This is the route I will be taking to visit Cafe Britt Coffee Plantation and INBio Parque tomorrow!
Hi!
I just got back from a wonderful afternoon with my Tico Friend. Her name is Yorleni and she is soooooooooo sweet. This is her second semester at the university and she is studying to become an English teacher. Perfect! She is delightful - kind, patient, gentle, and gracious. She travels every day from Palmares (taking 2 buses and walking 1km) to campus. It is evident that she takes her schooling seriously and works very hard.
I'm so excited, I can't wait to spend more time with her and get to know her (and improve my Spanish!) And, she has already invited me to meet her family and tour Atenas one of these weekends! God is still blowing my mind! (Not that he should ever stop blowing our minds).
With a smile from ear to ear,
Hannah
ALSO, important date to put on the calendar: my first Cosechas smoothie. They are apparently the best blended fruit drinks in San Ramon. It was quite delicious. =D
I just got back from a wonderful afternoon with my Tico Friend. Her name is Yorleni and she is soooooooooo sweet. This is her second semester at the university and she is studying to become an English teacher. Perfect! She is delightful - kind, patient, gentle, and gracious. She travels every day from Palmares (taking 2 buses and walking 1km) to campus. It is evident that she takes her schooling seriously and works very hard.
I'm so excited, I can't wait to spend more time with her and get to know her (and improve my Spanish!) And, she has already invited me to meet her family and tour Atenas one of these weekends! God is still blowing my mind! (Not that he should ever stop blowing our minds).
With a smile from ear to ear,
Hannah
ALSO, important date to put on the calendar: my first Cosechas smoothie. They are apparently the best blended fruit drinks in San Ramon. It was quite delicious. =D
Last night was a neat breakthrough.
When I got home in the late afternoon, my host mother called me into her room and told me she had a terrible migraine. I told her I was sorry and glad she was taking the time to rest, but within an hour or so she was up preparing dinner. It has been weird being served and not being a part of preparing the meal or setting the table and last night I was particularly dying to help because I knew she was in a lot of pain. So I walked into the kitchen and asked if I could assist her with anything. She asked me to set the table, which I gladly did. =)
Towards the end of dinner, Fede gave my host mom a pain pill and within fifteen or twenty minutes she was spacey and sleepy. I told her I was happy to clean up so with a "goodnight" she headed off to bed and left the messy table for me. Awww...it felt so good to finally do something for her - to help! I am part of the family. =)
When I got home in the late afternoon, my host mother called me into her room and told me she had a terrible migraine. I told her I was sorry and glad she was taking the time to rest, but within an hour or so she was up preparing dinner. It has been weird being served and not being a part of preparing the meal or setting the table and last night I was particularly dying to help because I knew she was in a lot of pain. So I walked into the kitchen and asked if I could assist her with anything. She asked me to set the table, which I gladly did. =)
Towards the end of dinner, Fede gave my host mom a pain pill and within fifteen or twenty minutes she was spacey and sleepy. I told her I was happy to clean up so with a "goodnight" she headed off to bed and left the messy table for me. Awww...it felt so good to finally do something for her - to help! I am part of the family. =)
1. It is very hard to run here due to the high humidity.
2. "Alto" (stop) signs only mean yield slightly and pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way.
3. Warm and cold knobs on facets are backwards.
4. Fried plantains are deliciosa! They melt in your mouth and get this crisp, caramelization on the outside that is fabulous.
5. Fruits here are funky looking but taste delicious.
6. Geckos live inside my house.
7. You cannot drive into the capital on Mondays.
8. Sidewalks are sure places to sprain your ankle.
9. Houses are painted fun colors.
10. Everything is green.
2. "Alto" (stop) signs only mean yield slightly and pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way.
3. Warm and cold knobs on facets are backwards.
4. Fried plantains are deliciosa! They melt in your mouth and get this crisp, caramelization on the outside that is fabulous.
5. Fruits here are funky looking but taste delicious.
6. Geckos live inside my house.
7. You cannot drive into the capital on Mondays.
8. Sidewalks are sure places to sprain your ankle.
9. Houses are painted fun colors.
10. Everything is green.
My host father is the pastor of a Christian church of about 300 here in San Ramon. It was the church's fifth anniversary today and I went with my family to the service.
Over breakfast my father told me the gist of the sermon and gave me a handout of his sermon notes in Spanish so I could follow along. He is so kind. The service was great, the worship was fun, and it was clear to me that God was present. My father was brought to tears at the thought of the provisions of God over the last years and for the body he has brought together here in San Ramon. I love that the body of Christ extends beyond language barriers, national borders, and cultural customs. I received many hugs and kisses from total strangers welcoming me into their body and community. How beautiful!
After church I went to lunch with Fede, my host father. Again, food was fabulous. Oh, and the fruit smoothies here are to die for!
I was then commissioned to pick out a present for a three year old girl who's birthday party we would be attending that afternoon. Haha! It was fun to see more of San Ramon and I later learned we did well - the birthday girl loved her gift!
The party was very fun. I spoke with several individuals, but mainly just listened and tried to soak in as much Spanish as I could. It is amazing to me how my family has welcomed me into their world and included me in everything they do. And I keep having the realization that their world is just like my world in the states, except with a different language (and different pinata candy! Haha!).
We had a mellow rest of the afternoon at home, as we were all very tired. During this time Fede and I had an amazing conversation about the kingdom of God on earth, what it means to have our identity in Christ, and what God calls us to do and be. So cool. =D
We ate a light dinner of sweet, spiced milk (I don't really know what it was. Chai? Haha!) and toast, tortilla chips with beans and pico de gallo, cake, and pancakes. It was pretty much a tea party with left over carb-y foods. Lol! I don't know, but it was very relaxed and enjoyable. During the meal I had a great sense of peace and belonging - like I finally have settled into the family and they get me. Praise God!
Now for sleep.
Classes begin tomorrow!
With peace and joy,
Hannah
Over breakfast my father told me the gist of the sermon and gave me a handout of his sermon notes in Spanish so I could follow along. He is so kind. The service was great, the worship was fun, and it was clear to me that God was present. My father was brought to tears at the thought of the provisions of God over the last years and for the body he has brought together here in San Ramon. I love that the body of Christ extends beyond language barriers, national borders, and cultural customs. I received many hugs and kisses from total strangers welcoming me into their body and community. How beautiful!
After church I went to lunch with Fede, my host father. Again, food was fabulous. Oh, and the fruit smoothies here are to die for!
I was then commissioned to pick out a present for a three year old girl who's birthday party we would be attending that afternoon. Haha! It was fun to see more of San Ramon and I later learned we did well - the birthday girl loved her gift!
The party was very fun. I spoke with several individuals, but mainly just listened and tried to soak in as much Spanish as I could. It is amazing to me how my family has welcomed me into their world and included me in everything they do. And I keep having the realization that their world is just like my world in the states, except with a different language (and different pinata candy! Haha!).
We had a mellow rest of the afternoon at home, as we were all very tired. During this time Fede and I had an amazing conversation about the kingdom of God on earth, what it means to have our identity in Christ, and what God calls us to do and be. So cool. =D
We ate a light dinner of sweet, spiced milk (I don't really know what it was. Chai? Haha!) and toast, tortilla chips with beans and pico de gallo, cake, and pancakes. It was pretty much a tea party with left over carb-y foods. Lol! I don't know, but it was very relaxed and enjoyable. During the meal I had a great sense of peace and belonging - like I finally have settled into the family and they get me. Praise God!
Now for sleep.
Classes begin tomorrow!
With peace and joy,
Hannah
This place is beautiful!
The country is beautiful. The people are beautiful. The food is beautiful. What an honor and joy it will be to spend my next four months here!
I have spent only 26 hours in this country and I feel that already so much has happened.
After 18 hours of travel I am here alive, but exhausted. I arrived in San Ramon about 8pm last night. I had dinner with my host family and was able to talk and have real and deep conversation with both my host father and mother. They have made it clear they want me to be happy, safe, and comfortable while here in San Ramon. I know now that they are not doing this for the money, but instead for the chance to minister to and bless students like myself.
The children of my family are...adorable! Amanda keeps hovering and watching me. Its so sweet. You can tell she is very excited about my being here. And Ignacio, the little tiger, is full of energy. He loooves the gift I brought him and, well, any chance he has to climb all over me. =D
This family is my family. The father told me, "Be a part of the story here."
Today was a full day.
I woke late (Wow, did I need the sleep! Haha!) and had brunch with Monse (my host mom), Ignacio, Amanda, and the family maid. We had typical tico (Costa Rican) breakfast foods - gallo pinto, eggs, homemade tortillas, and fruit. My host mother and the kids then walked me to the university (which is conveniently only like 4 blocks away from my house) where I received a tour of campus and finalized my class schedule. I will be taking:
MON
1-4 Spanish
4:30-6:30 Cuisines of Latin America
TUES
8-11 Tropical Ecology
1-4 Spanish
WED
5-7 Dances of Latin America
THURS
1-4 Spanish
FRI
9-12 Natural History of Mesoamerica
Part way through the orientation we stopped for coffee and cookies. This was my first taste of Costa Rican coffee and it was delicious. No need for cream or sugar. Straight black, smooth, and divine. =D
After finishing up on campus my fellow students and the three program directors ate dinner at a small restaurant in town. I had a vegetarian chalupa (sorry there is no picture for all you food lovers out there). Let me just say, I will not mind eating like this for four months. Haha! Yum yum!
I ended the day with family and am now, once again, exhausted.
Tomorrow is a new day!
Church in the morning and then...
Excited to see what God has in store for me,
Hannah
The country is beautiful. The people are beautiful. The food is beautiful. What an honor and joy it will be to spend my next four months here!
I have spent only 26 hours in this country and I feel that already so much has happened.
After 18 hours of travel I am here alive, but exhausted. I arrived in San Ramon about 8pm last night. I had dinner with my host family and was able to talk and have real and deep conversation with both my host father and mother. They have made it clear they want me to be happy, safe, and comfortable while here in San Ramon. I know now that they are not doing this for the money, but instead for the chance to minister to and bless students like myself.
The children of my family are...adorable! Amanda keeps hovering and watching me. Its so sweet. You can tell she is very excited about my being here. And Ignacio, the little tiger, is full of energy. He loooves the gift I brought him and, well, any chance he has to climb all over me. =D
This family is my family. The father told me, "Be a part of the story here."
Today was a full day.
I woke late (Wow, did I need the sleep! Haha!) and had brunch with Monse (my host mom), Ignacio, Amanda, and the family maid. We had typical tico (Costa Rican) breakfast foods - gallo pinto, eggs, homemade tortillas, and fruit. My host mother and the kids then walked me to the university (which is conveniently only like 4 blocks away from my house) where I received a tour of campus and finalized my class schedule. I will be taking:
MON
1-4 Spanish
4:30-6:30 Cuisines of Latin America
TUES
8-11 Tropical Ecology
1-4 Spanish
WED
5-7 Dances of Latin America
THURS
1-4 Spanish
FRI
9-12 Natural History of Mesoamerica
Part way through the orientation we stopped for coffee and cookies. This was my first taste of Costa Rican coffee and it was delicious. No need for cream or sugar. Straight black, smooth, and divine. =D
After finishing up on campus my fellow students and the three program directors ate dinner at a small restaurant in town. I had a vegetarian chalupa (sorry there is no picture for all you food lovers out there). Let me just say, I will not mind eating like this for four months. Haha! Yum yum!
I ended the day with family and am now, once again, exhausted.
Tomorrow is a new day!
Church in the morning and then...
Excited to see what God has in store for me,
Hannah
Wow!
Today is my last day at home.
I fly out of Sacramento at 12:30am tonight (tomorrow morning).
I tackled packing up my bags last night and...dun dun dun...it all fit! =D Hah! What a relief! Now for the last minute details, jamming a few more things into the top of my bag, and saying my goodbyes.
God has made it evident that he is with me, so I know all is well, yet I cannot deny the profound sadness that has come over me about leaving my family, church body, and friends. It is also a sad realization that I will not be returning to SLO in a month.
I'll post as soon as I can from my new home in Costa Rica.
Love,
Hannah
P.S. Here are my airport travel buddies:
Today is my last day at home.
I fly out of Sacramento at 12:30am tonight (tomorrow morning).
I tackled packing up my bags last night and...dun dun dun...it all fit! =D Hah! What a relief! Now for the last minute details, jamming a few more things into the top of my bag, and saying my goodbyes.
God has made it evident that he is with me, so I know all is well, yet I cannot deny the profound sadness that has come over me about leaving my family, church body, and friends. It is also a sad realization that I will not be returning to SLO in a month.
I'll post as soon as I can from my new home in Costa Rica.
Love,
Hannah
P.S. Here are my airport travel buddies:
Okay, so you know those amazing stories you hear of God's provision over churches and missions abroad. Well...I think today I got to witness and become a part of God's plan for a small Costa Rican church.
According to Costa Rican etiquette, it is respectful to present gifts to any family you will be staying with for an extended period of time. Seeing as my host father said specifically (in the previous email) not to bring gifts, yet I still had a desire to bring something to bless him, I was stumped. My Mom prayed about it and came up with the idea of gifting several bibles to him and the church he pastors. I thought this was a great idea! So, this morning, I stopped into our local christian bookstore to pick out a few Spanish bibles. With my criteria for size and language, it was quite slim pickings. My Mom decided to go to the counter and ask if they had any additional copies in the back... She returned asking if I wanted 40 for free!!! Apparently, as a business, the store had been raising support for a missions trip that would be traveling and taking bibles abroad. However, because the donations were so generous they ended up with way "too many" bibles.
The woman informed us that she was delighted to give them to us and that just this morning she had been praying about God's plan and purpose for the extra copies. At that moment I was, yet again, awe-struck and left marveling at God's hand over this whole experience.
Check it out!
And, as if that's not cool enough, I was then confronted by a man checking out who said he would take any of the bibles I did not care to take with me. It turns out he is the pastor of a local Spanish church! The clerk exclaimed, "No, don't take hers, do you want boxes?" She had not one extra box of 40, but more than 150 bibles to give away! This man purchased one piece of literature at the register and walked out of the store with 81 books.
Wow.
Awe-struck (again),
Hannah
According to Costa Rican etiquette, it is respectful to present gifts to any family you will be staying with for an extended period of time. Seeing as my host father said specifically (in the previous email) not to bring gifts, yet I still had a desire to bring something to bless him, I was stumped. My Mom prayed about it and came up with the idea of gifting several bibles to him and the church he pastors. I thought this was a great idea! So, this morning, I stopped into our local christian bookstore to pick out a few Spanish bibles. With my criteria for size and language, it was quite slim pickings. My Mom decided to go to the counter and ask if they had any additional copies in the back... She returned asking if I wanted 40 for free!!! Apparently, as a business, the store had been raising support for a missions trip that would be traveling and taking bibles abroad. However, because the donations were so generous they ended up with way "too many" bibles.
The woman informed us that she was delighted to give them to us and that just this morning she had been praying about God's plan and purpose for the extra copies. At that moment I was, yet again, awe-struck and left marveling at God's hand over this whole experience.
Check it out!
Wow.
Awe-struck (again),
Hannah
When I logged onto Facebook this morning I was alerted with three messages from my host father (making contact through the church Facebook page) and a message and friend request from my host mother! I guess Facebook really does have its perks. Haha!
My host mom's page had pictures of the whole family so it was fun to see and learn the names of each of the family members.
Mom: Monserrat (Monse)
Dad: Federico (Fede)
Daughter: Amanda (Mandy)
Son: Ignasio
This really is becoming a reality.
Hannah
My host mom's page had pictures of the whole family so it was fun to see and learn the names of each of the family members.
Mom: Monserrat (Monse)
Dad: Federico (Fede)
Daughter: Amanda (Mandy)
Son: Ignasio
This really is becoming a reality.
Hannah
I just opened my email and found information about my host family! YEEEEEEE!!! I can not believe how close my departure date is and how quickly this is all coming upon me. BUT, I am excited and know the Lord is directing my steps and providing for me.
Here are the details that I have received:
Main family contact: Acuña Ulloa, Federico
Local phone: 2445-0707
Address (not for mailing): Frente a Academia Baile Merecumbé, San Ramón
Family details: Father (psychologist), mother (housewife), daughter (10), son (3.5), Christians, English spoken.
So what is weird about Costa Rican addresses is that there are no street names or numbers used when explaining where someone lives or a business is located. Instead, they give directions in reference to existing buildings, parks, etc. Sooooooo....I will be living "Frente a Academia Baile Merecumbé"....across from a dance studio!! Hahaha!
Just for fun, here is a link to the dance studio:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.merecumbe.net%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_xmap%26Itemid%3D56
Beware everyone, may come back with Latin hips. Lol!
With much joy and excitement,
Hannah
Here are the details that I have received:
Main family contact: Acuña Ulloa, Federico
Local phone: 2445-0707
Address (not for mailing): Frente a Academia Baile Merecumbé, San Ramón
Family details: Father (psychologist), mother (housewife), daughter (10), son (3.5), Christians, English spoken.
So what is weird about Costa Rican addresses is that there are no street names or numbers used when explaining where someone lives or a business is located. Instead, they give directions in reference to existing buildings, parks, etc. Sooooooo....I will be living "Frente a Academia Baile Merecumbé"....across from a dance studio!! Hahaha!
Just for fun, here is a link to the dance studio:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.merecumbe.net%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_xmap%26Itemid%3D56
Beware everyone, may come back with Latin hips. Lol!
With much joy and excitement,
Hannah