Sequin Obesession

Sequin Obesession by kacyjayne featuring a sequined handbag

Everything is $200 or less!

The End of a Journey

While I could sit here and write about all the amazing adventures I have had over the past two weeks, I do not think that would due my time in Costa Rica justice. Over the past week this trip has become so much more than simply learning Spanish. The relationships I've built here will last a lifetime. I got to have so many amazing and encouraging talks with so many different people. If anything this trip reaffirmed that God truly is in control of everything. There was never a moment on this trip were I did not have to rely on the knowledge that God's plan is greater than mine. I am coming back to the states with a refreshed and humbled heart. I was able to learn so many different things about myself and how I am perceived by others. The greatest part of this trip was having my expectations blown away. God gave me amazing brothers and sisters in Christ to walk along side me during this trip. My last day in Flamingo we stumbled upon a English speaking church. It was awe inspiring to see how God brings people together and provides for their fellowship needs. It was just another way God showed me that no matter where I am in the world he will provide for my every need. Just writing this makes me want to stay. While I am eager to see all my family and friends at home I am even more apprehensive about not seeing the amazing Tica family I have built here in Costa Rica. I know part of my heart will always lie in this country. 

Queridas!

Monteverde

This week in Monteverde has flown by. The cloud forest is incredibly beautiful...and incredibly wet. It was so sad saying goodbye to my Tica family in Heredia. My last night there they took me to karoake and salsa dancing. I must say my salsa skills have improved! My family here in Monteverde was not as welcoming as the Vargas´ were in Heredia. However I have still been able to have some good conversations. The town itself is hard to explain. It is almost as if Durango, Colorado were transplanted into the middle of the Costa Riccan rainforest. Almost everyone speaks English and many of them are from the states. While the town is alot less Tico, the food is amazing! We have found some incredible restaurants. The highlight of this entire week was the Canopy tour. It was not only freeing but breathtaking. I have taken some pictures but they do not do this place justice! God truly outdid himself when he created this place. While I am in love with the people and the forest itself, I am eagerly anticipating Flamingo! I can´t believe I only have a week and a half left in this amazing country! Hopefully I will have the time or remember to post pictures soon.
Queridas!

Adios Heredia

Only one more day left in my beautiful Heredia. This past week wasn´t too eventful. However I did finally feel an earthquake! The most shocking thing that happened this week was that a student from CPI was robbed in the middle of the afternoon. They stole her laptop, cell phone, camera, and cash all while she was walking home. It is incredibly scary to think about. Since than I have been much more cautious.
Most of the people I met my first week here left this past weekend. While it was sad to see them go, some of them I will get to see again in the coming weeks. This past week I made the greatest progress in my Spanish. I had 5 and a half hours of class a day instead of 4. While it sounds terrible, suprisingly its flown by. The past week I was able to explore Heredia and San Jose more. I visited the National Museum in San Jose and the National Theatre. We also discovered the most amazing Peruvian restaurant here in San Joaquin. It is so good that we are heading back there tonight!
This week also gave me the opportunity to bond more with my tica family. I am in love with their granddaughter Celeste, she is adorable! Tomorrow for my final night in San Joaquin my tica family is taking me to a karoake bar..lets just hope they have some songs in English! While I am sad to say goodbye to Heredia and my tica family I am excited for Monteverde and Flamingo.

Tortugero

Time is flying by! I can't believe I have been here for almost two weeks. This past weekend I visited Tortuguero, “the Venice of Central America”. It was a surreal experience. A quaint little town that can only be reached by boat or plane, the people have a laid back, Caribbean lifestyle. It reminds me in some ways of the New Orleans bayou. We spent the weekend cruising the canals in search of wildlife. I had my first Costa Riccan monkey sighting! It was a nice break from life here in Heredia. I especially enjoyed being able to watch the Sun’s win game 3!

Earthquakes...

So I guess we had an earthquake down here? This is news to me since I did not feel anything! However thats probably due to the fact I was on a very bumpy bus ride returning from San Jose when it happened. The capital of Costa Rica is anything but glamourous. Consisting of numerous shops and street vendors, al centro is just plain grungy. I did not have time to visit the museum and national cathedral so I have yet to fully experience the capital. It has been wonderfully cool and rainy. On Wednesday I got to experience my first Costa Riccan mall and movie. The mall was really nice and compares to anything in the U.S. (except fashion square because nothing compares to that!) My favorite part had to be watching Robin Hood with spanish subtitles. It made the movie so much funnier! Tonight we are heading to a discoteca were the cambia, meranga, and salsa are danced. Even though I took the dance class on Wednesday I am sure my dancing tonight will be very entertaining.
Hasta Luego!

Thunderstorms & Yoga

I apologize That somehow my blog ended up Being in Spanish .... Probably this is due to the fact-I am updating it on the computers at my school here in Heredia. I will try to find someone more computer savvy myself Than to fix this.

Yesterday was the first of many days of heavy rain. It is winter here in Costa Rica which means rain and tons of it. We were trapped at school all afternoon underneath the outdoor pavilion and ended up doing yoga. It was easily one of the silliest and best things I've done while in Heredia. I've loved not only connecting with my family tica but the students here at CPI. My family and I are becoming more and more comfortable with one another. It is truly amazing how universal humanity is! I am now at the point were I feel completely at home here. Those feelings of fear and isolation have long passed.

Queridas!

PS. As Promised I have a FEW pictures from the Volcano Poas & Heredia ..

The Gardens of the National Church in Heredia

The volcano arenal spewing ash at six in the morning....

The peace waterfall

The volcano Poas..it was very foggy and almost impossible to see!

Hola de Heredia!
So I have decided..much to my own dismay.. to create a blog. I know, I am NOT a blog person but this is the easiest way to keep everyone updated on my Costa Riccan adventures! My first few days here have been eventful. My host family was incredibly warm and welcoming. My mama tica (house mom) is an amazing cook. I have yet to go hungry and am on the verge of becoming a "gordito". My room is nice and I have a bathroom to myself. However it is still uncomfortable compared to my life in Scottsdale. Sunday my host family took me to see the volcano poas and the peace waterfall. It was so beautiful! It has been alot easier to communicate than I thought it would be. Everyone is so understanding. So far classes have been great. I´ve met alot of students which has helped me feel less isolated. It is nice to know people understand the difficulties you are going through. I am still facing issues of fear. I am not yet familiar with Heredia and its customs which makes it difficult to know what is and is not ok. However I know God is protecting me. Already he has placed people in my life that I know I can trust. Right before I left my mom gave me a piece of paper with Psalm 91 written on it. I´ve been reading it each night and it is just greater reassurance that God has control of my life and is using me for a purpose in this beautiful country! I will try to update this as often as I can..I´ll post pictures soon!
Quierdas!