El Dia de la Independencia

Today is Costa Rican Independence Day! We (really they, not me) gained our freedom from Spain on September 15 in a bloodless treaty agreement. Costa Rica is very proud of this fact and celebrates for a month. This is good for us since we get a day off of school!

Backtracking a bit...this whole past week of school we have been learning about Costa Rica in honor of their independence. I have learned so much about national symbols, songs, and its history. It has been so fun! On Friday we had a big Independence day celebration. We all wore red, white, and blue (ironically CR's colors, too) and those that had native dress wore them. My kids looked great! Here is a class picture from Friday. Clearly I am a very professional teacher.

During our celebration there was a farol making contest. (A farol in English is a "lantern") Faroles were significant in the independence process (long story). On Sunday night Costa Rican children light candles in them (rather risky if you ask me since most are paper and cardboard) and have parades. Most are pretty amazing. Here are some of my students with their native dress and faroles:














This morning us girls went to an Independence Day parade in Desemparados, a nearby neighborhood. Their version of a parade is every school marching by in native dress and/or red, white, and blue. There are cheerleaders, marching bands, baton twirlers, etc. We were the only gringos there and probably looked pretty creepy snapping pictures of the little children, but I thought you would all enjoy them. :)

So Feliz Dia de la Independencia...Viva Costa Rica!

La Costa Rica

Drinking agua de pipa on the beach

Costa Rica is named for its "rich coasts" and I got to experience them this weekend! Kate, Kim, Tricia and I trekked to Manuel Antonio for a rainforest/beach weekend. We left right after school on Friday and took a bus to Quepos where we hopped on a shuttle to our hostel. Manuel Antonio has a beautiful rainforest on a peninsula bordered by white sand beaches. A tour guide wanted us to pay $20 for a tour but we said no way and he lowered his price- so we each paid $12 and journeyed into the rainforest!



It was beautiful! We saw sloths (can you find
2 in this picture?), lots of crabs, some insects, and a frisky monkey who wouldn't stay still for a picture. Our guide also spotted some bats for us and told us about the different trees, flowers, and animals we were seeing. It was pretty amazing.



Our tour ended at the beach where we spent the rest of the day. We made friends with an iguana (which we saw many of) and then some jungle raccoons got a little too friendly and stole our tortilla chips while we were swimming in the ocean- not cool. The waves were big and the rip current was a little strong so we didn't go out too far, but the water was so warm! We did some exploring up and down the beach, sunbathed, and then trekked back out of the rainforest.

Talk about a picture perfect day!

My first Costa Rican excursion was a great one! It was fun to get out of San Jose and explore God's beautiful creation. Our hostel had a beautiful view of the ocean so every morning and evening was spent on the hammocks meeting people from all over the world. I also had many opportunities to practice my Spanish! Hopefully I will have many more Costa Rican adventures before my time here is done...there is so much beauty here!

Mis Aventuras

Visitantes!

I had visitors this week! On Thursday Lyssa and Jonathan (my newly married sister and brother- in- law, for those of you who don't know) came to see me! I did have to run a block up a hill in the rain to hail down their taxi, but it was so good to see them. We had some authentic Costa Rican cuisine and fun times.

School finished up well this week...I started officially teaching on Thursday and it went great! I am excited to be in a classroom again and my little kiddies are so precious. There is always something/someone to laugh at (and usually someone to discipline) so they keep me busy.

Tricia and I had a spontaneous adventure today! Kate left us for the weekend so we were the lame ones stuck at home planning. We started the day going to the Feria. There is nothing better than starting a Saturday morning buying fresh avocados and raspberries at the market. Yum! Then on the way to the grocery store we spied the top of a Catholic church so we decided to try and find it because it looked pretty. After a long walk we made it to a beautiful Catholic church right next to a little park with a large fountain. There was a small fundraiser/awareness performance going on with music and dancing so we stopped to check it out and ended up talking with a Costa Rican missionary who is looking for people to help with youth ministry! We gave her our names and email address and are hoping to hear from her soon...we were just talking this morning about wanting to get involved in something like that. God works so quickly sometimes! :)

On another note...we are becoming amazing chefs over here. This evening we made the best rice concoction yet, guacemole, and some fried platanos with sugar. Amazing...

La Pura Vida

Costa Rica's slogan is "Pura Vida"- the pure life. Pure meaning sweet, simply, relaxing, etc. I have yet to experience much of CR's relaxing side, but I see what they mean. Walking into school and seeing the mountains all around you is breathtaking. Here is the view:



And here is my little classroom:

The students have been keeping me busy this week as there is still a lot to plan and prepare for the year. I officially start teaching tomorrow- social studies! Keep me in your prayers as I continue to get used to Costa Rica and the school!