This past weekend the 41 students and myself took a well needed break-vacation to Limon. Limon is about 3 hours east of the capital, San Jose on the coast of Costa Rica. It was really nice to get out of the city and actually see this beautiful country I´m in! The ride there was so beautiful, we drove through all the gorgeous mountains!
On our way there we stopped at coffee, banana and pineapple plantations! It was really neat to see these. When we got to Limon we checked in at our hotel and had the evening to venture out in the city for dinner and interview people on the streets about poverty for a report for class. I enjoyed interviewing people and getting their different opinions.
Saturday we went to an Indigenous tribe, where preserve Iguanas. Then we went to the beach!!!! I love the beach! It was awesome! Scenery like you see on postcards! And the water was so clear and warm! While I was there I saw a really gross black snake in the woods, which creeped me out! Monkeys came to visit us when we were eating lunch and tried to snatch our food. We also saw a sloth in the trees. And then some girls and I went for a little hike in the jungle! It was quite an adventure!
Saturday night after dinner, we danced the night away! It was so fun! We rented this whole restaurant out and had our very own live mariachi band! I had a blast! Part reggae part salsa music. This very old guy was dancing was with us. And boy can he dance!! Every time he would shimmy my friend and I would just look at each other and laugh hysterically because he could shimmy better than half the girls including me! He had some sweet moves.
Sunday we went to church and headed home, it was a relaxing weekend away from school work, studying and the nosiey city.
Now its back to reality and into the swing of things for school, papers to write and lots read. This program is challenging but I´m glad they are pushing us because I am learning a ton.
So tonight when I got home from class my tica mom and sister and I went to the parade in town. It was really fun. Dancers, drums, fireworks, lanterns and tons of people. Tomorrow is the actual independence day for Costa Rica! It is a really big holiday here and we have off from school!
Oh another Holiday they have here and not in the US is Dia De Los Ninos. Just like mothers day and fathers day, they have a Holiday for the kids, where you buy the kids gifts and celebrate them. My tica mom went to the city to buy my tica sister a pair of new headphones.
Next Monday I am heading to Nicaragua for 2 weeks! The trip will help us get a better understanding of the diversity in Latin America. I am only allowed one backpack for the trip and get to experience another home stay with a new family. When I return to Costa Rica I will return to my same host family I have now. From what I have heard, its extra hard because these families really don't have much. Like dirt floors, no running water or electricity, but that is just what I heard and I'm sure it differs from family to family. But if you can pray for me those two weeks I would really appreciate it, as much as I'm excited to experience it, I am anticipating that its going to be really hard, uncomfortable and frustrating at times.
Thank you for all your prayers and support!
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Sounds like you had a great time on your little weekend getaway! It must have been so nice to just take in the scenery and relax! Did you take a lot of pictures? I couldn't even imagine the beauty!
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to experience Costa Rica for all that it is. Also I will say a couple extra prayers as you venture into Nicaragua next week! ;)
Oh I meant to tell you....Steve and I were over Pepe's the other day and he was asking about you and he said the next time I talk to you to send you his love, so Pepe is thinking about you and loves you!
As always thinking and praying for you!
Love you!
~Kristin
Good luck in Nicaragua. Sounds like a whole new adventure for you:-) Please let us know when you get back to Costa Rica. I am sure you will have a lot more to tell us. I look forward to having Abby and Nathan read the posting.
ReplyDeleteBe safe, we will be think and praying for you.
Love you!!
Uncle Steve, Antie Kim, Nathan and Abby
Dear Amy, I just found out from Art Platt that you were down there and spoke with your Dad yesterday in church. He gave me your info and here I am! I am praying for you, and very excited to how God is opening your eyes to the poverty that is just outside our comfort zones. In the US, we are so blind to the needs of others, the work our God has called us to and thank Him for opening your eyes and breaking your heart. I found great poverty in Congo but also great joy for those who love the Lord. It is so simple to be rich in Christ! We are indeed poor if we don't have His joy. And you bring His joy everywhere you place your foot in that place.
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