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.