Down Time & Scrambled Brains

I haven't been able to write for a while.  We've been very busy. This past weekend we were able to spend some down time at la playa de Manuel Antonio. It is also a nature reserve and we were able to see 3 different kinds of monkeys, sloths, deer, in their natural habitat on our way down to the beach. I am so surprised how well everyone is getting along.  Saturday evening I spent some time poolside at the hotel and after dinner we were watched the CR Futbol Championship.  Heredia v Alajuela.  Heredia won after 2 OT and on PK's. I heard it was a really awesome ending (I wouldn't know, I went to bed...). I know my Tico Family back in Heredia are ecstatic!

The view at la playa Manuel Antonio. Yeah, be jealous 😜

One thing I have not talked about is the amount of time our brains are staying engaged. After our time La Carpio, it was really hard to reengage in Spanish class that afternoon. The amount of emotional stress exhausted me for anything else. It's some thing I will have to remember when dealing with students who do not pay attention bc their mind is elsewhere.  It's really important to me that they know that they can trust me. Even now; I think about Frederico and his situation and it hurts my heart.  Regardless, I have been ending almost everyday thinking that my head is going to fall off my shoulders.  It really is disconcerting the amount of language I feel I have to learn.

We finished off our weekend by driving 5 hours (well...Brauneir drove) from the beach to MonteVerde to meet our new Tico family.  I was totally stoked because the parents are about my age and their children are kinda near in age.  They are fabulous and I just love the kids. Tiffany is 19 and Ariel is 8. This family is much more open and welcoming than my first family.  Not that they weren't great, but they gave me room and this family is very much a unit that I am included in.  It's pretty cool.  My biggest concern is that there are alacrons (scorpions) in the vicinity. ::shudder:: I haven't seen any yet and hope I never do.

We were able to go into a school on Tuesday and teach them in English about colors and feelings. We will be going back on Thursday to teach and Friday to teach and work on a "playground".  It's going to be great! Even if it is elementary school. I know I know more than I did before.  My brain is on function overload right now so I'm off to bed. But know this. Kids are kids are kids. They are able to achieve much more than we thing they are able to.

Before

Night Y'all!    

A Band of Brothers

Today was a heavy day for many reasons. We visited the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation  which is run by a phenomenal woman named Gail. I was easily the most excited person to meet Gail and learn about what she is doing in the area of La Carpio.  After our greeting us, she introduced to us  a quiet but handsome boy named Frederico who came knocking on her door the day before asking for food.

Frederico is 16 and is a Nicaraguan refugee that came here with his father and brothers when he was young. He sits quietly holding a pair of high-top shoes as if they were his most precious possession...they probably are. He is embarrassed to be the focus of so much attention when he is used to blending in. His hands and clothes are dirty from working in the garbage trucks.  He tells us that he dropped out of school to help take care of his brothers; he only has a 3rd grade education. He would like to go back to school if it was a possibility but with two younger brothers, that is unlikely. When a family is in poverty, typically it is the youngest member of the family who is able to receive the most education. When this happens, they are able to raise their family our of poverty as well. But for boys like Federico, his chances of getting an education are almost nonexistent. Luckily he does not have any children or even a girlfriend but he still has his brothers to raise. He does what he must to survive. I listen intently to his story with tears streaming down my face.  I cannot help it. I am hyper-aware of his plight and the plight of so many others like him. It breaks my heart into a million pieces. He has such a sweet personality. When he is done speaking, we say good bye; I hug him tightly and tell him I love him. I can barely get the words out. I can't help but wonder if he has ever been hugged or been told that he is loved before. It takes me a very long time compose myself. I just wanted to sit in the corner to cry and get it all out.

Unfortunately is an all to common story. Federico is only one of many young men who scavenge the trash trucks from San Jose in search for anything of value so that they can sell it to pay for food. The diggers and the truck drivers have a very symbiotic relationship. There is comradere. The drivers have no need to help them but they do. If they find something of worth, they set it aside for the boys. This band of brothers work in dangerous conditions, handling and inhaling toxic materials. After our conversation with Federico  we went to visit the area where the valuables are weighed and collected. As we watch the garbage trucks pull up to us, we can see a few men digging around and jumping off the trucks.  These men have sacks filled with all sorts of different things. Today, they are *lucky*. They found a bag filled with wiring. Inside the plastic casing is copper wiring. This wiring is very valuable to them. First, because it is dense, they are able to get more money for it but also because it is not found often and can be easily recycled. I say they are lucky but really they are not. To get to the copper they must first burn off the plastic casing and in doing so, inhale the toxic and cancer causing fumes.

I cannot sufficeintly express my feelings beyond the overwhelming need to help. Gail says that these men have wonderful work ethics. We can see that they are very polite and well mannered. One man told Gail that he is an artist; all of them know construction but are told there are no jobs.  The Nicaraguan immigrant population in CR can be equated to that of Mexico and the US. Like  the US, childern in CR are able to go to school for free. But many of the children in slums like these go unnoticed until someone like Gail is made aware. Hopefully Federico and his brothers will have a chance at a better life.

Life is not good for the women of La Carpio either. Some have the same jobs as Federico and his band of brothers.  However, Gail has plans to create a craft business for the women in the area. (*this is RIGHT up my alley*) I met Ana and her son Randall; they are creating bags to sell for one of the coffee companies here. I had gotten the chance to talk to Gail regarding Trades of Hope earlier; I feel that God has led me to this place and I told her so. God's presence covers her and her work. She was interested in the work that I do with Trades of Hope. I would love if we were able to assist her in her work.

On top of all of this, it is our last day in San Jose. Tomorrow we are heading to the beach for a few days to decompress and then we'll be moving on to MonteVerde. Tonight is my last night with my Tico family. I have grown to love them so much. It hurts to know that I may never see them again. I'm glad we have Facebook. At least I will be able to keep in touch with them that way. They have helped me so much over the past week. They have been so patient with me!  The emotional upheaval has been a lot to deal with today; so I'm heading to bed to let my brain finish processing. I hope everyone has a great night/day. Please keep Gail, CRHF and Federico in your prayers. It would me a  lot to me.

God Bless. ~L

Federico walking home with a full stomach, food for his brothers and his new shoes.

!No Oso Perezoso's Aqui!

Tomorrow we will have been here for one week. I cannot believe how fast our time here is going.  I wish I could have posted every day but we just don't have the time. :) It seems like only yesterday I met my Mama Tica and her family. I remember being so nervous because I didn't know enough Spanish. After tomorrow night I won't see her again. All that nervousness is behind me know.

Today and Tuesday we were able to go to the Calle Hernandez Primary School to teach English. We had the chance to work with the estudiantes in the first and third grades. They were so cute! It was so fun to teach them the different members of their familia and propositions such as on, behind, in front of, next to and around.  They enjoyed telling us where to go and what to do. (I will post pictures this weekend).

Juan Pablo, Rachel, me and Isaac

Today we worked with the fifth graders also. They are more confident in their English and their teacher Dina has done a fabulous job with them. The schools are very different from the schools back home. Students here have more time to play and be interactive than in the US. In CR they focus on not just the subjects but HOW they fit together to create a bigger picture. It's amazing how much the students learn about other cultures. They are also very excited to learn; not just English but other subjects too. Being the only 'secondary' teacher, working in the primary school was fun but proved challenging because I had to constantly rein in my thought process. Nevertheless, I am still able to take that knowledge and make it applicable to my students. For instance, I can take what I have learned about the students here: having 'Brain Breaks", keeping lessons in context, working in heterogeneous groups, working to "demonstrate not translate" what they need to know and apply it to my classroom.  It was noted that student do better when they are in an environment they feel comfortable in. We could tell that Dina's students were very comfortable with her and trusted her implicitly.

Yesterday we visited La Volcán Poas and it's neighboring crater which is now an acid lagoon. The hike was pretty long and steep but we made it. Our guide Javier is fabulous and knows everything about well...everything! Except the IDK trees..lol Seeing the volcano was amazing. We arrived early enough to actually see where the magma shoots up as well as the path the lava takes on it's way down the mountain.

We have had an intense amount of Spanish this week. I feel like I have learned more in the past 4 days of class than I did in all the years I took in school. Our maestra Ana is wonderful; I love the way she teaches us and puts what we learn into context. What we are learning we are able to put into immediate practice outside of the school. I believe this is the main reason I have learned as much as I have already. Immersion into a culture really is the best way to learn.  We are being forced (in a good way) to learn and practice what we learn. It is necessary to understand and communicate with those around you because they may not understand English. This also makes me realize that while I know enough Spanish to get by (Tier 1 words); I do not know nearly enough vocabulary and know little about syntax. Still, I know there is a lot to learn.

So far I have not felt any of the effects of culture shock.  I don't know if that is because of my expectations for this trip or what. I do know that for me, the culture shock usually comes when I get home. I feel that I acclimate well to my environment but when I return home; home is the same but I am different.  At first connecting and conversating with the my tico family was muy dificil pero ahora it is way easier to comprehend what they are talking about.  I was even able to watch a movie in Spanish and understood what was being said (Yay me!).  Yo necisito más praticar porque I don't have everything down. But I'm getting there.  My mama Tica and I had a wonderful conversation last night. We discussed many different things including some of her past estudiantes. It is amazing that she has been doing this for 12 años!

Tomorrow we are going to visit La Carpio. I am very excited to meet Gayle and her team. I am hoping to get the chance to sit down with her and discuss poverty in CR as well as her thoughts on the women empowerment and the increase of human trafficking here.

I'm off to get some sleep. We've been going nonstop and I will be enjoying a sleep in (until 6am).

This Perezoso (sloth) is taking a siesta!

End Note: Yes I know that this is in "Spanglish" I believe it is necessary to keep it as I wrote it to show how my thought processes are being affected.  

Pura Vida

Hola from Costa Rica!!   We have been so busy I have barely had time to breathe! It's been an exciting trip so far. We breezed through customs (it always makes me nervous)  and met Jorge and Jenni, two of the people working at CPI. After arriving we stopped at the banco (bank) to convert our money.  That was an experience I won't forget! Even standing in line at the bank is different. I was so nervous that I almost forgot to get my passport back from the teller! We went to a cute restaurant for lunch (ceviche...yum),and then got the lay of the land in San Joaquin. It was fabulous seeing all the new things; My senses were pretty overwhelmed by the end of the day. We were able to stop at a farmers market and taste and see all the different fruits and vegetables they have to offer.  Guava looks like a green boomerang and its fruit looks and tastes like sweet cotton balls.  There is a lot of texture differences.

3 of the waterfalls at La Paz

Yesterday, we went to La Paz Waterfalls and stopped at a coffee farm. We got a great lesson on the differences and blends of coffee; I got tons of pictures! La Paz is in between two active volcanoes (EEK!) Our guide Javier is awesome and knows almost everything there is to know about Costa Rica. We probably walked about 4 miles yesterday, up and down stairs. The cloud forest is beautiful, there really is no other place like it.

I can Tucan, can you?

Teatro Nacional

After breakfast today we went to the museum, an open air market and the Teatre Nacional (their National Theater). The museum had a new exhibit out which fit right into my Social Studies content area. I can't wait to post pictures....Especially of the theatre! OMG it's GORGEOUS. The design and detail. there are frescos on the ceilings and many details are gold-leafed! I promise to post pictures as soon as I can!

The "Sitting Room"

 

CPI Heredia

About 3p we headed to CPI for our Spanish testing and introduction and to meet our families. I was so nervous about the test (and probably flunked the written portion). The written portion was all grammar - using correct tenses and forms...It's been a LONG time since I took a Spanish class. I know it's not a big deal and that CPI will arrange the class that is right for me but it was still a bit nerve-wracking. My oral went better (I think) but I didn't realize how much Spanish I didn't know until I met my host family.


My First Host Family

I met Nancy and Ilma first. Nancy and I are the same age and she has an adorable little girl. Ilma has Nancy as well as Carolina and Armando. I was really excited to meet them and they seemed really excited to meet me. During the drive to the house, my trepidation grew. I finally plucked up the courage to ask Nancy about Marisol and told about my family. When we got to the house, I was shown my room and how everything works. After I was introduced to Papa Tica and Armando we watched a little futbol. Papa tica and I bonded a bit over the  game. :) They are very patient with me (Thank GOD) and more than willing to help me with my spanish homework. Ilma and Nancy have no problem correcting my grammar or pronunciation or prompting me. They have been great so far and I know I am going to have a wonderful time with them. The nerves are still there and being unable to say the easiest things are frustrating but with their help, I *might* be sufficiently fluent at the end of our time here.  I am looking forward to the challenges that I will be facing. It's going to be interesting.

Mi familia Tico de Heredia <3

Let the Journey Begin!!! Costa Rica here we come!

There are so many thoughts going through my head right now. This is it friends! I am currently sitting on a very comfy bed attempting to see to last minute details that I know are already done.  I am extremely antsy and can't seem to sit still.  12 hours from now we will be on a plane; on the first leg of our flight!!

I can't even begin to describe the words that I am feeling right now. Exhilaration because I LOVE adventures, being new places, seeing and doing new things. Anxious is near the top of the list too. Doing new things (while I love it) makes me nervous.  I am very Type A personality (those of you who know me are thinking...DUH...) So I feel like everything has to be perfect. I know this is definitely NOT the case, but what can you do? First it was what to bring to wear (shallow I know). Then it was if my bags were too heavy or too big...that got resolved.  After that it was making sure I got everything done for work and home to make me being gone easier for Chris and the kids. Now I am stressing over the gifts I brought my Tico family. It's too late now and I'm sure they will love them but not knowing a whole lot about them; I don't want to make any cultural faux pas and be "that American".

The hardest thing I think for me will be learning to let go. It happened when I was in Zim and I know it will happen here too. As American's we get so focused on time and schedules that we really don't see or live in the moment. I am looking forward to entering "Tico Time". I think this will be a great reminder for the future. Whenever I get stressed out as a teacher; I will remember my time in Costa Rica and that some things are out of my control and to take life as it comes. This time will also help break down the wall of my 'perfectionist' self...another thing I struggle with.

My personal growth will always effect my professional growth; I am excited about this chance to learn more about who I am.  This is all well and good of course, but I am also interested to see how schools work in other countries.  I feel that God has led me to teaching and I know that he has led me to have a heart for international missions and those in poverty. This trip seems to be the chance for me to take a glimpse into my possible future. The desire to work internationally has grown exponentially in the past few years. I am almost certain that God is leading me, one step at a time to work in underdeveloped nations. I don't know when or how.  In the meantime, I will be able to use my experiences from this trip here at home. By living with a host family, I am (albeit, temporarily) becoming a part of their culture instead of being an observer. Even with the language barrier (which will help me empathize with my ELL students) I am hoping to connect with my host families and the students we come to meet. These first hand experiences (the fun and struggles) will give my students a greater depth of knowledge and a more personal investment in their own education.

This trip is going to make me a better teacher, sure; but it's going to make me an even better person.

T-Minus 9 Days and Counting

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, I have been highly anticipating my trip to Costa Rica. Over the past several months my thoughts (and "neurosis"lol) about this trip have taken a back burner to all the other goings on in my busy life.

At last the time has finally come when my spring classes are finished; the last paper has been written and now it's simply a matter of time before final grades come out.  It is now, on the eve of my departure that I am done planning and am (finally) able to focus on the adventure that lay before me. It is also now that I realize the largeness of my trepidation of going to another country with only the rudimentary grasp of the language. Needless to say, my dear husband has been ready with encouraging words (and the paper bag) . LOL (Love you Snootchie!)

Even with my emotional roller coaster (ranging from OMG what was I thinking?!? to Heck yeah, bring it ON!!), I know that this is going to be a marvelous adventure and the trip of a lifetime.  Isn't that what this trip is about after all? Immersing myself in a new culture, seeing new perspectives, learning new things. Oh it's a scary and exciting thing - I don't know if I'm petrified or exhilarated!! As many, MANY of you (my friends and colleagues) have said, I am made for this.

Yes folks, I WILL be one of those crazy, quirky teachers who have wonderful adventures and bring back exciting stories home for my students.  That thought among others will lift me high above my swirling emotions and land me on solid ground. I HAVE been made for this. This is the Lord's plan for me. I know who I am.

I leave you now to go tie up all the loose ends I need to before I go. I leave you with an excited and adventurous spirit and most of all I leave you with HOPE. 

Blessings my friends,
~Lynn

Lord, please ease my reservations and open my eyes, soften my heart and let me speak with boldness in this new place; please grant us traveling mercies and servants hearts. Amen.

A Word of Thanks

First off,  I would like to thank the UNCW Summer Education Abroad and the EEMLS Study Abroad Grant Committees; without whom I would not be able to embark on this incredible journey. You are a blessing. I am honored and eternal grateful.

To EVERYONE over at the UNCW Office of International Programs, thank you for all that you've done and will do for us while we are gone.

Dr. Liao, thanks for keeping me straight with the deadlines!

Dr. Powell, Thank you for opening up this trip (and your home) to me. I expect you will see my OCDness come out a bit on the trip ;) , so thanks in advance for your patience...lol  & I can't wait for us to work together this summer!

I would also like to thank MO and TC for their brilliant recommendations (and the late night texts...), without you guys I never would have received the amount in grants I did.  You ROCK!

My last thanks goes to my parents, my husband and children. Your constant support, encouragement and patience have no end. Thank you for being excited for me and seeing the big picture. Without you, this trip would not be possible. I promise to come home safe and bring back presents! <3

XOXO
~L