions and frustrations with grading.
So, if it were everything but the way class is conducted, I would do it again. I would do the language school, the trips, the host families, and all of that. I wouldn’t do class where I’m left trying to form my own opinions and feel like I’m drowning or forced to believe (or say) something I don’t believe.
But, I would do the rest again. And I won’t look back negatively on this experience. My host family was such a huge blessing.
In other news, I went to the beach last weekend. Go here for pictures. There are also pictures of “Flat Stanley,” which some of you might understand what that’s all about. If not, you can always ask me later. Oh, and my Thanksgiving pictures are on there too. It was a beautiful (and tasty!) turkey.
Blessings to you all. Until Guatemala, or Miami, or Iowa (or whenever I get to the internet).
Jehovah Jaira
I realize that it’s been an eternity since I’ve last blogged. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been swamped with so much to do that I haven’t even had time to go to the internet café. Last night was one of my favorite times all semester - I cooked for my family, we hung out, and I got to give them a scrapbook I made. This week was filled with projects and meetings and tests and all sorts of “end of the semester” type stuff.
Why? You ask. Yes, I do have two more weeks. But on Sunday, we leave for Guatemala. We’ll be there for ten days and then we’ll be spending the last three days of the semester in Miami, doing a “re-entry retreat.” Hopefully the experience will be hurricane-free this time!
Looking back, I’d say it was a good semester. Yesterday someone asked me that if I was given the opportunity to repeat this semester, would I do it? The truth is, this semester was great for the culture experience, for the friendships gained, for the family gained. But I’m not sure I would do the rest of the experience. I ended up having some struggles along the way these past few weeks in reference to differing opinions and frustrations with grading.
So, if it were everything but the way class is conducted, I would do it again. I would do the language school, the trips, the host families, and all of that. I wouldn’t do class where I’m left trying to form my own opinions and feel like I’m drowning or forced to believe (or say) something I don’t believe.
But, I would do the rest again. And I won’t look back negatively on this experience. My host family was such a huge blessing.
In other news, I went to the beach last weekend. Go here for pictures. There are also pictures of “Flat Stanley,” which some of you might understand what that’s all about. If not, you can always ask me later. Oh, and my Thanksgiving pictures are on there too. It was a beautiful (and tasty!) turkey.
Blessings to you all. Until Guatemala, or Miami, or Iowa (or whenever I get to the internet).
Jehovah Jaira
24 November 2006
Crazy Weather
Well, I'm sitting in the LASP office, checking my e-mail in between class activities. It's FRIDAY, hallelujah!
Hopefully you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was celebrated with 2 Americans, a Canadian, and a Costa Rican. We had turkey, cranberry jelly, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, apple pie, and ice cream. It was amazing. It was a nice way to spend time together and relax.
In other news, the weather has been cold, windy, and just as unpredictable as if I were in Iowa. On Wednesday, the temperature was 53 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the coldes it's been in over 12 years here. With no heat and temperatures over 65 on a regular basis, the cold and wind combination was a shock to everyone. Costa Ricans walked around wearing winter coats, gloves, and scarves.
In other wonderful weather news, I'm headed to the beach tomorrow for a day and a half, which I'm very excited about.
There will be more pictures posted on Flickr soon - pictures from Thanksgiving, Flat Stanley, the Beach and other fun stuff (including my host family). More on that later. There are just over three weeks left, I can hardly believe it.
Hope you're doing well. The barage of homework threatens.
Hopefully you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was celebrated with 2 Americans, a Canadian, and a Costa Rican. We had turkey, cranberry jelly, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, apple pie, and ice cream. It was amazing. It was a nice way to spend time together and relax.
In other news, the weather has been cold, windy, and just as unpredictable as if I were in Iowa. On Wednesday, the temperature was 53 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the coldes it's been in over 12 years here. With no heat and temperatures over 65 on a regular basis, the cold and wind combination was a shock to everyone. Costa Ricans walked around wearing winter coats, gloves, and scarves.
In other wonderful weather news, I'm headed to the beach tomorrow for a day and a half, which I'm very excited about.
There will be more pictures posted on Flickr soon - pictures from Thanksgiving, Flat Stanley, the Beach and other fun stuff (including my host family). More on that later. There are just over three weeks left, I can hardly believe it.
Hope you're doing well. The barage of homework threatens.
20 November 2006
Seeing my Mom and other wonderfulness...
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This weekend I saw my mom... :) You all know it, you heard me say it, but let me just say that I had an AMAZING trip, even if it was really short! I spent the weekend doing secretarial stuff and translating, which was SUPER fun! I was excited.
Now I just have to get through some grueling weeks of class and stuff. 2 weeks of class, which have gotten to be quite mundane...and then 10 days of Guatemala and 3 days of Miami. I can't wait until that time comes.
But it will be okay. I have a good support, a lot of us are feeling ground down to the mundane, so at least we can sympathize with each other.
I hope you're all doing well, as always. I don't have much to say, other than an AMAZING trip to Nicaragua and wonderful time with my mom (you can see our smiling faces...!) Everyone there said we look alike...imagine that!
Jehovah Jaira
17 November 2006
11 November 2006
Panama
Hello Friends!
It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. Things have been wild over here, moving from one thing to another. Last week Tuesday we left for Panama and came back early yesterday morning, just before 5 in the morning.
My trip to Panama was amazing. After a day in Panama City, we went to two different indigenous islands off the Northeastern coast of Panama. I went to the island of Goetupu, where I stayed with an amazing host family and learned a lot about love and community and giving. There aren’t enough words to describe my experience, but you can always look at the pictures here. The first 18 pictures of the album are of Panama.
Not much else is new here besides coming back from my trip to Panama. It felt great to be back in San José and hang out at the house yesterday, washing clothes, getting things done, and hanging out with my family.
Next week I travel to Nicaragua to hang out with my mom for a weekend. I’m really excited for the trip and can’t wait for Thursday again.
Hope you’re all doing well. I’ll be home in just over a month.
It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. Things have been wild over here, moving from one thing to another. Last week Tuesday we left for Panama and came back early yesterday morning, just before 5 in the morning.
My trip to Panama was amazing. After a day in Panama City, we went to two different indigenous islands off the Northeastern coast of Panama. I went to the island of Goetupu, where I stayed with an amazing host family and learned a lot about love and community and giving. There aren’t enough words to describe my experience, but you can always look at the pictures here. The first 18 pictures of the album are of Panama.
Not much else is new here besides coming back from my trip to Panama. It felt great to be back in San José and hang out at the house yesterday, washing clothes, getting things done, and hanging out with my family.
Next week I travel to Nicaragua to hang out with my mom for a weekend. I’m really excited for the trip and can’t wait for Thursday again.
Hope you’re all doing well. I’ll be home in just over a month.
30 October 2006
From one trip to another...
Hello friends. I'm back from my Fall Break, resting a bit and reflecting. It was a wonderful break and a wonderful change of pace.
On Thursday, we headed out to "Volcán Arenal," translated "Sandy Volcano". There, we saw the volcano at night with some cool orange lava rock action, then we went to some hot springs, which ranged from 93 - 156 degrees (F). It was an amazing experience.
On Friday, we began making our way to Monteverde, a rustic, green, and beautiful area of Costa Rica. Once there, we found our hotel, a lovely, out of the way hotel run by a German couple. We hung out for a while and then headed to supper, finding a great Pizza place in town.
On Saturday morning, we were picked up by a van and we headed out to do a Canopy tour. A canopy tour is a system of cables and platforms above the cloud forest (a forest that naturally has loads of clouds at the top). We went on 15 ziplines, 19 platforms, and a tarzan swing (I'm sure you can imagine what that entails). It was an amazing experience, and we felt like we were flying over the top of the forest!
After the canopy tour, we explored a suspended bridge system in the same park. That afernoon we hung out for a while and then found supper in town.
On Sunday morning, I decided to go horseback riding. After hearing that it was an option, I decided I would go, even if no one else went. So, I did, and it ended up being a tour with just me and my guide. I went on a 2 and a half hour horseback ride!
Afterwards, we ate at the "Treehouse Café" and then headed back to San José.
Tomorrow, we leave for Panama, including an 18-hour bus trip! So, next time you hear, you'll get to see Panama pictures and hear more. To see my Fall Break pictures, check it out here
So, until next weekend when I return from Panama, enjoy some picture viewing!
On Thursday, we headed out to "Volcán Arenal," translated "Sandy Volcano". There, we saw the volcano at night with some cool orange lava rock action, then we went to some hot springs, which ranged from 93 - 156 degrees (F). It was an amazing experience.
On Friday, we began making our way to Monteverde, a rustic, green, and beautiful area of Costa Rica. Once there, we found our hotel, a lovely, out of the way hotel run by a German couple. We hung out for a while and then headed to supper, finding a great Pizza place in town.
On Saturday morning, we were picked up by a van and we headed out to do a Canopy tour. A canopy tour is a system of cables and platforms above the cloud forest (a forest that naturally has loads of clouds at the top). We went on 15 ziplines, 19 platforms, and a tarzan swing (I'm sure you can imagine what that entails). It was an amazing experience, and we felt like we were flying over the top of the forest!
After the canopy tour, we explored a suspended bridge system in the same park. That afernoon we hung out for a while and then found supper in town.
On Sunday morning, I decided to go horseback riding. After hearing that it was an option, I decided I would go, even if no one else went. So, I did, and it ended up being a tour with just me and my guide. I went on a 2 and a half hour horseback ride!
Afterwards, we ate at the "Treehouse Café" and then headed back to San José.
Tomorrow, we leave for Panama, including an 18-hour bus trip! So, next time you hear, you'll get to see Panama pictures and hear more. To see my Fall Break pictures, check it out here
So, until next weekend when I return from Panama, enjoy some picture viewing!
24 October 2006
Change of Pace
Sweet Bliss.
Last night I didn't have any homework. I don't have any tonight either. On Thursday afternoon, I'm leaving until Sunday night, having a fall break. On Monday, I don't have anything except laundry, unpacking, and re-packing. On Tuesday, I leave for 11 days for Panama!
It's a change of pace. Yesterday morning I turned in an 8 1/2 page paper entitled "Misioneros en Una Época Nueva" (Missionaries in a New Era). Today, I worked 3 hours on a group project, and tomorrow we present our 15 minute project plus 10 minutes for questions. It feels like a "it's all down here from here" feeling.
This afternoon we're going to see a movie, solely for the reason that we can and we don't have anything else hanging over our heads. Wonderful.
This weekend I'm going to Volcan Arenal, the most well-known Volcano in Costa Rica. Then we're going to the region of Monteverde, which has Canopy Tours, Botannical Gardens, Hanging Bridges, Horse Riding, and all kinds of wonderful stuff. I can't wait!
I hope you're all doing well. As always, I'd love to hear from you, I check my e-mail once to twice a week, depending on how the week is going. Blessings for you all.
Jehovah Jaira
Last night I didn't have any homework. I don't have any tonight either. On Thursday afternoon, I'm leaving until Sunday night, having a fall break. On Monday, I don't have anything except laundry, unpacking, and re-packing. On Tuesday, I leave for 11 days for Panama!
It's a change of pace. Yesterday morning I turned in an 8 1/2 page paper entitled "Misioneros en Una Época Nueva" (Missionaries in a New Era). Today, I worked 3 hours on a group project, and tomorrow we present our 15 minute project plus 10 minutes for questions. It feels like a "it's all down here from here" feeling.
This afternoon we're going to see a movie, solely for the reason that we can and we don't have anything else hanging over our heads. Wonderful.
This weekend I'm going to Volcan Arenal, the most well-known Volcano in Costa Rica. Then we're going to the region of Monteverde, which has Canopy Tours, Botannical Gardens, Hanging Bridges, Horse Riding, and all kinds of wonderful stuff. I can't wait!
I hope you're all doing well. As always, I'd love to hear from you, I check my e-mail once to twice a week, depending on how the week is going. Blessings for you all.
Jehovah Jaira
20 October 2006
Papers, Readings, and Better Things to Do
I forgot what it's like to have a paper due and want to do everything else but that.
I have a 7-10 page paper due at 8am on Monday morning. Also a two-page non-related paper due at that time. Also some readings due at that time. By 5pm that day, I have to have a revised thesis and outline for a group presentation. By Wednesday at 8am, we have to have our group presentation ready to go.
It's been a busy few days. I spend 4 hours on and off yesterday trying to tackle my paper. It's currently at 5 1/2 pages and I need to write some more. Oh, and did I mention that all of this is in Spanish?
I find myself wanting to go places with people, wanting to buy things, wanting to go to the internet, wanting to hang out with my family, spend time with classmates...anything to not do my paper. It doesn't matter what country you're in, you still want to do everything but...!
In other news, my shirt is soaked. I lost the art of umbrella dodging and got soaked!
Tomorrow I get to go to a wedding with my family. I'm excited about that and will be interested to see how it is and what it's like. Apparently it will include crazy dancing. This I like.
Side note, the people on either side of me at the internet café are looking at wedding information and wedding dresses...
I have a 7-10 page paper due at 8am on Monday morning. Also a two-page non-related paper due at that time. Also some readings due at that time. By 5pm that day, I have to have a revised thesis and outline for a group presentation. By Wednesday at 8am, we have to have our group presentation ready to go.
It's been a busy few days. I spend 4 hours on and off yesterday trying to tackle my paper. It's currently at 5 1/2 pages and I need to write some more. Oh, and did I mention that all of this is in Spanish?
I find myself wanting to go places with people, wanting to buy things, wanting to go to the internet, wanting to hang out with my family, spend time with classmates...anything to not do my paper. It doesn't matter what country you're in, you still want to do everything but...!
In other news, my shirt is soaked. I lost the art of umbrella dodging and got soaked!
Tomorrow I get to go to a wedding with my family. I'm excited about that and will be interested to see how it is and what it's like. Apparently it will include crazy dancing. This I like.
Side note, the people on either side of me at the internet café are looking at wedding information and wedding dresses...
17 October 2006
Home.
Home. It’s amazing how a place can feel like home once you’ve been away from it. On the bus ride back to Costa Rica, we all marveled at the fact that we felt like we were coming home – we’d been gone for two weeks and all we wanted was to see our family, sleep in our own beds, and feel at home.
I’ve been gone now for over six weeks, and it’s amazing to me how the time has flown by. At the beginning I was dubious when the staff told us to savor each moment because it was going to be gone before we knew it. I was doubtful all of September. But now I’ve done a month of language school and a two-week trip to Nicaragua and lived here, really lived here, and feel at home. And I recognize now that the rest of the semester is going to literally fly by.
For the next two weeks, I have scattered classes and work on papers and presentations. Next weekend I’ll be going to a wedding with my family, which will be wonderful experience, and then the week after that we have Fall Break. Immediately following Fall Break, I leave for Panama for two weeks. A week after my return from Panama, I’ll be spending the weekend in Nicaragua to see my mom (my real mom!). After that, it’s two more weeks in Costa Rica followed by a two week trip to Guatemala. Straight from Guatemala we’ll fly to Miami for 3 days of debrief and then I’ll be home. It’s a lot going on in a short two months that we have left.
Now that I’ve looked forward, I might as well look back a little bit. My trip to Nicaragua was wonderful. Not everything went perfectly, but now I know I wouldn’t have wanted it that way. Although I got a cold, ended up dehydrated, hurt my foot, and lost a contact, better things outweigh the bad: Nicaragua is a beautiful, beautiful country, with amazing and loving people, I got to cross over to Honduras (without a passport!), I saw Ciudad Antigua (a city Captain Morgan pirated), I got to know more of the LASP students better, and I got to see the diverse reality of Nicaragua, the 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
So, check out my pictures here. The album is kind of scattered between pre-home stay and home stay periods, but i didn't really have time to do more than that. Good luck deciphering... The titles of the pictures might help a bit (side note: finca = farm).
As always, I hope you’re doing well. Forgive me if this blog was a bit long – it’s bee a long time since I’ve put my thoughts together to put together a blog, and I tried to be as short as possible. Hopefully the pictures say plenty.
I’ve been gone now for over six weeks, and it’s amazing to me how the time has flown by. At the beginning I was dubious when the staff told us to savor each moment because it was going to be gone before we knew it. I was doubtful all of September. But now I’ve done a month of language school and a two-week trip to Nicaragua and lived here, really lived here, and feel at home. And I recognize now that the rest of the semester is going to literally fly by.
For the next two weeks, I have scattered classes and work on papers and presentations. Next weekend I’ll be going to a wedding with my family, which will be wonderful experience, and then the week after that we have Fall Break. Immediately following Fall Break, I leave for Panama for two weeks. A week after my return from Panama, I’ll be spending the weekend in Nicaragua to see my mom (my real mom!). After that, it’s two more weeks in Costa Rica followed by a two week trip to Guatemala. Straight from Guatemala we’ll fly to Miami for 3 days of debrief and then I’ll be home. It’s a lot going on in a short two months that we have left.
Now that I’ve looked forward, I might as well look back a little bit. My trip to Nicaragua was wonderful. Not everything went perfectly, but now I know I wouldn’t have wanted it that way. Although I got a cold, ended up dehydrated, hurt my foot, and lost a contact, better things outweigh the bad: Nicaragua is a beautiful, beautiful country, with amazing and loving people, I got to cross over to Honduras (without a passport!), I saw Ciudad Antigua (a city Captain Morgan pirated), I got to know more of the LASP students better, and I got to see the diverse reality of Nicaragua, the 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
So, check out my pictures here. The album is kind of scattered between pre-home stay and home stay periods, but i didn't really have time to do more than that. Good luck deciphering... The titles of the pictures might help a bit (side note: finca = farm).
As always, I hope you’re doing well. Forgive me if this blog was a bit long – it’s bee a long time since I’ve put my thoughts together to put together a blog, and I tried to be as short as possible. Hopefully the pictures say plenty.
11 October 2006
Granada
Well, here I am again...writing to you this time from Granada, Nicaragua.
My host stay is over and we're hanging out in a Hostel until tomorrow. It seems that everyone had good stays in their town. Mine was pretty mediocre, but I'm trying to be positive about the experience. I had a wonderful host grandma who had nothing but love to give, along with a few home remedies (who knows what she gave me?!)
Tomorrow we have a debrief on our stay, a trip to managua, and our last meal. Friday morning bright and early, we drive back to Costa Rica.
More pictures later. This is all I can make myself write right now.
My host stay is over and we're hanging out in a Hostel until tomorrow. It seems that everyone had good stays in their town. Mine was pretty mediocre, but I'm trying to be positive about the experience. I had a wonderful host grandma who had nothing but love to give, along with a few home remedies (who knows what she gave me?!)
Tomorrow we have a debrief on our stay, a trip to managua, and our last meal. Friday morning bright and early, we drive back to Costa Rica.
More pictures later. This is all I can make myself write right now.
05 October 2006
Call me a Liar
No one told us there might be internet cafés in this country too. Okay, so I guess that's not rocket science, but here I am.
I'm in the northern region of Nicaragua in a small town called Condega. Tomorrow I'll be picked up with three other girls by a church leader and taken to a small town a little more north called Ocotal, where I'll be staying with a family by myself for 5 days. Then, on Wednesday, I'll be traveling to Granada for the day, on Thursday we'll go to Managua, and then on Friday we go back to Costa Rica.
It's really a whirlwind of a trip when I think about it, and this trip has made me realize that Costa Rica has started to become home for me while I'm gone for the semester. I think about going "home" to see my family, who even said they would miss me while I was gone. Nicole, Michelle, or whatever they want to call me, I felt loved.
It's been a good, eye-opening trip so far. So much has happened in the four short days since I've been out of Costa Rica, I wouldn't even know where to begin. The best way is to probably wait until I get back, post some pictures online with captions, and let the pictures be worth a thousand words, as they say.
It's hot in Nicaragua, if you didn't know. Sticky and hot and humid, I haven't sweat so much since it was hot at camp this summer. I know I'll appreciate Costa Rica weather even more.
Healthy stomach so far. More on how that turns out later. I think I mean it this time when I say that I won't post again until I get back, but who knows?
Please be doing well. For those of you at Dordt, enjoy tri-state!
I'm in the northern region of Nicaragua in a small town called Condega. Tomorrow I'll be picked up with three other girls by a church leader and taken to a small town a little more north called Ocotal, where I'll be staying with a family by myself for 5 days. Then, on Wednesday, I'll be traveling to Granada for the day, on Thursday we'll go to Managua, and then on Friday we go back to Costa Rica.
It's really a whirlwind of a trip when I think about it, and this trip has made me realize that Costa Rica has started to become home for me while I'm gone for the semester. I think about going "home" to see my family, who even said they would miss me while I was gone. Nicole, Michelle, or whatever they want to call me, I felt loved.
It's been a good, eye-opening trip so far. So much has happened in the four short days since I've been out of Costa Rica, I wouldn't even know where to begin. The best way is to probably wait until I get back, post some pictures online with captions, and let the pictures be worth a thousand words, as they say.
It's hot in Nicaragua, if you didn't know. Sticky and hot and humid, I haven't sweat so much since it was hot at camp this summer. I know I'll appreciate Costa Rica weather even more.
Healthy stomach so far. More on how that turns out later. I think I mean it this time when I say that I won't post again until I get back, but who knows?
Please be doing well. For those of you at Dordt, enjoy tri-state!
30 September 2006
Dancing, Graduation, and Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Well, dear readers, this will be my last post for the next two weeks, at the very least. On Monday morning, bright and early, we leave for Nicaragua for about 12 days. We’ll be gone until the next Friday.
What will we do there? Well, we’ll start off in Managua with some orientation as well as some “conferencias” (chats) with some locals concerning Nicaragua. Then we’ll spend 6 nights with host families. After that, we’ll reconvene in Granada for some debrief and more conferencias, then we’ll ride a bus back to San José. Rumor has it that, depending on customs, the bus ride will be 8-10 hours long!
So, I’m pretty excited to be going. A lot of the students on the program are worried about the food or about the living conditions and things similar to that, but I’m just excited for something new, something different, something educational, and something enriching. I’m not too worried about the food and conditions (although when I told some girls they might have to take ‘bucket showers’ if they don’t have running out, their eyes about doubled in size!).
Yesterday marked our last day of language school. We ended with a graduation ceremony, graduation certificates, and some amazing cake! I can hardly believe we're done with language school - that means that I've been here for over a month, which is incomprehensible to me, but also really exciting.
This morning I went with 5 other girls to dance class! It turns out that I'll be going to a wedding with my host family in October, and there will be dancing. I was worried at first, because I dance like an awkward white girl! But, this morning I went to a 2-hour dance class with some of the girls and we had an amazing time! I'm not an expert, but I definitely feel more comfortable and more excited to be dancing! Watch out, I'll be a dancing fool by the time I get home!
So, life here has been good since I last posted. A lot of my extra activities have been focused on finding some of the basic things I need before I leave for Nicaragua, ranging in anything from medicine to a longer skirt to a Spanish Bible with 4 translations (the 4 translations was my decision…)
I hope you’re all doing well. I’ll post again when I get back from Nicaragua – if you’re lucky, you’ll get pictures!
Well, dear readers, this will be my last post for the next two weeks, at the very least. On Monday morning, bright and early, we leave for Nicaragua for about 12 days. We’ll be gone until the next Friday.
What will we do there? Well, we’ll start off in Managua with some orientation as well as some “conferencias” (chats) with some locals concerning Nicaragua. Then we’ll spend 6 nights with host families. After that, we’ll reconvene in Granada for some debrief and more conferencias, then we’ll ride a bus back to San José. Rumor has it that, depending on customs, the bus ride will be 8-10 hours long!
So, I’m pretty excited to be going. A lot of the students on the program are worried about the food or about the living conditions and things similar to that, but I’m just excited for something new, something different, something educational, and something enriching. I’m not too worried about the food and conditions (although when I told some girls they might have to take ‘bucket showers’ if they don’t have running out, their eyes about doubled in size!).
Yesterday marked our last day of language school. We ended with a graduation ceremony, graduation certificates, and some amazing cake! I can hardly believe we're done with language school - that means that I've been here for over a month, which is incomprehensible to me, but also really exciting.
This morning I went with 5 other girls to dance class! It turns out that I'll be going to a wedding with my host family in October, and there will be dancing. I was worried at first, because I dance like an awkward white girl! But, this morning I went to a 2-hour dance class with some of the girls and we had an amazing time! I'm not an expert, but I definitely feel more comfortable and more excited to be dancing! Watch out, I'll be a dancing fool by the time I get home!
So, life here has been good since I last posted. A lot of my extra activities have been focused on finding some of the basic things I need before I leave for Nicaragua, ranging in anything from medicine to a longer skirt to a Spanish Bible with 4 translations (the 4 translations was my decision…)
I hope you’re all doing well. I’ll post again when I get back from Nicaragua – if you’re lucky, you’ll get pictures!
25 September 2006
I've Been Renamed!
There’s an old spiritual song… “I’ve been redeemed.” Except the song in my head is more to the tune of “I’ve Been Renamed.”
How? Three times this weekend, my host family called me “Michelle” instead of Nicole. At first I thought it was just a slip of the tongue – after all, they’ve had countless students in their home. But then, I finally asked, “Who’s Michelle?” To which my family replied “We don’t even know anyone named Michelle!” Even funnier, both my host mom and dad did it separately without realizing the other had done it.
So, now my family calls me Michelle just for the fun of it. But it’s still Nicole a lot of the time. And sometimes, it’s Nicole Maria!
If anything, it’s a great sign to me that I’m starting to fit in with the family and things are going well. That makes me smile.
I hope you have things that can make you smile.
How? Three times this weekend, my host family called me “Michelle” instead of Nicole. At first I thought it was just a slip of the tongue – after all, they’ve had countless students in their home. But then, I finally asked, “Who’s Michelle?” To which my family replied “We don’t even know anyone named Michelle!” Even funnier, both my host mom and dad did it separately without realizing the other had done it.
So, now my family calls me Michelle just for the fun of it. But it’s still Nicole a lot of the time. And sometimes, it’s Nicole Maria!
If anything, it’s a great sign to me that I’m starting to fit in with the family and things are going well. That makes me smile.
I hope you have things that can make you smile.
22 September 2006
Comfort Zone?
Everyone has a comfort zone. Everyone has a line that makes them uncomfortable if they cross it. This week I found my line.
This program is fond of interviews. Of people you don't know. Out on the streets. Last weekend we had to do 3 while in Limón. This Monday, we had to do 3 in San José. For my conversation class today, I had to do a minimum of two. For next week, I have to do 2 with Nicaraguan immigrants.
I don't like interviews. I don't like approaching people I don't know and asking questions they may or may not want to answer.
That's my vent. You'll probably hear more from me on Monday, when I've done all the required interviews and maybe feeling a bit more optimistic. At the moment, I'm not feeling it!
(but I do feel the need to tell you that I had fresh pineapple for breakfast this morning, which totally made my day, because it was DELICIOUS)
This program is fond of interviews. Of people you don't know. Out on the streets. Last weekend we had to do 3 while in Limón. This Monday, we had to do 3 in San José. For my conversation class today, I had to do a minimum of two. For next week, I have to do 2 with Nicaraguan immigrants.
I don't like interviews. I don't like approaching people I don't know and asking questions they may or may not want to answer.
That's my vent. You'll probably hear more from me on Monday, when I've done all the required interviews and maybe feeling a bit more optimistic. At the moment, I'm not feeling it!
(but I do feel the need to tell you that I had fresh pineapple for breakfast this morning, which totally made my day, because it was DELICIOUS)
18 September 2006
Travelin'
Hello Again Friends
A weekend has passed, which means we had our first group trip away from San José. This weekend we traveled to the province of Limón, located on the Caribbean coast. Limón province is the poorest province in Costa Rica and has been a neglected province for almost all of its history, for reasons that are long in explanation!
The purpose of our trip was mainly culture exposure as well as hearing the opinions of people from Limón itself about their opinions of the country, the government, and how they’re treated. It was an eye-opener, including Independence Day craziness, interesting interviews, and a lively English-speaking Baptist church.
On our way to Limón, we stopped at three interesting places: a coffee plantation, a banana plantation, and a pineapple field. So, I thought I’d throw in a picture of each of those for your entertainment. Unfortunately, I didn't get blogger to upload the pictures, so I'm using Flickr instead. Go here
So, there’s your cultural education for the day. I had a decent time in Limón, including a visit to the Caribbean sea, which was amazing!
Hope you are all doing well. More later on life in general. Two weeks from today I head to Nicaragua!
A weekend has passed, which means we had our first group trip away from San José. This weekend we traveled to the province of Limón, located on the Caribbean coast. Limón province is the poorest province in Costa Rica and has been a neglected province for almost all of its history, for reasons that are long in explanation!
The purpose of our trip was mainly culture exposure as well as hearing the opinions of people from Limón itself about their opinions of the country, the government, and how they’re treated. It was an eye-opener, including Independence Day craziness, interesting interviews, and a lively English-speaking Baptist church.
On our way to Limón, we stopped at three interesting places: a coffee plantation, a banana plantation, and a pineapple field. So, I thought I’d throw in a picture of each of those for your entertainment. Unfortunately, I didn't get blogger to upload the pictures, so I'm using Flickr instead. Go here
So, there’s your cultural education for the day. I had a decent time in Limón, including a visit to the Caribbean sea, which was amazing!
Hope you are all doing well. More later on life in general. Two weeks from today I head to Nicaragua!
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