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.

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.