jueves

Temperatures are very moderate here.  People talk about how miserably hot it is at the beaches and how cold it is when the temperature here dips into the lower 60's.  Therefore there is no need for insulation in the houses.  Sound travels very well!  There are 2 guys who live across the hall from me; right now one is watching a spanish channel on tv and the other is listening to Sweet Home Alabama.  I think they both are "studying".

I finalized trip plans for Saturday.  5 other students will be acompanying me to Volcán Poás and waterfalls.  We will leave early in the morning and return sometime that evening.  I was not sure how it would work because we were supposed to have a group of 8 for the company I wanted to go with, but the guy said 6 is fine and we still get the group rate.

I have been extremely tired today, so I am preparing to go to bed early.

Paz

My parents say I have been a good traveler since I was an infant.  I enjoy visiting new places.  Each major trip has had unique challenges, but I cannot say I have visited a place I did not like.  Obviously, I knew this trip would be different from previous ones because it is the longest trip I have taken and I am not traveling with companions.  However, the differences in this trip have been much better than I could have hoped!  I really did not feel any transition.  I was extremely tired when I arrived (which is not so different from my normal life) and it took a few days to catch up on my sleep.  That was the only adjustment involved.  I am totally comfortable in my house.  The people are sweet and very willing to help me learn the language.  I love my teachers!  I think I am doing well with the information...  I would be content eating Costa Rican food for the rest of my life.  (¡Hay muchos platanos!)  I had no trouble shifting into a non-hectic schedule and way of life.  I have greatly enjoyed my first week of stress-free life! ( The difficult adjustment is going to be when I return home and have to resume doing my laundry and cooking my meals!)

I had been here for about 4 days when I stopped to think how unnatural it was to be so completely comfortable in a new environment.  However, I am not sure that there has been another time in my life when so many faithful people were praying for me!  THANK YOU!

Yesterday, I ate lunch with my Tico mom's brother.  He was asking me about where I was from, what I do there, etc.  Then he asked if I was homesick.  The question took me by surprise.  Sorry guys, I normally only get homesick when I am sick and then I want my mom!

I received 3 cards in the mail today from people in Mt. Vernon!  I really have no idea when they arrived.  The postmarks were a week apart (the last one was sent on the 19th).  I was not expecting any mail and did not check the mail room.  When I returned home this evening my housemates told me I had mail on the table.  They had picked it up at school and brought it home for me!  What an exciting surprise!  I was told it could take 3 weeks to receive mail from the States, but that last card came in a week or less!

random entry

Well, I guess I have been designated the official trip planner for our class.  Several people came up to me today to ask where we were going this weekend.  I am not sure how many will actually go...

The cost of things in comparison to prices in the US is interesting.  From what I can tell, food is pretty cheap.  We went to a seafood restaurant Friday night and I had grilled chicken with salad (somewhat similar to coleslaw) and fries plus a soda.  My meal was about $6.00 (gratuity is included).  I could only eat about two thirds of the chicken.  I was in a discount store and they had Chuck Taylors on clearance, 50 percent off, and that made them $30.00.  TJ Maxx carries the same shoes for $20.00.  I think the coffee I bought at the plantation was cheaper and Folgers and grocery store brands.  The theater is running a special this month: 2 movie tickets, 2 popcorns, 2 sodas for $10.00.  Every Wednesday the tickets are 2 for 1, but I do not know what the normal price is...

It is sooooo much easier for a US citizen to visit Costa Rica than for a CR citizen to visit the US!!!  When I arrived here with my customs declaration slip some guy barely glanced at my papers, circled a couple places and stamped my passport.  I did not have to do any paperwork in advance.  I just spent more than an hour helping my Tico father´s nephew fill out a Visa application to attend a business conference in L.A.  The form is only in English and must be filled out in English.  Interpreting that was interesting and a bit challenging!  (I got stumped on the question about comunicable diseases...)

So, if you are ever in a foreign country wishing you had brought your Neti Pot because of course you cannot find one in the stores where you are, I have an alternate solution, which works moderately well - definitely not as good as the real thing.  I went to la farmacia and bought a Nasal Aspirator by Gerber and a bag of salt.  (they said it was the same as sea salt, but unfortunately it is a little different)  At first I thought this method was not working, but apparently I was just really congested because the second side worked much better.  This rig cost me $2.47 (plus a dollar for a bottle of water).

My homework for communication class tonight is to talk with my Tico mom about traditional foods of Costa Rica.  No problem, that´s an ongoing conversation!  When I got home I could only remember that the teacher said to discuss Costa Rican foods, but knew there was supposed to be another word...  My Tico mom filled in the blank.  She has done this with many students in the past!  It sounds like everyone gets this same assignment at some point.  : )

I was puzzled tonight as I watched my Tico mom take out the blender and transfer black beans from the pot on the stove. She added sweet pepper, ground coffee, sugar, onion, all spice and salsa lizano (can we buy this in NC?).  As she blended small batches she then transferred the liquid to a crock pot where she kept it hot.  She said it was for platano pastel!  When she was finished blending the liquid, she brought me some to taste.  It was good!  She had already cooked platanos (boiled, I think) and had them mashed in a bowl.  She spread a layer of platanos in a baking dish, spread a layer of the bean stuff, added a layer of shredded cheese, and then repeated the process with another layer of each.  She baked it at 350 until it began to bubble.  It was our main dish for cena tonight and it was really good!  She served it with rice and beans, but I was not really hungry after having pan con queso for cafecito, so I skipped the sides.  P.S., she measures like Jacqueline.  (not at all!)

I will have a much greater appreciation for the latino grocery stores when I return.  Do we have chayote in NC???  I sure hope so!

I have a Grammar Test tomorrow, so we do not have homework.  I'm not sure how to study for it, but need to spend some time with my notes....

At times my mind goes completely blank on words I have known for a long time (both English and Spanish).  It seems that the new information is burying the old.  I started to read something rather lengthy in English today and it was weird so I stopped.

Is Katadin the name of a mountain in Maine?  My bottle of water says Katadin pure spring water with a picture of mountains, but it bottled in San Jose...

Alright, I'm off to study!

comida

Today I learned a significant piece of information: my Tico mom worked in a restaurant for many years.  Yes, we eat very well here!  She is also very willing to teach.

Today she taught me how to make Pollo Relleno (Chicken Cordon Bleu).

Café Britt

We made it to the coffee place!  Other than the tour bus looking completely different than the one the guy on the phone described everything went very smoothly.  (That confusing was resolved by a man who approached us wearing a shirt that said "Cafe Britt" and carrying a piece of paper with my name and the number in our group.)  And now I know how to get downtown by bus! 

The whole setup was a total tourist trap, but it was fun.  One man in my group was disappointed because we did not get to see the actual machinery used in processing the coffee.  They have a tour section set up to show the plants and guides to explain the growing process.  Then we went inside for an explanation of the roasting and quality control.  That was acted out with the help of movie clips.  After the tour we had a really good buffet lunch and coffee and finally the opportunity to purchase their coffee in the gift shop.  Yes, I supported the local company.  : )  The whole tour was bilingual.

A family from Germany rode with us from San Jose.  It was interesting because you had a group of Germans and a group of Americans and the common language between us was Spanish.  On the way home, we also had a man from Seattle in our van who had just finished an REI trip!

I will post some more pictures from the trip in the Google album.  (uploading photos is a very slow process here)  Sorry, I did not get a picture of the guy on the bus on the way home who asked me out...

fin de semana

Well my focus was much better in class today and I realized what the problem was yesterday.  Generalmente, almuerzo y entonces camino veinte minutos al Instituto antes mis clases.  Yesterday, I took my lunch with me because I went early for chapel and then ate lunch right before my first class.  I was soooo sleepy.  Today was normal (except that a nearby transformer blew and there was no electricity at the house.  I was sitting on the balcony studying and could not figure out what happened to the internet connection.  When I went inside I realized the power was out.)  Anyway, I ate lunch at home and then walked to school by myself for the first time.  Esther drew a map for me yesterday and then walked with me while I followed the map.  Today I carried the map in my bag, but did not have to use it.  I was thoroughly confused the first few days after having walked many different routes.  Now I finally understand the area!

I added some new photos to the Google album.  They are the view from the balcony where I was studying, and the 2nd floor of the house.

I am leaving at 8 to go to a restaurant (with my house parents and some other students - from the Institute, I think).  I do not know what kind of food the restaurant serves.  I asked, but the food has names I am not familiar with!  I did hear "fish" (Stacy, are you happy now?).

In the morning I am going with 3 other students to tour a coffee company.  I do not know many details except that it includes lunch and sampling coffee.  That was enough information for me!  I am told it is the best coffee in Costa Rica.

I completed my description of Raleigh and shared it in class today.  I will write it below in the "Body" section of this entry so as not to bore those who do not care to read it.  Keep in mind that I have not studied the past tense yet!  I will be typing from memory since I left my copy with my teacher.

(Dad, I did not get pictures of my teachers today.  I will try to remember on Monday.)

fotos

I put some photos in a Google album.  Let me know if this link works.

http://picasaweb.google.com/AslansWay/CostaRica?authkey=T51lQdT-a-U

Estoy Cansada

I was exhausted when I arrived at the house this evening!  Then I called CP because it is Youth Night and talked with several of my youth.  That woke me up!  It was so good to hear their voices!  I was excited to hear that 5 of them knew their memory verse and they are doing well!  I was telling Scott that technology makes distance really strange.  As I was standing on my balcony looking out over the city and the mountains, I was hearing their voices and picturing them in the community center.  The fact that there is only 1 hour difference in time here makes it seem close also.

I went to school early today because there was a chapel service.  I had heard that there is singing and preaching in English.  I was not looking forward to the English service.  I guess it is good for the students who are here for a year to worship in their native tongue, but I am here for a short time - besides, I am accustomed to services in Spanish and enjoy it!  Anyway, today was a prayer service with some singing and it was all bilingual.  I was pleasantly surprised.  We prayed for pastors, missionaries, and people groups around the world.  (Brooke, you were specifically lifted up!)

I had a very difficult time focusing in Grammar Class today, but again enjoyed my conversation class.  That has been a very pleasant surprise!  That class has not been anything like I expected - ¡Gracias a Dios!  I talked with a student in another class today and asked what they were doing in conversation class and he described what I had expected.  Our teacher continues to use stories.  I think one of the reasons I like this style so much is that instead of just talking about our lives or the weather, we have to figure out what is happening in the pictures we are looking out and explain it.  We are covering a ton of vocabulary.  Today we talked about cities.  Our tarea is to write a detailed description of the city we live in and memorize it to present in class tomorrow.

I talked with the director of student services today and it looks like I will be the coordinator for any outings with our class.  That is not a task I hoped for, but if it is the only way I get out and see the sights, I will do it!  I think a few of us will go on a coffee tour this weekend.  Going to the volcano is a much bigger trip and requires more advance planning.  Maybe next weekend...

I was called downstairs a few moments ago because I had requested to watch the next time platanos were cooked.  I cooked some at home one time and they did not turn out so good... 

Oh!  Now it is time for cena!

Miercoles

I ended up cramming my homework this morning (totally by accident!) I did some last night, but then was too tired to focus. I did not worry about it because I do not need to leave for school until 1. This morning I asked my host mom where I could buy some things and then she was talking about it with Esaú (one of the guys in the house) and he offered to go with me. Then there was this big discussion about how long it would take and the best mode of transportation. I asked if we should wait and go another day because I did not need anything immediately. He said he needed stuff also, but did not like going to the store by himself, so off we went. That meant as soon as we finished breakfast we both got ready and left right away and got back just before lunch. I had him help me with some of my homework in the taxi, but I did not spend as much time memorizing as I wanted to. Everything worked out fine. The teacher did not correct me when I told the Parable of the Sower, so I think I did well. However, I do not want to repeat that situation, so I will be doing more of my homework tonight. I am not as tired this evening and I had 2 cups of cafecito, so I should be good!

Going to the store was quite an adventure.  They said we were going to Wal'Mart.  Then I noticed the name of the store was HiperMas, so I figured they meant it was "like WalMart".  However, once inside I found Equate brand products everywhere.  That is the first time I heard of a WalMart under a different name.  We rode a bus part way there and then got a taxi for the remainder of the trip.  Poor Esaú stood in the cosmetics aisle with me forever while I tried to figure out which product on the shelf was facial moisturizer!  (It brought a flash back of having to ask Juan to help me find mousse for curly hair when we were in Mexico!)  I guess it was fair because then I stood around while he wandered through the electronics department.  : )

I am really enjoying my Conversation class now!  The teacher is very difficult to read - his face is normally blank when we are trying to say something, but I like him!  The first day I was unsure, but I am more adjusted now and understanding more.  The experience is much more pleasant when you are "getting" stuff!  Today he held up another drawing.  This one was the story of the Paralytic being lowered through the roof.  First he asked us to list verbs that were in the story and the problems, then he had each of us take a turn telling the story.  Our homework tonight is to write out that story plus another one that is similar.  He also passed out a paper with comic strip style drawings and assigned us different characters in the story and had us each tell the story from the perspective of our character.  I like the story telling style much better than sitting around asking classmates questions from a script.

Tomorrow is Chapel, so I will go to the Institute in the morning and then have a couple hours before my classes start.

Tarea

In my conversation class today the professor drew this on the board (well, this is my version) without the words.  Then he turned and looked at us expectantly.  I had no idea what it was supposed to be!  He asked us, "What is this story?"  Then the lightbulb went off in my head and he had us give him the words for the title, and various nouns and verbs in the story.  Next, he asked for a volunteer to tell him the story.  I hesitantly volunteered.  Now I am very thankful that I did because our homework for tomorrow is to write the story with much detail, memorize it, and then tell the class tomorrow - without paper!

Do you know what the story is yet?

First Day of Classes

The first thing we did at Orientation this morning was introduce ourselves (en español) and then take a test to determine our level.  Everyone in this group knows some Spanish - it sounds like that is not normal or expected, but maybe they were just trying to make us feel good.  Our group was divided in 5 classes.  I was placed in Group 3.  There are 4 other students in my grammar class and 3 in my conversation class.  They went well today and I am looking forward to continuing.  3 other students in the group are also from North Carolina.

The main problem I am concerned about is all the other students speaking English so much.  Unless they start trying more Spanish, I am going to have to avoid them outside of class.  My house father is very serious about this and fusses at anyone who speaks to me in English when he is around.  I told him today about this problem and I think he was threatening to go to the Institute and guard me from anyone who would speak English in my presence.

I met another housemate this afternoon when I got home from classes and had cafecito (like afternoon tea, but much better with coffee!).  He is here studying at 3 different places - for nutrition, computers, and theology!  I could tell he wanted to practice English, but fortunately he did not dare try with our house father sitting there!

I have not been in a building yet that was completely enclosed.  All doors and windows have bars, but many do not have glass.  In many places you are inside and outside simultaneously.  I love it!  The breeze is wonderful.  The temperature varies quite a bit throughout the day so I will always have a sweatshirt or jacket nearby.  Bugs do not seem to be a problem.  I have not seen a mosquito.

I am very quiet because I do not understand a lot of what is being said around me, but I have not been uncomfortable or nervous.  There are not really any strange sounds.  Although I do not understand the words, the sounds of the language and music are very familiar.  I hear more outside noises because the buildings are open, but the sounds in general are very similar to those of Cedar Point.  I have not seen any weird food...

Safe Arrival

2 Days!

I was able to share in church tonight about my trip and they sent me off with prayer.  I have been greatly encouraged by the prayers and support that people have shown in this past week!   It's really sweet to have people in my life who are so excited about what God is doing and this opportunity that He has put in front of me.  

My mom is coming in town tomorrow to spend some time with me before I leave and then take me to the airport Saturday morning (so early that I think it should really be considered Friday night!).  I had not expected her to be able to come and I'm really excited that it worked out!  The timing of her visit will also allow her to meet many people who I talk about all the time, but she hasn't been able to meet.

A couple of my youth are having an argument about who I'm going to miss more while I'm gone.  I tried telling them it depended on who e-mails me the most while I'm away!  They didn't accept that answer. 

I don't know how often I will have internet access while I am in Costa Rica, but I plan to update this blog as often as I am able.

The Countdown Has Begun!

11 more days and then I will board a plane for Costa Rica! 

Today I completed Level 1 of the Rosetta Stone Spanish program! 

Up until this weekend I was mostly focused on making sure all of the ministries here were covered while I was gone and hadn't given much thought to the actual time in Costa Rica.  On Friday that changed and my excitement has been building ever since.  I still don't really know what to expect when I get there and I don't know what life will be like when I return, but I'm certain it will be different! 

Sometimes change can be frightening, but I'm really looking forward to discovering what the Lord has in store for this next season of life!

mysterious ways