I am back in the states now. Life is different here than in Costa Rica. I miss those that I left behind and can't wait to see them again soon. : ) Muni, Gerry, Meggie, Maria, and the whole Najarro family--I Love You and Miss You : )
Kristen was genuinely amused on the flight back yesterday as I tried to acclimate myself back to life in the States. I spent 20 extra seconds in the bathroom trying to locate the trashcan to put my toilet paper until I remembered that it could once again go in the toilet. I felt awkwardly out of place being surrounded by English speakers and that using English should be my first instinct once again. I answered 'Gracias' followed by a quick 'Thank You' when the stewardess handed me a drink. I'm still adjusting...
Anyway, Kristen and I had a smooth flight back to the ATL and then later to Dayton. Liberia's airport where we left from is a glorified barn, allowing only one flight to leave at a time. Their version of security meant holding your liquids bag up to the light and handing it back to you. You also don't have to remove your shoes through security. The final 'security' checkpoint before boarding included a woman peeking into my backpack and handing it back. They were a little more thorough with Kristen. She got the wand and a search of her carry-ons. We think it was because the security guy just wanted to talk to her. He seemed more interested in conversation than the actual contents of her bags.
Anyway, we arrived back in Dayton around 11 and Mom, Dad and John were there to greet us with carrots and popcorn--my favorites! It was so good to see my family again. It seems so long ago that they dropped me off at the airport.
So ends my Costa Rica blog for the summer...I hope to have another next year : )
Muchisimo Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, July 27, 2009
Petty Thievery
Saturday began with a very successful bus endeavor to Tamarindo once again at 8:10. I was gaining more confidence in my ability to take the right bus by this point. We arrived in Tamarindo around 8:40 and immediately headed to the beach to check out the surf and the surfers. Being accustomed to early morning slalom runs on the lake and understanding the sanctity of being the first ones on the water to get the ‘good water’ we made to sure get up early and beat most casual surfers to the waves. While we couldn’t beat the diehard surfers to the water, we did manage to beat most of the local crowd to the waves by having a board rented and sunscreen applied by 9:00 a.m. (The sunscreen proved futile though…I’m a lobster again).
We started surfing immediately and immediately realized that these waves were not for the faint of heart. A recent storm surge made some waves come in around 7 to 8 feet. That meant: (A) Kristen and I weren’t surfing those and (B) we were annihilated just trying to get to the baby waves. Not to be discouraged we still held out for some smaller 3 and 4 foot waves and caught a few before taking a break. Surfing today proved a little more difficult for Kristen as we upgraded her from a soft-top board to a regular surf board. So much so, that the surfboard was used a boogie board for a couple of waves. (I did the same at times). However, she is a trooper and undaunted, would head back out and try to catch the next. We agreed that we probably spent more time trying to figure out ways not to be crushed into oblivion by incoming waves than we did trying to actually catch a wave, but it was fun nonetheless.
Around noon we called it a day with the surfing as the waves were becoming too big for even the more experienced surfers and we turned our board in. From surfing, we headed to the supermercado to buy some snacks before I took Kristen to the surprise I had been planning for her. Although nearly cancelled because of the tide being what it was, we arrived in time to get on the Marlin del Rey Snorkel and Sunset cruise that left out of Tamarindo. The cruise is about 5 hours long and guests are given time to snorkel at a beach about an hour boat ride away.
Before taking off, the thunder clouds began to roll in and the sea became uncommonly agitated. Waves were rolling in that made us feel like we were on Deadliest Catch (a similar experience to our Alaskan adventure but with a bigger boat thankfully). Part way into the voyage it actually began to rain and thunder…not exactly the tropical cruise one might dream of. By the time we reached the snorkel area, it was dark and ominous clouds were surrounding us. Naturally, we grabbed our snorkel gear and hopped in.
We paddled around for a while before heading to a reef area where we saw a lot a different colorful fish. Given the tide situation, we had some great snorkeling. Kristen and I were probably the last ones out of the water because we were less concerned about getting back the free booze served on board and more concerned with just enjoying the water. However, after getting out of the water, it began to rain harder and the wind picked up—best snorkel cruise ever.
The crew fed us dinner as we sailed off to watch the nonexistent sunset and head back to the marina. As we are sailing back to the mainland, Kristen and I begin watching a 50-something year old man take the Freshman-in-college approach to the free beer on board. We watched from the other side of the boat as he made his way from the bar to the front of the boat with numerous cans of beer in hand only to stow them away in a previously empty backpack. The first time it happened we weren’t exactly sure we saw the situation correctly. By the third round, we knew the drill. He would wait around holding an open can of beer until the appropriate moment and would then return to the bar. He would come back to the deck with anywhere from 2 to 3 beers in hand and in look around to make sure no deckhands were around before stuffing them into his backpack. By the end of 15 minutes his pack was full and Kristen and I could see the outlines of numerous cans stuffed away.
We noticed that as we were loading the panga to leave the catamaran that he could barely carry the bag. His wife was less than amused with him and kept rolling her eyes as he struggled to load the goods on the dingy. We also laughed when the crew asked him to get off the dingy because there were too many people on it (Kristen and I wanted to comment that him and that bag counted as 2 people which is why the boat rose 3 inches back out of the water when he got off but thought better of it). Anyway, the operation getting us back to shore nearly left us down a deckhand (he was knocked overboard) and a capsized boat. It was quite the adventure…
We had a blast though and eventually made it safely ashore and in one piece. We wandered around Tamarindo for a little longer and then grabbed a taxi back to Flamingo. Upon arriving to our hotel room, I witnessed one final petty thievery moment. Someone jacked the razor blade off my razor. It was there in the morning and when I returned, the entire apparatus was there, but the blade was no where to be found. Kristen and I had a good laugh at the absurdity of it all before settling in for the night with our chocolate milk, JET bars, and Spanish television.
I am so happy Kristen was able to visit. She and I want to do another trip to Costa Rica to see the other parts sometime. I can’t wait : )
Chao,Jessica Lynn
We started surfing immediately and immediately realized that these waves were not for the faint of heart. A recent storm surge made some waves come in around 7 to 8 feet. That meant: (A) Kristen and I weren’t surfing those and (B) we were annihilated just trying to get to the baby waves. Not to be discouraged we still held out for some smaller 3 and 4 foot waves and caught a few before taking a break. Surfing today proved a little more difficult for Kristen as we upgraded her from a soft-top board to a regular surf board. So much so, that the surfboard was used a boogie board for a couple of waves. (I did the same at times). However, she is a trooper and undaunted, would head back out and try to catch the next. We agreed that we probably spent more time trying to figure out ways not to be crushed into oblivion by incoming waves than we did trying to actually catch a wave, but it was fun nonetheless.
Around noon we called it a day with the surfing as the waves were becoming too big for even the more experienced surfers and we turned our board in. From surfing, we headed to the supermercado to buy some snacks before I took Kristen to the surprise I had been planning for her. Although nearly cancelled because of the tide being what it was, we arrived in time to get on the Marlin del Rey Snorkel and Sunset cruise that left out of Tamarindo. The cruise is about 5 hours long and guests are given time to snorkel at a beach about an hour boat ride away.
Before taking off, the thunder clouds began to roll in and the sea became uncommonly agitated. Waves were rolling in that made us feel like we were on Deadliest Catch (a similar experience to our Alaskan adventure but with a bigger boat thankfully). Part way into the voyage it actually began to rain and thunder…not exactly the tropical cruise one might dream of. By the time we reached the snorkel area, it was dark and ominous clouds were surrounding us. Naturally, we grabbed our snorkel gear and hopped in.
We paddled around for a while before heading to a reef area where we saw a lot a different colorful fish. Given the tide situation, we had some great snorkeling. Kristen and I were probably the last ones out of the water because we were less concerned about getting back the free booze served on board and more concerned with just enjoying the water. However, after getting out of the water, it began to rain harder and the wind picked up—best snorkel cruise ever.
The crew fed us dinner as we sailed off to watch the nonexistent sunset and head back to the marina. As we are sailing back to the mainland, Kristen and I begin watching a 50-something year old man take the Freshman-in-college approach to the free beer on board. We watched from the other side of the boat as he made his way from the bar to the front of the boat with numerous cans of beer in hand only to stow them away in a previously empty backpack. The first time it happened we weren’t exactly sure we saw the situation correctly. By the third round, we knew the drill. He would wait around holding an open can of beer until the appropriate moment and would then return to the bar. He would come back to the deck with anywhere from 2 to 3 beers in hand and in look around to make sure no deckhands were around before stuffing them into his backpack. By the end of 15 minutes his pack was full and Kristen and I could see the outlines of numerous cans stuffed away.
We noticed that as we were loading the panga to leave the catamaran that he could barely carry the bag. His wife was less than amused with him and kept rolling her eyes as he struggled to load the goods on the dingy. We also laughed when the crew asked him to get off the dingy because there were too many people on it (Kristen and I wanted to comment that him and that bag counted as 2 people which is why the boat rose 3 inches back out of the water when he got off but thought better of it). Anyway, the operation getting us back to shore nearly left us down a deckhand (he was knocked overboard) and a capsized boat. It was quite the adventure…
We had a blast though and eventually made it safely ashore and in one piece. We wandered around Tamarindo for a little longer and then grabbed a taxi back to Flamingo. Upon arriving to our hotel room, I witnessed one final petty thievery moment. Someone jacked the razor blade off my razor. It was there in the morning and when I returned, the entire apparatus was there, but the blade was no where to be found. Kristen and I had a good laugh at the absurdity of it all before settling in for the night with our chocolate milk, JET bars, and Spanish television.
I am so happy Kristen was able to visit. She and I want to do another trip to Costa Rica to see the other parts sometime. I can’t wait : )
Chao,Jessica Lynn
Bus and Busts
Here’s a little update of what Kristen and I have been up to the last few days.
By the way, I think in my last entry I failed to mention my latest public bus debacle as I tried to get to the airport to pick up Kristen. It began normal enough. I took the 10:00 a.m. bus which naturally arrived on Tico Time at 10:38. This was after I nervously harassed the front desk personnel at CPI as to where the bus was. Finally on the bus, I kept a peeled eye for my airport stop. However, upon talking to the locals on the bus, I was informed that the bus would actually drive through the airport area so I wouldn’t need to worry about getting off. Two hours later we go blazing by the airport; there would be no stopping this bus.
Approximately two minutes leaving the airport in the dust, I ring the bell on the bus and the driver asks where I need to go, I tell him the airport. He laughs and I ask if I can just walk back to the airport. He agreed. So I get off the bus and begin a 20 minute walk back to entrance of the airport. Mind you, this is along the PanAmerican Highway so there is no shortage of cars and buses flying past. I finally reach the entrance of the airport with a beet red face, huff and puffing because I think I’m going to be late to pick up Kristen only to find I still have another kilometer or so to walk before I actually get to the airport terminal. Thankfully, about 100 meters into my trek a shuttle van pulls aside and asks if I want a ride. I gladly jump in, free of charge. (Kristen says this is the story of my entire Costa Rica existence—taking up free rides from people)
Anyway, I arrived to the terminal an hour early because her flight was delayed in Atlanta. Apparently the 20 minute speed walking experience was to no avail. No worries mae, I just burned off all the gallo pinto from breakfast.
Okay, back to live action. On Friday, Kristen and I searched out a beach called Playa Conchal and spent the day relaxing and watching an older woman get obliterated by the huge waves. We also watched her lose her hat (and bikini top) when one particularly large wave caught her by surprise. There were things flying everywhere. The beach was great and we got a late start so we didn’t have to spend as much time lying around wandering what we were going to do with the day. We grabbed pizza in Brasilito at a place called Il Forno and then caught a taxi back to Guanacaste Lodge.
After showering, we walked in toward Playa Flamingo to watch the sunset and once again, the sunset didn’t disappoint. It was beautiful. From there we headed to a plaza area and hung out next to a water fountain and waited on music to begin at a bar called Angelina’s…except it never began. Apparently, they don’t play music on Fridays and Saturdays like I previously was told. So we just ordered a couple of drinks and hung out before calling it a night. This was our big night on the town, by the way.
So ended Day 3 in Costa Rica for the hermanita…
By the way, I think in my last entry I failed to mention my latest public bus debacle as I tried to get to the airport to pick up Kristen. It began normal enough. I took the 10:00 a.m. bus which naturally arrived on Tico Time at 10:38. This was after I nervously harassed the front desk personnel at CPI as to where the bus was. Finally on the bus, I kept a peeled eye for my airport stop. However, upon talking to the locals on the bus, I was informed that the bus would actually drive through the airport area so I wouldn’t need to worry about getting off. Two hours later we go blazing by the airport; there would be no stopping this bus.
Approximately two minutes leaving the airport in the dust, I ring the bell on the bus and the driver asks where I need to go, I tell him the airport. He laughs and I ask if I can just walk back to the airport. He agreed. So I get off the bus and begin a 20 minute walk back to entrance of the airport. Mind you, this is along the PanAmerican Highway so there is no shortage of cars and buses flying past. I finally reach the entrance of the airport with a beet red face, huff and puffing because I think I’m going to be late to pick up Kristen only to find I still have another kilometer or so to walk before I actually get to the airport terminal. Thankfully, about 100 meters into my trek a shuttle van pulls aside and asks if I want a ride. I gladly jump in, free of charge. (Kristen says this is the story of my entire Costa Rica existence—taking up free rides from people)
Anyway, I arrived to the terminal an hour early because her flight was delayed in Atlanta. Apparently the 20 minute speed walking experience was to no avail. No worries mae, I just burned off all the gallo pinto from breakfast.
Okay, back to live action. On Friday, Kristen and I searched out a beach called Playa Conchal and spent the day relaxing and watching an older woman get obliterated by the huge waves. We also watched her lose her hat (and bikini top) when one particularly large wave caught her by surprise. There were things flying everywhere. The beach was great and we got a late start so we didn’t have to spend as much time lying around wandering what we were going to do with the day. We grabbed pizza in Brasilito at a place called Il Forno and then caught a taxi back to Guanacaste Lodge.
After showering, we walked in toward Playa Flamingo to watch the sunset and once again, the sunset didn’t disappoint. It was beautiful. From there we headed to a plaza area and hung out next to a water fountain and waited on music to begin at a bar called Angelina’s…except it never began. Apparently, they don’t play music on Fridays and Saturdays like I previously was told. So we just ordered a couple of drinks and hung out before calling it a night. This was our big night on the town, by the way.
So ended Day 3 in Costa Rica for the hermanita…
Friday, July 24, 2009
Hermanita Osita
The above pictures pretty much sum up Kristen's visit to Costa Rica so far. We've been to the beach, surfing , eating 'Nachos as big as your ass' and just having a great time. I'll be writing more later! It's weird to think that she is actually down here visiting Costa Rica and seeing how I've been living for 2 months. I am so excited that she came!
Today we are set to visit Playa Conchal. It's the white sand beach where the sand is made up of little shells. We'll be looking for adventure so that we don't have to sit on the beach the whole day. Kristen and I realized yesterday that the beach can be fun if you have something to do. If you're just sitting there it feels like an eternity. : ) We've grown up differently around water than most. We are unfamiliar with the idea that a person can just sit and enjoy the water. Our family is under the impression that if you don't come off the water banged up and exhausted it's been a relatively uneventful and boring day on the water. Kristen and I are doing our best to make sure that doesn't happen. We'll keep you updated!
Until then...
Chao pescado,
Jessica and Kristen
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
By The Way...
KRISTEN IS COMING TOMORROW!
: )
Also, I've been accumulating a small list of things I am looking forward to back in the states or things I want to accomplish (it mostly involves food, go figure : ) ). I am by no means in a hurry, but just a few random things I will hopefully enjoy.
Because I can:
1. I would like Mom's cooking (because it's amazing and it doesn't involve rice and beans 2 out of 3 meals a day), Dad as a biking companero, Kristen as my ab-routine partner, John as my wakeboarding enabler.
2.I want a real steak.
3. I want a donut from the Sweet Shop.
4. Yogurt and granola
5. I am thoroughly looking forward to my Poultry Days chicken dinner awaiting me.
6. I've decided I like using the word 'mae' a lot and will probably try to use it in the states (it's like the equivalent of 'man' or 'dude')
7. I like the beach. I still like lakes better. Lake Cumberland here I come.
8. Cell phone reception (although I don't mind not having my phone, I typically lose service down here when I need it most).
9. A car. (Simply because of my endeavor yesterday, otherwise I would prefer to walk or bike places)
So for now, the list isn't long. It's also pretty random. I like to keep it that way. It also consists of things I can do without, but are just small luxuries I will enjoy at some point. Chao for now!
Abrazos,
Jessica Lynn
: )
Also, I've been accumulating a small list of things I am looking forward to back in the states or things I want to accomplish (it mostly involves food, go figure : ) ). I am by no means in a hurry, but just a few random things I will hopefully enjoy.
Because I can:
1. I would like Mom's cooking (because it's amazing and it doesn't involve rice and beans 2 out of 3 meals a day), Dad as a biking companero, Kristen as my ab-routine partner, John as my wakeboarding enabler.
2.I want a real steak.
3. I want a donut from the Sweet Shop.
4. Yogurt and granola
5. I am thoroughly looking forward to my Poultry Days chicken dinner awaiting me.
6. I've decided I like using the word 'mae' a lot and will probably try to use it in the states (it's like the equivalent of 'man' or 'dude')
7. I like the beach. I still like lakes better. Lake Cumberland here I come.
8. Cell phone reception (although I don't mind not having my phone, I typically lose service down here when I need it most).
9. A car. (Simply because of my endeavor yesterday, otherwise I would prefer to walk or bike places)
So for now, the list isn't long. It's also pretty random. I like to keep it that way. It also consists of things I can do without, but are just small luxuries I will enjoy at some point. Chao for now!
Abrazos,
Jessica Lynn
Public Bus Experience
I spent the longest day yesterday attempting to take the public bus from San Jose to Flamingo. It should’ve never been this hard, but regardless, in total, I spent 12 ½ hours trying to take a 5 hour bus ride. I was too tired to write out a real entry last night, so here is my time schedule from yesterday. (I had plenty of time to figure it out in the bus terminal).
A.M.
3:30- Wake up to take group to airport after 2 ½ of sleep
4:00- Bus arrives to take everyone and luggage
4:15- Frantic search for the security guard to turn in keys
4:20- Near heart attack when the security guard appears behind a bush
4:30- Leave for airport
4:50- Say goodbyes to everyone (and Team JAJA) and help unload luggage for kids
5:30- Return to CPI to await a ride to the public bus terminal in San Jose at 7:00 (bus leaves for Flamingo at 8:00 a.m.)
7:30- Chauffeur arrives late to take me to the bus terminal- so we improvise.
8:10- I am left alongside an 8 lane highway at a ‘bus stop’
8:11- Bus passes that I need to take, my chauffeur doesn’t see it and says it wasn’t the right bus…it was.
8:12- Chauffeur leaves and I hang out with the locals
8:15- Horn honking and cat-calling begins from passersby
9:37- Second bus goes blazing past in the outside lane. I wave frantically to no avail
9:45- Calls begin to the main office about what to do
9:51- Main office calls the bus company and the bus company promises that the 10:30 bus will stop for me
10:38- Third bus goes roaring past. I am in the highway flailing both arms. It doesn’t stop.
10:45- Calls to the main office to find out what I should do. I am supposed to be in Flamingo by 1 p.m. Not going to happen
11:30- Seven phone calls later, I am flagging down a taxi to take me to the real terminal in San Jose
11:53- Cab driver tries to rip me off because he got lost. I only pay him part of the fare. He’s not happy. Neither am I.
11:58- I run to the bus terminal after consulting a policeman and 2 taxi drivers on how to get there only to find the noon bus is full.
P.M.
12:02- I buy a ticket for the 2 p.m. bus to Santa Cruz
12:45- I change my ticket to take the 3 p.m. directly to Flamingo.
1:00- I become intrigued by the Spanish soap opera on TV. for the next 2 hours
2:45- If you can’t beat them, join them. I partake in the Costa Rican custom of not forming lines in order to get my suitcase under the bus. Seemed to work well enough.
3:00- Bus departs
3:05- I am asleep.
8:35- I arrive in Flamingo with a less than accommodating bus driver.
8:40- I finally arrive at my hotel room.
9:15- I am asleep.
I was nervous that something would go wrong before leaving yesterday, and thankfully nothing did. I just played the waiting game all day. Tomorrow, I am taking a bus to Liberia to pick up Kristen from the airport. If this goes badly, I am paying the fare to have Kristen return to the airport in a taxi. No questions. I don’t care what it costs. : )
Anyway, I am alive and well. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I’ve learned my lesson though—never let people improvise for you when it comes to the public bus, just go to the main terminal and wait for the next bus if you’re going to miss the first one.
Time to go to work for the day,
Amor y sueños,
Jessica Lynn
A.M.
3:30- Wake up to take group to airport after 2 ½ of sleep
4:00- Bus arrives to take everyone and luggage
4:15- Frantic search for the security guard to turn in keys
4:20- Near heart attack when the security guard appears behind a bush
4:30- Leave for airport
4:50- Say goodbyes to everyone (and Team JAJA) and help unload luggage for kids
5:30- Return to CPI to await a ride to the public bus terminal in San Jose at 7:00 (bus leaves for Flamingo at 8:00 a.m.)
7:30- Chauffeur arrives late to take me to the bus terminal- so we improvise.
8:10- I am left alongside an 8 lane highway at a ‘bus stop’
8:11- Bus passes that I need to take, my chauffeur doesn’t see it and says it wasn’t the right bus…it was.
8:12- Chauffeur leaves and I hang out with the locals
8:15- Horn honking and cat-calling begins from passersby
9:37- Second bus goes blazing past in the outside lane. I wave frantically to no avail
9:45- Calls begin to the main office about what to do
9:51- Main office calls the bus company and the bus company promises that the 10:30 bus will stop for me
10:38- Third bus goes roaring past. I am in the highway flailing both arms. It doesn’t stop.
10:45- Calls to the main office to find out what I should do. I am supposed to be in Flamingo by 1 p.m. Not going to happen
11:30- Seven phone calls later, I am flagging down a taxi to take me to the real terminal in San Jose
11:53- Cab driver tries to rip me off because he got lost. I only pay him part of the fare. He’s not happy. Neither am I.
11:58- I run to the bus terminal after consulting a policeman and 2 taxi drivers on how to get there only to find the noon bus is full.
P.M.
12:02- I buy a ticket for the 2 p.m. bus to Santa Cruz
12:45- I change my ticket to take the 3 p.m. directly to Flamingo.
1:00- I become intrigued by the Spanish soap opera on TV. for the next 2 hours
2:45- If you can’t beat them, join them. I partake in the Costa Rican custom of not forming lines in order to get my suitcase under the bus. Seemed to work well enough.
3:00- Bus departs
3:05- I am asleep.
8:35- I arrive in Flamingo with a less than accommodating bus driver.
8:40- I finally arrive at my hotel room.
9:15- I am asleep.
I was nervous that something would go wrong before leaving yesterday, and thankfully nothing did. I just played the waiting game all day. Tomorrow, I am taking a bus to Liberia to pick up Kristen from the airport. If this goes badly, I am paying the fare to have Kristen return to the airport in a taxi. No questions. I don’t care what it costs. : )
Anyway, I am alive and well. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I’ve learned my lesson though—never let people improvise for you when it comes to the public bus, just go to the main terminal and wait for the next bus if you’re going to miss the first one.
Time to go to work for the day,
Amor y sueños,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blame it on the Boogie
My room is on the top far right.
Pool at Hotel Monte Campana Don’t blame it on sunshine, don’t blame it on moonlight, don’t blame it on good times, blame it on the boogie.
Today was our final day of service and it involved the day camp once again. Today however, because the camp was for all girls instead of all boys. This made for a more organized and relaxed experience. The program was the same with sports in the morning and arts and crafts in the afternoon. The girls were different though because they were much more shy than the boys and it took more of an effort to get them involved. In the end though it was a great experience, but exhausting!
Last night I was convinced a storm that rolled in was going to be the end of Hotel Monte Campana. It was like the day on the beach where the lightning was literally on top of us and the rain was pouring down. Now add to it that this hotel is on the top of a mountain so the winds were exceptionally brutal and you can imagine my concern for my hotel room. Good news though, the hotel is still standing and even made it through a similar experience again this afternoon. I should give the structure of this hotel more credit…
Anyway, I still love this group I am with. We (the chaperons and I) are singing all the time to any song that we remotely know the words too. We joke all the time and have so much fun. Again, we are convinced that we’ve had more fun than anyone. I am going to miss them…
Today was also my last day working with Gail and the La Carpio kids. Gail is truly an inspiration to me and I am continually encouraged by her. What I have seen and felt this summer has been overwhelming, but it’s what I do with this emotion that is most important. I don’t know exactly how I can make an impact just yet, but I am ready to do so. I have been touched by the lives of the people and these children. One minute I am angry at the world for the struggle of these people, and then I am just heart broken and later I am overjoyed that I have been given this opportunity. I don’t want to walk away from this summer and forget what I’ve seen and what I now know.
However, I’m now headed down below to finish up with the programming for the kids tonight.
I want to put on my my my my my boogie shoes...
Pura vida mae,
Jessica Lynn
Today was our final day of service and it involved the day camp once again. Today however, because the camp was for all girls instead of all boys. This made for a more organized and relaxed experience. The program was the same with sports in the morning and arts and crafts in the afternoon. The girls were different though because they were much more shy than the boys and it took more of an effort to get them involved. In the end though it was a great experience, but exhausting!
Last night I was convinced a storm that rolled in was going to be the end of Hotel Monte Campana. It was like the day on the beach where the lightning was literally on top of us and the rain was pouring down. Now add to it that this hotel is on the top of a mountain so the winds were exceptionally brutal and you can imagine my concern for my hotel room. Good news though, the hotel is still standing and even made it through a similar experience again this afternoon. I should give the structure of this hotel more credit…
Anyway, I still love this group I am with. We (the chaperons and I) are singing all the time to any song that we remotely know the words too. We joke all the time and have so much fun. Again, we are convinced that we’ve had more fun than anyone. I am going to miss them…
Today was also my last day working with Gail and the La Carpio kids. Gail is truly an inspiration to me and I am continually encouraged by her. What I have seen and felt this summer has been overwhelming, but it’s what I do with this emotion that is most important. I don’t know exactly how I can make an impact just yet, but I am ready to do so. I have been touched by the lives of the people and these children. One minute I am angry at the world for the struggle of these people, and then I am just heart broken and later I am overjoyed that I have been given this opportunity. I don’t want to walk away from this summer and forget what I’ve seen and what I now know.
However, I’m now headed down below to finish up with the programming for the kids tonight.
I want to put on my my my my my boogie shoes...
Pura vida mae,
Jessica Lynn
Friday, July 17, 2009
Rice and Bean Bellies and Speedos
Today I received a startling wake up call at 5:58 a.m. that wasn’t even for me. In fact, it was actually for the person two doors down. However, the violent pounding sent me catapulting out of my bed thinking I was late for my morning ab routine with the other female chaperons downstairs. Much to my dismay when I peaked out my window, no one was there and I was up 45 minutes earlier than necessary.
Rather than go back to sleep, I laced up my running shoes and went for a 20 minute run. Half uphill, half downhill. It was brutal. I returned just in time to meet up with the ladies downstairs and do our daily ab-routine. From there I headed behind the hotel to my little patch of grass and flat ground to throw a couple of back tucks. I am determined not to lose my gymnastic skills over the summer!
After showering and breakfast, the group headed to La Sebana, a recreational park, for our day camp with the kids from La Carpio. The first half of the morning for me was spent patrolling the pool area with another chaperon who is also a certified lifeguard. These kids were wild! They were doing front flips and back flips off the side, running everywhere and diving in the shallowest ends. It was chaos, but thankfully no one was hurt during our pool time. The second half was spent on the soccer field and we had a blast! Gringos versus Ticos. You can imagine who won…it wasn’t the gringos. Anyway, after soccer, it was lunch time and then the afternoon finished with arts and craft time.
We were on constant watch all day with our belongings. As much as you want to trust the kids, you know that you can’t. It’s sad to have to feel this way, but we were constantly eying the kids if they went near our bags. As unfortunate as it is, this is the way the children are raised and you can not deny that if you want to keep your belongings. That doesn’t make you feel any better though.
Regardless, being at a public pool today, I had the rare opportunity to witness Costa Rican male swimwear fashion—which, I might add, is not fashionable at all. The over 60-somethings in Costa Rica all feel the need to compliment their 60-something year old rice and bean bellies with an itty bitty little Speedo. Not exactly what you would call eye candy roaming pool deck. I guess it works though; it was much easier to stay focused on the kids while on ‘duty.’
So is life here in the bosque… We finished off the day with a trip to the mall and movies to watch Harry Potter. It was a great movie! Tomorrow we head back to day camp so I’m headed to bed now!
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
Rather than go back to sleep, I laced up my running shoes and went for a 20 minute run. Half uphill, half downhill. It was brutal. I returned just in time to meet up with the ladies downstairs and do our daily ab-routine. From there I headed behind the hotel to my little patch of grass and flat ground to throw a couple of back tucks. I am determined not to lose my gymnastic skills over the summer!
After showering and breakfast, the group headed to La Sebana, a recreational park, for our day camp with the kids from La Carpio. The first half of the morning for me was spent patrolling the pool area with another chaperon who is also a certified lifeguard. These kids were wild! They were doing front flips and back flips off the side, running everywhere and diving in the shallowest ends. It was chaos, but thankfully no one was hurt during our pool time. The second half was spent on the soccer field and we had a blast! Gringos versus Ticos. You can imagine who won…it wasn’t the gringos. Anyway, after soccer, it was lunch time and then the afternoon finished with arts and craft time.
We were on constant watch all day with our belongings. As much as you want to trust the kids, you know that you can’t. It’s sad to have to feel this way, but we were constantly eying the kids if they went near our bags. As unfortunate as it is, this is the way the children are raised and you can not deny that if you want to keep your belongings. That doesn’t make you feel any better though.
Regardless, being at a public pool today, I had the rare opportunity to witness Costa Rican male swimwear fashion—which, I might add, is not fashionable at all. The over 60-somethings in Costa Rica all feel the need to compliment their 60-something year old rice and bean bellies with an itty bitty little Speedo. Not exactly what you would call eye candy roaming pool deck. I guess it works though; it was much easier to stay focused on the kids while on ‘duty.’
So is life here in the bosque… We finished off the day with a trip to the mall and movies to watch Harry Potter. It was a great movie! Tomorrow we head back to day camp so I’m headed to bed now!
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Laundry Day
Yesterday was officially laundry day. Because I refused to pay $12 for a load of laundry, I decided to use my resources: a packet of tide-to-go, my bathtub and my ceiling fan. Over the past couple of weeks, I have accumulated a pretty good pile of laundry after working for Habitat for Humanity, the coffee co-op and in La Carpio, so I finally broke down and decided to do it for myself (typically a mamatica does it for me).
So I plugged the drain to my bathtub and turned on the ‘hot’ water. It wasn’t really that hot and it would fluctuate between scalding hot water and freezing cold, so that in the end I had lukewarm water to work with. It was almost like having a real washer. I dumped in the packet of tide-to-go and began moving the water around with my feet to mix it up. I then proceeded to dump all of my laundry into the tub and strategically position the articles so that every piece was in the water and was soaking in the soapy mixture. I let the water continue to run a little bit while sloshing the water and clothes around with my feet and hands to get the full effect of a washing machine. (I can picture Mom cringing right now).
After agitating the garments for about 10 minutes, I let them soak for about an hour and went downstairs to hang out with the other chaperons. When I returned, I scrubbed the shirts and pants accordingly and then began draining the water so I could rinse the clothes. I rinsed each piece individually in cold water (because that’s all that was left at this point) and squeezed out as much water as possible. Because I lack a clothes line or drying rank, I began laying out shirts and pants all over the room until it looked like my suitcase had blown up. Thankfully, there was a pretty strong wind outside so I hooked some shirts and pants to my window and let the wind dry them out. Meanwhile, inside I turned my ceiling fan on high and let it go to work on the other clothes. That is, until the electricity went out.
Around 11 p.m. the electricity went out, and as of 10 a.m. this morning, we still don’t have it back. So, long story short, I have half dried clothes all over the place and I don’t think the cleaning ladies are going to be able to find my bed. Thankfully, there is still a nice wind outside that I can utilize until I have to leave for the day.
However, despite my rather simple method, my room does smell like a fresh load of laundry has been completed and given the ‘smell-test,’ all of the clothes now have passed. I’m going to call this a success. Yes Mom, I am your daughter. : )
So I plugged the drain to my bathtub and turned on the ‘hot’ water. It wasn’t really that hot and it would fluctuate between scalding hot water and freezing cold, so that in the end I had lukewarm water to work with. It was almost like having a real washer. I dumped in the packet of tide-to-go and began moving the water around with my feet to mix it up. I then proceeded to dump all of my laundry into the tub and strategically position the articles so that every piece was in the water and was soaking in the soapy mixture. I let the water continue to run a little bit while sloshing the water and clothes around with my feet and hands to get the full effect of a washing machine. (I can picture Mom cringing right now).
After agitating the garments for about 10 minutes, I let them soak for about an hour and went downstairs to hang out with the other chaperons. When I returned, I scrubbed the shirts and pants accordingly and then began draining the water so I could rinse the clothes. I rinsed each piece individually in cold water (because that’s all that was left at this point) and squeezed out as much water as possible. Because I lack a clothes line or drying rank, I began laying out shirts and pants all over the room until it looked like my suitcase had blown up. Thankfully, there was a pretty strong wind outside so I hooked some shirts and pants to my window and let the wind dry them out. Meanwhile, inside I turned my ceiling fan on high and let it go to work on the other clothes. That is, until the electricity went out.
Around 11 p.m. the electricity went out, and as of 10 a.m. this morning, we still don’t have it back. So, long story short, I have half dried clothes all over the place and I don’t think the cleaning ladies are going to be able to find my bed. Thankfully, there is still a nice wind outside that I can utilize until I have to leave for the day.
However, despite my rather simple method, my room does smell like a fresh load of laundry has been completed and given the ‘smell-test,’ all of the clothes now have passed. I’m going to call this a success. Yes Mom, I am your daughter. : )
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Camarotes and Bismarck's Story
The Montessori school started by Gail
The streets of La Carpio
A family we delivered a bunk bed to.I keep trying to shorten these entries so they are more reader friendly, but I have so much to share that I find it difficult. So on that note, here is another long one. : )
Today was the final day building camarotes (bunk beds) in La Carpio. My team delivered the bunks to the houses which meant we carried all of the pieces to the house and then finished assembling them there in the home. The houses we traveled to were modest; containing only one or two rooms and very basic amenities. One house had dirt floors while the other was tiled. It was humble living conditions but the family did the best with what they had. They were so grateful for the bunk beds for their children. Along with the bunk beds, the Humanitarian Foundation also supplies two mattresses and blankets and a small gift bag. We were able to deliver two beds during our morning shift.
After the camarotes were finished, we headed to the newest clinic being opened by the Humanitarian Foundation which will eventually be a Montessori school for children. It’s a great space with plenty of potential. It already has a learning center and kitchen and a library and office are under construction within the building. I will be interested to know how the school does. It holds so much promise!
Once inside the school, we sat down and listened to two testimonies of those who grew up in La Carpio. One was of a woman who talked about the difficulties of the women who live there and the other was of a young man who came from Nicaragua as a young boy. Both had a lot to share but the young man’s story was particularly riveting. Let me share a little…
Bismarck’s Story
Bismarck was born in Nicaragua and at 15 days old his father was murdered—the murderer was never found. His mother was left to care for him and his siblings. By the age of 6 or 7, Bismarck’s older brother had become part of a gang and was giving alcohol and drugs to Bismarck so that Bismarck could be a ‘man’ like the rest of the boys. At the age of 10 Bismarck left Nicaragua and the gang life and headed to Costa Rica. He hitchhiked his way across the border and eventually ended up with a kind man who owned an orange tree farm. The man gave Bismarck a place to live and sent him to school. After 6 months of being fed and living with a roof over Bismarck’s head, the farmer lost his land and money and hanged himself. Bismarck was left alone.
Bismarck then made his way to the streets of San Jose and joined with other boys in a similar situation. They started a gang for themselves and survived the streets by robbing persons and dealing and using drugs. They used and dealt anything from marijuana, to cocaine to rubber cement. In his words, they lived like dogs too. They slept in open spaces or parking lots on small pieces of cardboard if there were any. The boys would awake at ten in the morning, find a victim to rob and be high by evening.
This life continued for years until Bismarck met Gail at age 14. By then, many of his gang counterparts were either in jail or dead. Gail picked up the boys off the street and took them to the foundation convinced that if you loved someone enough and could give them shelter, food and a better life, they would change. So she gave them the necessities, but they were still addicted. They continued to terrorize the new neighborhood just so they could get their hands on the drugs.
At age 18, Bismarck was caught for drug possession and dealings and was sent to jail for 6 years. Within that time, most of the boys remaining from the gang in San Jose had died or were in jail now with him. The funny part about jail for these boys is that it is the preferred option to living on the streets. In jail you have food and shelter every day. You’ll never wonder where your next meal or bed is going to be. Bismarck was finally released from jail two years ago and returned home for a while to live with his mom. His mom had thought he was dead. She hadn’t seen him in 15 years. Today, Bismarck is 25.
Costa Rica is a window of hope and opportunity to Bismarck so he has returned with his wife to make enough money to buy a house back in Nicaragua. As difficult as life is for him in Costa Rica, it would be much worse in Nicaragua. Even though he doesn’t have work at the moment, he has a much better chance to find it here than back home. Bismarck has been sober for 6 years now and has been helping out at the Humanitarian Foundation that has helped him so much over the years. Gail is still looking for ways to support him and help him achieve his dream of one day buying the house in Nicaragua. It only costs $800. But of all the boys that Gail helped during that time, Bismarck is one of the few that came back.
I wish I could write that Bismarck’s story is unique to this community, but unfortunately it is the standard and not the exception. So many Nicaraguans and even some Costa Ricans face these perils and have found refuge in La Carpio. It is truly an inspiring place once you dig past all of the pain and poverty that is so clearly evident. Bienvenidos a La Carpio: Nuestra unidad y variedad es la magia de nuestra Ciudad—the sign reads upon entering the community. It really is a city of hope.
Buenas noches…
Jessica Lynn
Today was the final day building camarotes (bunk beds) in La Carpio. My team delivered the bunks to the houses which meant we carried all of the pieces to the house and then finished assembling them there in the home. The houses we traveled to were modest; containing only one or two rooms and very basic amenities. One house had dirt floors while the other was tiled. It was humble living conditions but the family did the best with what they had. They were so grateful for the bunk beds for their children. Along with the bunk beds, the Humanitarian Foundation also supplies two mattresses and blankets and a small gift bag. We were able to deliver two beds during our morning shift.
After the camarotes were finished, we headed to the newest clinic being opened by the Humanitarian Foundation which will eventually be a Montessori school for children. It’s a great space with plenty of potential. It already has a learning center and kitchen and a library and office are under construction within the building. I will be interested to know how the school does. It holds so much promise!
Once inside the school, we sat down and listened to two testimonies of those who grew up in La Carpio. One was of a woman who talked about the difficulties of the women who live there and the other was of a young man who came from Nicaragua as a young boy. Both had a lot to share but the young man’s story was particularly riveting. Let me share a little…
Bismarck’s Story
Bismarck was born in Nicaragua and at 15 days old his father was murdered—the murderer was never found. His mother was left to care for him and his siblings. By the age of 6 or 7, Bismarck’s older brother had become part of a gang and was giving alcohol and drugs to Bismarck so that Bismarck could be a ‘man’ like the rest of the boys. At the age of 10 Bismarck left Nicaragua and the gang life and headed to Costa Rica. He hitchhiked his way across the border and eventually ended up with a kind man who owned an orange tree farm. The man gave Bismarck a place to live and sent him to school. After 6 months of being fed and living with a roof over Bismarck’s head, the farmer lost his land and money and hanged himself. Bismarck was left alone.
Bismarck then made his way to the streets of San Jose and joined with other boys in a similar situation. They started a gang for themselves and survived the streets by robbing persons and dealing and using drugs. They used and dealt anything from marijuana, to cocaine to rubber cement. In his words, they lived like dogs too. They slept in open spaces or parking lots on small pieces of cardboard if there were any. The boys would awake at ten in the morning, find a victim to rob and be high by evening.
This life continued for years until Bismarck met Gail at age 14. By then, many of his gang counterparts were either in jail or dead. Gail picked up the boys off the street and took them to the foundation convinced that if you loved someone enough and could give them shelter, food and a better life, they would change. So she gave them the necessities, but they were still addicted. They continued to terrorize the new neighborhood just so they could get their hands on the drugs.
At age 18, Bismarck was caught for drug possession and dealings and was sent to jail for 6 years. Within that time, most of the boys remaining from the gang in San Jose had died or were in jail now with him. The funny part about jail for these boys is that it is the preferred option to living on the streets. In jail you have food and shelter every day. You’ll never wonder where your next meal or bed is going to be. Bismarck was finally released from jail two years ago and returned home for a while to live with his mom. His mom had thought he was dead. She hadn’t seen him in 15 years. Today, Bismarck is 25.
Costa Rica is a window of hope and opportunity to Bismarck so he has returned with his wife to make enough money to buy a house back in Nicaragua. As difficult as life is for him in Costa Rica, it would be much worse in Nicaragua. Even though he doesn’t have work at the moment, he has a much better chance to find it here than back home. Bismarck has been sober for 6 years now and has been helping out at the Humanitarian Foundation that has helped him so much over the years. Gail is still looking for ways to support him and help him achieve his dream of one day buying the house in Nicaragua. It only costs $800. But of all the boys that Gail helped during that time, Bismarck is one of the few that came back.
I wish I could write that Bismarck’s story is unique to this community, but unfortunately it is the standard and not the exception. So many Nicaraguans and even some Costa Ricans face these perils and have found refuge in La Carpio. It is truly an inspiring place once you dig past all of the pain and poverty that is so clearly evident. Bienvenidos a La Carpio: Nuestra unidad y variedad es la magia de nuestra Ciudad—the sign reads upon entering the community. It really is a city of hope.
Buenas noches…
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Viva La Carpio
Today we began the Bunk Bed Project in La Carpio. We arrived around 9:00 a.m. and divided up into 3 teams and got to work. My team started in the small work area building the bunk beds while the other two groups delivered the bunk beds and played with the niños in the education center. We worked this way for about an hour and then rotated jobs and my group headed to play with the children.
Around noon, Don Pedro came to walk with us down toward the river to see the poorest section of the city. Don Pedro is the founder of a soccer program that allows 400 youth in the city to play on soccer teams and in a soccer league. While walking along, Pedro and I discussed the impact a sports program can have on children such as teaching them discipline, vocabulary and working together as a team. I reflected later that I am so blessed to be able to understand and communicate in another language and that I was fortunate enough to have the conversation I did with Don Pedro. I served as the translator for the group, but when Pedro and I were just talking I was learning so much about the town and the people within it.
As we descended down the hillside toward the river, it was shocking the living conditions that these people are accustomed to. The houses were merely pieces of tin roof pieced together to form a shelter of sorts on the hillside. There was no running water, no bathrooms—just space covered by tin. There was trash everywhere too, including in the river. Don Pedro explained that the river is so contaminated with trash and parasites but that the children continue to swim in it because of lack of education. The children are often malnourished and left alone during the day too because single moms are out looking for food and work and can’t care for their children so they leave them at home. It was interesting how many children we saw in the neighborhood and very few adults.
It was a humbling walk and a time for reflection about what I have and the gifts I’ve been given and how I might be able to use them in the future. The hope and the aspirations of this town though are really inspiring. You see the dreams of the children painted on the walls of buildings as murals and the perseverance of the people in the development of the city. It really is a ‘magic city’ as the welcome side reads as you enter the city.
It was a good day. Tomorrow we return to La Carpio for the same work and possibly hear testimonies from those who live in the La Carpio. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
I am headed to bed. I am whipped. Buenas noches : )
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Around noon, Don Pedro came to walk with us down toward the river to see the poorest section of the city. Don Pedro is the founder of a soccer program that allows 400 youth in the city to play on soccer teams and in a soccer league. While walking along, Pedro and I discussed the impact a sports program can have on children such as teaching them discipline, vocabulary and working together as a team. I reflected later that I am so blessed to be able to understand and communicate in another language and that I was fortunate enough to have the conversation I did with Don Pedro. I served as the translator for the group, but when Pedro and I were just talking I was learning so much about the town and the people within it.
As we descended down the hillside toward the river, it was shocking the living conditions that these people are accustomed to. The houses were merely pieces of tin roof pieced together to form a shelter of sorts on the hillside. There was no running water, no bathrooms—just space covered by tin. There was trash everywhere too, including in the river. Don Pedro explained that the river is so contaminated with trash and parasites but that the children continue to swim in it because of lack of education. The children are often malnourished and left alone during the day too because single moms are out looking for food and work and can’t care for their children so they leave them at home. It was interesting how many children we saw in the neighborhood and very few adults.
It was a humbling walk and a time for reflection about what I have and the gifts I’ve been given and how I might be able to use them in the future. The hope and the aspirations of this town though are really inspiring. You see the dreams of the children painted on the walls of buildings as murals and the perseverance of the people in the development of the city. It really is a ‘magic city’ as the welcome side reads as you enter the city.
It was a good day. Tomorrow we return to La Carpio for the same work and possibly hear testimonies from those who live in the La Carpio. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
I am headed to bed. I am whipped. Buenas noches : )
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, July 13, 2009
Guetare Tribe
The Shaman Juan Sanchez
Guetare god of life.
Smoke house, general meeting hut.Today I had one of the most fascinating experiences yet in Costa Rica. This morning the group got up and we headed to the La Casa de Juan Sanchez. Juan Sanchez is a shaman for the indigenous tribe called the Guetares. He is working to preserve the indigenous culture in Costa Rica firmly believing that we can learn from the ways and beliefs of the indigenous people.
Upon arriving in the mountains, we followed a trail down to a smoke house (see picture #1) that Juan had built on a piece of land dedicated to the rebirth of the Guetare beliefs and customs. We sat down around a fire inside the structure and Juan Sanchez began to talk to us about the customs, beliefs and the plight of the indigenous people of Costa Rica. I served as the translator for the group with the help of Avra, one of the chaperons. We made a great team!
After he talked to us about how much the indigenous have been impacted by the conquest and how today, it is so important not to lose the customs of the indigenous people we began walking around the acreage. He showed us trees that when cut will produce milk, leaves that can be used as a sugar alternative and sap that can be used as toothpaste. He took us further and showed us a rock design that represented the planets, a sacrificial altar (used for animals like snakes and birds, not humans!), and a burial ground and the remains from those tombs. We then ventured further into the mountain to an altar that was designed with 4 seats where ceremonies were held for the air, earth, fire and water.
From there we ventured back around the mountain side and to the area where the Guetares create their ceramic creations. He explained how important clay and ceramics are to the tribe because they tell stories and hold histories of the tribe. We then were able to create our own bowls and structures. I’m not sure mine will hold up to make it home, but I hope so!
Finally, we ended back in the main hut and Juan Sanchez performed a ritual/ceremony for those traveling and that their journeys are safe. It was a very sacred and special moment. He performed the ritual in the original indigenous manner and blessed us accordingly. It was such a neat experience. I can barely put into words how it felt to be part of something so ancient and sacred to a people. I don’t understand it all because I hold my own belief in God, but it was incredible, and that Juan Sanchez shared it with us was even more amazing.
We just finished out the night with a great game of ‘Go to Court.’ I haven’t played that game in years. It was fun to run around again and hide and strategize. Before that we had a little campfire and made s’mores and banana boats (an amazing invention of a banana stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows cooked over coals).
So tonight I lie here extremely satisfied and content. I know I say it often, but I am so blessed to be here and to have met so many wonderful people. I’m heading to bed shortly. Tomorrow I’ll be making bunk beds for an impoverished neighborhood. More on that tomorrow.
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
Upon arriving in the mountains, we followed a trail down to a smoke house (see picture #1) that Juan had built on a piece of land dedicated to the rebirth of the Guetare beliefs and customs. We sat down around a fire inside the structure and Juan Sanchez began to talk to us about the customs, beliefs and the plight of the indigenous people of Costa Rica. I served as the translator for the group with the help of Avra, one of the chaperons. We made a great team!
After he talked to us about how much the indigenous have been impacted by the conquest and how today, it is so important not to lose the customs of the indigenous people we began walking around the acreage. He showed us trees that when cut will produce milk, leaves that can be used as a sugar alternative and sap that can be used as toothpaste. He took us further and showed us a rock design that represented the planets, a sacrificial altar (used for animals like snakes and birds, not humans!), and a burial ground and the remains from those tombs. We then ventured further into the mountain to an altar that was designed with 4 seats where ceremonies were held for the air, earth, fire and water.
From there we ventured back around the mountain side and to the area where the Guetares create their ceramic creations. He explained how important clay and ceramics are to the tribe because they tell stories and hold histories of the tribe. We then were able to create our own bowls and structures. I’m not sure mine will hold up to make it home, but I hope so!
Finally, we ended back in the main hut and Juan Sanchez performed a ritual/ceremony for those traveling and that their journeys are safe. It was a very sacred and special moment. He performed the ritual in the original indigenous manner and blessed us accordingly. It was such a neat experience. I can barely put into words how it felt to be part of something so ancient and sacred to a people. I don’t understand it all because I hold my own belief in God, but it was incredible, and that Juan Sanchez shared it with us was even more amazing.
We just finished out the night with a great game of ‘Go to Court.’ I haven’t played that game in years. It was fun to run around again and hide and strategize. Before that we had a little campfire and made s’mores and banana boats (an amazing invention of a banana stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows cooked over coals).
So tonight I lie here extremely satisfied and content. I know I say it often, but I am so blessed to be here and to have met so many wonderful people. I’m heading to bed shortly. Tomorrow I’ll be making bunk beds for an impoverished neighborhood. More on that tomorrow.
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
Hey Taxi!
From Sunday…
Today the group got up and headed to La Fortuna to explore the town for a little while. La Fortuna sits at the bottom of Arenal Volcano and was the only thing standing when the volcano erupted for the first time in the 1960s. La Fortuna means ‘The Fortunate.’ After exploring and grabbing a bite to eat we began the 4 hour drive back to the Central Valley.
Upon arriving back to the CV, we checked into our hotel, Monte Campana. Because of a discrepancy with our driver, I had to take a taxi to go and pick up pizza for the group for dinner. The taxi picked me up and we headed off. Pretty soon Orlando (the driver) and I were chatting about Costa Rica and our families and life in general. Orlando I found out is an older man who lives with his wife and two dogs a few miles from the hotel. Anyway, we picked up the pizzas and began the journey back.
Somewhere along the way we began talking about cars and automatics versus manuals. He asked if I drove a manual and I said no, I don’t now, but I used to drive one. About 2km from the hotel, Orlando slows down and asks me if I would like to drive the rest of the way. I looked at him and asked “Are you serious?!” I was really excited. He said sure and stopped the car. We did a small Chinese fire drill and switched places. I drove the remainder of the way back to the hotel. My first (and probably last) experience as a taxi driver… Upon reaching the hotel, I greeted the group’s stunned faces with a smile and a wave. The kids couldn’t believe I was driving. I couldn’t believe I was driving either!
Oh, the adventures in Costa Rica.
Well that pretty much topped off my day, other than finally getting to talk to the family again. John didn’t disappoint at the lake apparently. Give him a crowd and he’ll give you moves never seen before. Sounded like Dad and Kristen were tearing it up too. I have no doubt that Mom was out there too…whenever she dare give up her co-captain seat. : )
The rest of the night was pretty laid back. Gail from the Fundación Humanitaria de Costa Rica came to give a short introduction to the work we would be doing with Humanitarian Foundation in the shantytown of La Carpio.
Chao,
Jessica Lynn
Today the group got up and headed to La Fortuna to explore the town for a little while. La Fortuna sits at the bottom of Arenal Volcano and was the only thing standing when the volcano erupted for the first time in the 1960s. La Fortuna means ‘The Fortunate.’ After exploring and grabbing a bite to eat we began the 4 hour drive back to the Central Valley.
Upon arriving back to the CV, we checked into our hotel, Monte Campana. Because of a discrepancy with our driver, I had to take a taxi to go and pick up pizza for the group for dinner. The taxi picked me up and we headed off. Pretty soon Orlando (the driver) and I were chatting about Costa Rica and our families and life in general. Orlando I found out is an older man who lives with his wife and two dogs a few miles from the hotel. Anyway, we picked up the pizzas and began the journey back.
Somewhere along the way we began talking about cars and automatics versus manuals. He asked if I drove a manual and I said no, I don’t now, but I used to drive one. About 2km from the hotel, Orlando slows down and asks me if I would like to drive the rest of the way. I looked at him and asked “Are you serious?!” I was really excited. He said sure and stopped the car. We did a small Chinese fire drill and switched places. I drove the remainder of the way back to the hotel. My first (and probably last) experience as a taxi driver… Upon reaching the hotel, I greeted the group’s stunned faces with a smile and a wave. The kids couldn’t believe I was driving. I couldn’t believe I was driving either!
Oh, the adventures in Costa Rica.
Well that pretty much topped off my day, other than finally getting to talk to the family again. John didn’t disappoint at the lake apparently. Give him a crowd and he’ll give you moves never seen before. Sounded like Dad and Kristen were tearing it up too. I have no doubt that Mom was out there too…whenever she dare give up her co-captain seat. : )
The rest of the night was pretty laid back. Gail from the Fundación Humanitaria de Costa Rica came to give a short introduction to the work we would be doing with Humanitarian Foundation in the shantytown of La Carpio.
Chao,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Morning Ice Cream Run
The chaperons and I outside of the Hot Springs.The poor pig.
This morning we transferred to Arenal Volcano, but not before making a morning ice cream pit stop. We treated the kids to Monteverde ice cream at 10:30 in the morning. Not a bad way to start off the day…
From there, we got on the bus and began the 3 hour ride to Arenal to go to the Hot Springs and watch the volcano erupt. We accomplished the first, but not the second. The hot springs were much welcomed and the chaperons and I wandered around together enjoying ourselves, convinced that we are having the most fun out of anybody on the trip—we are probably right. We laugh so much and have a great time all the time. Last night we had our own movie night complete with homemade guacamole and chips. It was fantastic. Tonight, we only regretted going down the slide that can get you up to 45 km/hour because we all banged our heads pretty good.
After the hot springs and dinner (and way too much dessert) we headed to the lava point to watch the volcano erupt but it was cloudy so we couldn’t see it at first. It then started to sprinkle a little and since the kids weren’t prepared, after being there for 5 minutes, we left. We came back to the hotel and played a few games and the kids worked on a small project for their group. I got voted Best Dancer in their superlatives. Interesting…
Anyway, tomorrow we journey back into the Central Valley for the remainder of the trip. We’ll be working in La Carpio (the shantytown) and holding a kids sports camp. It’ll be a nice way to finish out the trip.
I am truly enjoying my time here in Costa Rica, but right now it’s bonding time with the 2 other chaperons. We get to share a room tonight! : )
Buenas noches!
Jessica Lynn
P.s. Family, I hope the lake was great and that you all got big air a little better than the average bear (that includes you too, Mom).
Friday, July 10, 2009
Zip Lining and Hail
Today began with work at the Santa Elena Coffee Co-op. We worked for 3 hours doing reforestation for the coop by digging holes between coffee plants to help catch water and prevent erosion. It was a long job and timed seemed to go by slowly today, but the work we were doing was benefiting the people of the co-op which was pretty cool.
After the Co-op, we headed to Stella’s Bakery for lunch. I’ve missed Stella’s! Last year, the girls and I ate there as much as possible. Stella’s has great sandwiches and even better pastries. It was good to eat there again and the kids really liked the food too. From there, we ran a few errands in Santa Elena before heading to Sky Trek for our Zip Line excursion.
About an hour before arriving at Sky Trek, it began to rain, hoping it would clear up before the zip line tour, we continued with our reservations. Well the rain didn’t stop and neither did the excursion. We got our gear and even a big raincoat to help with the rain. After the initial cable, we took a Sky Tram to the second cable. Upon reaching the top of the second cable, it began to rain harder and then it started to hail. It was windy and cold, but the kids were still having a great time. However, the chaperones were having an even better time. We stayed toward the back so the kids could go first and we were laughing for 2 hours straight about anything and everything. Adam and I went in tandem once and got in trouble for letting go of the cable and pretending to fly. We had so many jokes by the end and were laughing so hard that the zip line guides asked if we had smoked something beforehand.
The zip line was fantastic. The rain and hail actually stung a little bit at times and made it really difficult to see during parts of the cables, but it was a blast. We all came out soaked and with mud all over our faces but it has been one of the best experiences so far. I really like this group and its chaperons. Rumor has it I get to room with the two female chaperons in Arenal tomorrow and we can’t wait!
Tonight is dinner at Gaurida del Sapo and then movie night at the hotel. We are going to make guacamole and rent some movies and just relax. I am really looking forward to this.
In about a day and half I’ll be back in the Central Valley for the remainder of this groups trips. I will write again soon.
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
After the Co-op, we headed to Stella’s Bakery for lunch. I’ve missed Stella’s! Last year, the girls and I ate there as much as possible. Stella’s has great sandwiches and even better pastries. It was good to eat there again and the kids really liked the food too. From there, we ran a few errands in Santa Elena before heading to Sky Trek for our Zip Line excursion.
About an hour before arriving at Sky Trek, it began to rain, hoping it would clear up before the zip line tour, we continued with our reservations. Well the rain didn’t stop and neither did the excursion. We got our gear and even a big raincoat to help with the rain. After the initial cable, we took a Sky Tram to the second cable. Upon reaching the top of the second cable, it began to rain harder and then it started to hail. It was windy and cold, but the kids were still having a great time. However, the chaperones were having an even better time. We stayed toward the back so the kids could go first and we were laughing for 2 hours straight about anything and everything. Adam and I went in tandem once and got in trouble for letting go of the cable and pretending to fly. We had so many jokes by the end and were laughing so hard that the zip line guides asked if we had smoked something beforehand.
The zip line was fantastic. The rain and hail actually stung a little bit at times and made it really difficult to see during parts of the cables, but it was a blast. We all came out soaked and with mud all over our faces but it has been one of the best experiences so far. I really like this group and its chaperons. Rumor has it I get to room with the two female chaperons in Arenal tomorrow and we can’t wait!
Tonight is dinner at Gaurida del Sapo and then movie night at the hotel. We are going to make guacamole and rent some movies and just relax. I am really looking forward to this.
In about a day and half I’ll be back in the Central Valley for the remainder of this groups trips. I will write again soon.
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
One Red Tomato
From Thursday...
Oh boy, I’m burnt. I am as red as a tomato. Oops. Good thing we left for the mountains today and we’ll be in the Central Valley for the remainder of the trip. I won’t be able to go near a beach for a week. I’m that roasted. At least it’ll tan…
Anyway, this morning we got up and went to the beach for a little while. Our chauffeur brought pizza to us on the beach at noon and then we stopped by CPI to change clothes before departing for Monteverde. I was so excited to get back to Monteverde. It’s my favorite place and I don’t get to come here nearly enough. The bus trip was about 4 hours and we passed the time by sleeping and watching a bootlegged version of Transformers 2. This version was at least in English. The last one we tried to watch was in Russian with Spanish subtitles.
We finally arrived in Monteverde and settled in to our really nice hotel. My room leaves a little to be desired though. I have no windows and it’s carefully tucked under the stairwell so that if you’re not paying attention, you miss the door to the room. It’s a room that is typically given to guides and chauffeurs so I can’t complain. At least I have a bed…or two. I’m not sharing with the chauffeur this time so I have the whole room to myself. : )
We finished out the evening by going to a synthetic soccer court that is more or less indoors. We ate dinner there and then played soccer for and hour and a half. It was great! I had a blast. I don’t get to play soccer very often and so I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really would like to play more.
Well, the internet is a little shaky here in MV so I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to post until we get back to Heredia in a few days. We are in Monteverde tomorrow, Arenal Volcano on Saturday and then back to Heredia on Sunday. We are making a few short stops before heading back to the Central Valley (Heredia) until the kids leave. We have an exciting few days and I’m going zip lining tomorrow!
Buenas noches y dulces sueños,
Jessica Lynn
Oh boy, I’m burnt. I am as red as a tomato. Oops. Good thing we left for the mountains today and we’ll be in the Central Valley for the remainder of the trip. I won’t be able to go near a beach for a week. I’m that roasted. At least it’ll tan…
Anyway, this morning we got up and went to the beach for a little while. Our chauffeur brought pizza to us on the beach at noon and then we stopped by CPI to change clothes before departing for Monteverde. I was so excited to get back to Monteverde. It’s my favorite place and I don’t get to come here nearly enough. The bus trip was about 4 hours and we passed the time by sleeping and watching a bootlegged version of Transformers 2. This version was at least in English. The last one we tried to watch was in Russian with Spanish subtitles.
We finally arrived in Monteverde and settled in to our really nice hotel. My room leaves a little to be desired though. I have no windows and it’s carefully tucked under the stairwell so that if you’re not paying attention, you miss the door to the room. It’s a room that is typically given to guides and chauffeurs so I can’t complain. At least I have a bed…or two. I’m not sharing with the chauffeur this time so I have the whole room to myself. : )
We finished out the evening by going to a synthetic soccer court that is more or less indoors. We ate dinner there and then played soccer for and hour and a half. It was great! I had a blast. I don’t get to play soccer very often and so I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really would like to play more.
Well, the internet is a little shaky here in MV so I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to post until we get back to Heredia in a few days. We are in Monteverde tomorrow, Arenal Volcano on Saturday and then back to Heredia on Sunday. We are making a few short stops before heading back to the Central Valley (Heredia) until the kids leave. We have an exciting few days and I’m going zip lining tomorrow!
Buenas noches y dulces sueños,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Buenos Dias
Good Morning!
Today we transfer to Monteverde for a few days. We are on the bus for a few hours today and then we are playing soccer at a synthetic soccer field tonight. The group is really excited. Tomorrow we are working at the coffee coop as our volunteer project and then going to another disco night! Speaking of disco night, the group had a great time last night! Most of them danced and the boys in the group became really protective if any locals tried to move in on me. : )
Anyway, we don’t leave until 10 and I was up at 7 for breakfast so now I’m just hanging out and pack things up. I will more when I can, but Monteverde tends to have pretty unreliable internet so it could be a couple of days.
Right now, I’m trying to get my schedule for the rest of summer so that maybe John can come down and visit. I would love it if he did. I also want to work it out because the world surf competition is in Costa Rica this year at the end of July and beginning of August. It would be awesome to go. It’s only a 2 hour drive from the capitol.
Time to pack.
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
Today we transfer to Monteverde for a few days. We are on the bus for a few hours today and then we are playing soccer at a synthetic soccer field tonight. The group is really excited. Tomorrow we are working at the coffee coop as our volunteer project and then going to another disco night! Speaking of disco night, the group had a great time last night! Most of them danced and the boys in the group became really protective if any locals tried to move in on me. : )
Anyway, we don’t leave until 10 and I was up at 7 for breakfast so now I’m just hanging out and pack things up. I will more when I can, but Monteverde tends to have pretty unreliable internet so it could be a couple of days.
Right now, I’m trying to get my schedule for the rest of summer so that maybe John can come down and visit. I would love it if he did. I also want to work it out because the world surf competition is in Costa Rica this year at the end of July and beginning of August. It would be awesome to go. It’s only a 2 hour drive from the capitol.
Time to pack.
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Surf's Up!
Well it’s Wednesday already and I have no idea where the time has gone. Let me recap the last few days.
Sunday
Sunday morning started off nicely with our last breakfast in Puntarenas. The group was going to Guachipelin and I was headed to Flamingo. Initially, I was supposed to be dropped off in Liberia and catch the public bus to Flamingo using an obscure hand-drawn map that my bus driver Mau drew for me. About half way to Liberia, I get a call saying I need to be dropped off sooner at a crossroad called Mi Finca (my farm). So the driver pulls off quickly, drops me at the side of the road and takes off. Muni was coming to meet me at Mi Finca so I patiently waited…for 3 ½ hours. Luckily, this place has animals to pet, great pastries to eat, and one of the chaperones gave me the book The Color Purple to read. I nearly finished it.
Once Muni picked me up, I was taken to CPI Flamingo to help with an new group coming in. I helped there for a couple of hours and then headed to the Villagio Hotel to room with Muni for a couple nights. I couldn’t wait! We met up with Muni’s group that night (she has 40 kids in her group, I only have 20) and ate dinner and made a campfire on the beach.
Monday (my most hectic day to date, and I didn’t even have a group)
Monday, I awoke and jumped on the bus with Muni and her group and headed toward Flamingo. About 1 km away, the bus dumped me off and I began walking to school while they headed to a snorkel cruise. Thankfully, a Texas guy that I know was coming by in a Taxi and couldn’t figure out which way the school was. He was in luck. I knew the way and he told me to hop in. No walking for this girl.
I spent the rest of the day managing two 2 groups at school, one of which fired their previous CPI chaperone. I ran around like a chicken with its headed cut off trying to find answers for them along with accomplishing my own work. So much for a day off! (Of course, I’ve been here long enough to know that a day off is never really a day off). : ) At the end of the day, I met up with Muni’s group again and we grabbed some food and hung out. Her group was a lot of fun, but I am thankful for the group I have and the chaperones that I have.
However, somewhere in all of this I managed to call home and talk to my Grandma. It was great to hear from her and I got all the updates on what she had been doing lately. I was only sorry that I couldn’t take with her longer.
Tuesday (Surf Day!)
I reunited with my group on Tuesday and we headed to Tamarindo to go surfing. But before this, I went with Muni’s group to their volunteer site. They are painting a community center that is used for weddings and dances and community gatherings. It’s a really important place in the town and it’s a really neat project.
Around 11:00 a.m. my bus picked me back up and I was so happy to see my group again! We headed to eat first at Witch’s Rock and then went on to surfing. It was awesome. All of the girls in my group got up on the surfboard at some point. I was so proud of them. The waves were pretty big and I finally convinced the surf instructors to let me take some bigger waves. I actually got to surf down a wave a little at one point instead of just riding out on the foam. Regardless, it was great and another chaperone and I went nonstop for 2 hours. When they told us we only had 10 minutes left and the other girls called it day, the chaperone and I headed out for 3 more runs. I really like surfing. It’ll never take the place of wakeboarding in my book, but it was a pretty good substitute!
We were exhausted after surfing and once we returned and had a nice dinner at El Castillo (the Castle), it was curfew for the kids and for me too! I fell asleep watching Seinfeld. Of course, not before one of our boys was taken to the clinic because he was jumping on the beds and hit his head on the ceiling fan that was on high power. He suffered a small cut and ended up with a few stitches. I think he learned his lesson.
Today
Today we got to sleep in a little (until 7:00), eat breakfast and then head out to our volunteer project which was at an elementary school. The task included sanding down desks and varnishing them to help protect them against wear and tear. The project was pretty low key and it was good for the kids. We spent several hours on the desk before heading to lunch and later Playa Conchal (the shell beach).
Well, the kids enjoyed a couple of nice hours on the beach and we ended up dodging two rain storms that took place around us. We weren’t so lucky with the third. Around 3:15, the skies let loose and it began to pour. And I emphasize POUR. This wouldn’t have been an issue if we didn’t have to walk a solid 15 minutes to get back to the bus. Luckily, I came prepared with a garbage bag and was able to throw all of my gear into it to save it from the aguacero. Of course we were committing every error in the Red Cross safety handbook you can imagine: walking in a rain storm under tall trees, through deep puddles, next to an ocean. I wish I were joking when I say that one bolt of lightning struck a tree 20 meters away from me. It was unbelievable. We eventually made it back to the bus all in one piece and all accounted for. I’ll be okay if I never have to go through that again!
Now we are getting ready to head to dinner, a birthday celebration for one of the kids and disco night! The kids are really excited for disco night and are getting dressed up and looking cute. I can’t wait to see them dance! Anyway, I will write more when I can. It’s the first day that I’ve had internet in a while.
My family is in Centerhill this week and I am severely missing them and the water. Go big or go home…
One wet fish today,
Jessica Lynn
Sunday
Sunday morning started off nicely with our last breakfast in Puntarenas. The group was going to Guachipelin and I was headed to Flamingo. Initially, I was supposed to be dropped off in Liberia and catch the public bus to Flamingo using an obscure hand-drawn map that my bus driver Mau drew for me. About half way to Liberia, I get a call saying I need to be dropped off sooner at a crossroad called Mi Finca (my farm). So the driver pulls off quickly, drops me at the side of the road and takes off. Muni was coming to meet me at Mi Finca so I patiently waited…for 3 ½ hours. Luckily, this place has animals to pet, great pastries to eat, and one of the chaperones gave me the book The Color Purple to read. I nearly finished it.
Once Muni picked me up, I was taken to CPI Flamingo to help with an new group coming in. I helped there for a couple of hours and then headed to the Villagio Hotel to room with Muni for a couple nights. I couldn’t wait! We met up with Muni’s group that night (she has 40 kids in her group, I only have 20) and ate dinner and made a campfire on the beach.
Monday (my most hectic day to date, and I didn’t even have a group)
Monday, I awoke and jumped on the bus with Muni and her group and headed toward Flamingo. About 1 km away, the bus dumped me off and I began walking to school while they headed to a snorkel cruise. Thankfully, a Texas guy that I know was coming by in a Taxi and couldn’t figure out which way the school was. He was in luck. I knew the way and he told me to hop in. No walking for this girl.
I spent the rest of the day managing two 2 groups at school, one of which fired their previous CPI chaperone. I ran around like a chicken with its headed cut off trying to find answers for them along with accomplishing my own work. So much for a day off! (Of course, I’ve been here long enough to know that a day off is never really a day off). : ) At the end of the day, I met up with Muni’s group again and we grabbed some food and hung out. Her group was a lot of fun, but I am thankful for the group I have and the chaperones that I have.
However, somewhere in all of this I managed to call home and talk to my Grandma. It was great to hear from her and I got all the updates on what she had been doing lately. I was only sorry that I couldn’t take with her longer.
Tuesday (Surf Day!)
I reunited with my group on Tuesday and we headed to Tamarindo to go surfing. But before this, I went with Muni’s group to their volunteer site. They are painting a community center that is used for weddings and dances and community gatherings. It’s a really important place in the town and it’s a really neat project.
Around 11:00 a.m. my bus picked me back up and I was so happy to see my group again! We headed to eat first at Witch’s Rock and then went on to surfing. It was awesome. All of the girls in my group got up on the surfboard at some point. I was so proud of them. The waves were pretty big and I finally convinced the surf instructors to let me take some bigger waves. I actually got to surf down a wave a little at one point instead of just riding out on the foam. Regardless, it was great and another chaperone and I went nonstop for 2 hours. When they told us we only had 10 minutes left and the other girls called it day, the chaperone and I headed out for 3 more runs. I really like surfing. It’ll never take the place of wakeboarding in my book, but it was a pretty good substitute!
We were exhausted after surfing and once we returned and had a nice dinner at El Castillo (the Castle), it was curfew for the kids and for me too! I fell asleep watching Seinfeld. Of course, not before one of our boys was taken to the clinic because he was jumping on the beds and hit his head on the ceiling fan that was on high power. He suffered a small cut and ended up with a few stitches. I think he learned his lesson.
Today
Today we got to sleep in a little (until 7:00), eat breakfast and then head out to our volunteer project which was at an elementary school. The task included sanding down desks and varnishing them to help protect them against wear and tear. The project was pretty low key and it was good for the kids. We spent several hours on the desk before heading to lunch and later Playa Conchal (the shell beach).
Well, the kids enjoyed a couple of nice hours on the beach and we ended up dodging two rain storms that took place around us. We weren’t so lucky with the third. Around 3:15, the skies let loose and it began to pour. And I emphasize POUR. This wouldn’t have been an issue if we didn’t have to walk a solid 15 minutes to get back to the bus. Luckily, I came prepared with a garbage bag and was able to throw all of my gear into it to save it from the aguacero. Of course we were committing every error in the Red Cross safety handbook you can imagine: walking in a rain storm under tall trees, through deep puddles, next to an ocean. I wish I were joking when I say that one bolt of lightning struck a tree 20 meters away from me. It was unbelievable. We eventually made it back to the bus all in one piece and all accounted for. I’ll be okay if I never have to go through that again!
Now we are getting ready to head to dinner, a birthday celebration for one of the kids and disco night! The kids are really excited for disco night and are getting dressed up and looking cute. I can’t wait to see them dance! Anyway, I will write more when I can. It’s the first day that I’ve had internet in a while.
My family is in Centerhill this week and I am severely missing them and the water. Go big or go home…
One wet fish today,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Midwest Farm Girls
Today we finished the foundation for the house. It was amazing! We arrived at 8 a.m. and stayed until 3:30 p.m. when the job was finished. We first placed the rebar in the trenches and then began filling in the trenches with cement.
After today, I have a new appreciation for the work that my dad did in Peru. The first days on the job in Peru the men were mixing the cement by hand. I had no idea what this entailed until today. The entire foundation was filled with hand-mixed cement. We formed groups and traded off the responsibility but it was extremely physical work. It was good for the kids to experience and they worked hard, but they tired quickly. One of the other girl chaperones (from St. Louis) and I hit the ground running with the cement mixing. At one point, her and I got in the zone and actually synchronized our shovel strokes without even realizing it. The whole worksite stopped to watch us. We were oblivious. At one point she casually pointed out, ‘You can tell we’re Midwest farm girls.’ Yes, we are. : )
To see the finished foundation was overwhelming. We have accomplished so much in just 2 ½ days. I am so proud of the kids! We were all working toward one goal today and didn’t quit until it was completed. This is what I’ve been missing in my life. This has been an incredible experience.
Today was especially nice because although the humidity was still there, the skies were mostly overcast which made the grueling work a little more bearable. It was great.
Anyway, I got to finish off the day helping Gerry teach his dance class (apparently my Cuban friend needed some Salsa 101 pointers… just kidding!). It was excellent though because Gerry is a great dancer and we got to show off in front of his group a little bit with our dance skills. (Mom, if it helps, we showed off in cooking class demonstrating how to make Salsa and Merengue). : )
I am physically and emotionally drained right now. It has been one fantastic day. Tomorrow I am transferring to Flamingo to hang out with Muni for a few days. I’m really excited!
Chao for now,
Jessica Lynn
After today, I have a new appreciation for the work that my dad did in Peru. The first days on the job in Peru the men were mixing the cement by hand. I had no idea what this entailed until today. The entire foundation was filled with hand-mixed cement. We formed groups and traded off the responsibility but it was extremely physical work. It was good for the kids to experience and they worked hard, but they tired quickly. One of the other girl chaperones (from St. Louis) and I hit the ground running with the cement mixing. At one point, her and I got in the zone and actually synchronized our shovel strokes without even realizing it. The whole worksite stopped to watch us. We were oblivious. At one point she casually pointed out, ‘You can tell we’re Midwest farm girls.’ Yes, we are. : )
To see the finished foundation was overwhelming. We have accomplished so much in just 2 ½ days. I am so proud of the kids! We were all working toward one goal today and didn’t quit until it was completed. This is what I’ve been missing in my life. This has been an incredible experience.
Today was especially nice because although the humidity was still there, the skies were mostly overcast which made the grueling work a little more bearable. It was great.
Anyway, I got to finish off the day helping Gerry teach his dance class (apparently my Cuban friend needed some Salsa 101 pointers… just kidding!). It was excellent though because Gerry is a great dancer and we got to show off in front of his group a little bit with our dance skills. (Mom, if it helps, we showed off in cooking class demonstrating how to make Salsa and Merengue). : )
I am physically and emotionally drained right now. It has been one fantastic day. Tomorrow I am transferring to Flamingo to hang out with Muni for a few days. I’m really excited!
Chao for now,
Jessica Lynn
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sweet Farmer Tan
Happy Birthday Grandpa!Wow. Today was incredible. And that word has so many meanings. We worked on an incredible project today with Habitat, we worked incredibly hard, and it was incredibly hot. I also have an incredible farmer’s tan and I am incredibly tired. I am incredibly happy.
Today, we finished digging the trenches for the foundation of the house. It was sweltering outside with little air movement and lots of sun. The ant under the microscope analogy comes to mind. Regardless, the kids put up a pretty good effort. There were 5 or so kids at my worksite that really worked hard and I was really proud of them. Naturally, there were numerous times as the day wore on that the other group leaders and I looked up and noticed we were the only ones still working. No pasa nada, we just found ways to motivate the kids to get back to work… Food is always good motivation. : ) Anyway, I found real motivation for myself just by knowing that I was really doing something to dramatically change someone’s life.
One of the neatest moments during the day was when the director brought out the floor plans for the house. It was really great to see what we were working toward. We were just starting the foundation, but to me, that is the most important. A strong foundation builds a strong house. For me, there is something to be said for being the one to complete the foundation. I am reminded of the work that Dad and I did in Peru. We were there for the foundation too. When we saw the completed picture a year later, it was incredible knowing that the entire building was depending on our efforts building the foundation. It’s all pretty overwhelming to me sometimes. (I am only thankful that these are 18 inch ditches as opposed to 4 feet ditches like in Peru).
Anyway, I sweated off all my gallo pinto (rice and beans breakfast) by 9 a.m. and then proceeded to acquire a really sweet cut-off farmer’s tan by 10. It was a successful day all around. We actually broke off in groups today and that worked really one. One group actually went over to another house that’s being built and worked there for a while.
Today ended with playing games on the beach and group bonding. I enjoy watching all of the games being played and learning about the kids. I really am enjoying this group.
Okay, I am exhausted and desperately need sleep. I love and miss you all.
Amor y abrazos,
Jessica Lynn
Today, we finished digging the trenches for the foundation of the house. It was sweltering outside with little air movement and lots of sun. The ant under the microscope analogy comes to mind. Regardless, the kids put up a pretty good effort. There were 5 or so kids at my worksite that really worked hard and I was really proud of them. Naturally, there were numerous times as the day wore on that the other group leaders and I looked up and noticed we were the only ones still working. No pasa nada, we just found ways to motivate the kids to get back to work… Food is always good motivation. : ) Anyway, I found real motivation for myself just by knowing that I was really doing something to dramatically change someone’s life.
One of the neatest moments during the day was when the director brought out the floor plans for the house. It was really great to see what we were working toward. We were just starting the foundation, but to me, that is the most important. A strong foundation builds a strong house. For me, there is something to be said for being the one to complete the foundation. I am reminded of the work that Dad and I did in Peru. We were there for the foundation too. When we saw the completed picture a year later, it was incredible knowing that the entire building was depending on our efforts building the foundation. It’s all pretty overwhelming to me sometimes. (I am only thankful that these are 18 inch ditches as opposed to 4 feet ditches like in Peru).
Anyway, I sweated off all my gallo pinto (rice and beans breakfast) by 9 a.m. and then proceeded to acquire a really sweet cut-off farmer’s tan by 10. It was a successful day all around. We actually broke off in groups today and that worked really one. One group actually went over to another house that’s being built and worked there for a while.
Today ended with playing games on the beach and group bonding. I enjoy watching all of the games being played and learning about the kids. I really am enjoying this group.
Okay, I am exhausted and desperately need sleep. I love and miss you all.
Amor y abrazos,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Diggin' them Holes
Bueno, I’m out in Puntarenas now—the site for our Habitat for Humanity project. The hotel I’m currently in has a nice view of the ocean and air conditioning. The other chaperone at CPI, Gerry, calls Puntarenas the armpit of Costa Rica. This is twofold because first of all, if Costa Rica were to have an arm, Puntarenas would literally be its armpit (Puntarenas is located in the Gulf of Nicoya in an inlet). Secondly, it’s really hot and sometimes a little stinky. : ) Regardless, today was the first day working at the HFH worksite (not to be confused with HBH).
The house we are constructing is for a family of 4 whose father can not work because of severe back problems so the mother works as a cook at a local hotel sometimes pulling double shifts to support the family. They have an 11 year old daughter in school and an older son who attends college. Right now they are little under a small tin roof. Our goal is to build them a house. My group will be starting the foundation and other groups will hopefully be finishing the task. The house will be made out of cinder blocks, but right now we are clearing away the dirt and rocks to make way for the foundation.
We arrived at the site around noon after we had a brief orientation with the director of the Costa Rica branch of HFH. Because she speaks only Spanish, I served as the translator of the group. It was pretty cool because I really got to use my Spanish skills and was put to the test a little. (I also serve as the translator at the worksite). A little side note, I have become much more confidant in my Spanish skills. I’ve had numerous Costa Ricans tell me that my Spanish is really good. Maybe my professor was wrong after all… : )
Anyway, not more than 30 minutes after starting to dig, it began to pour. This didn’t stop the kids any, they just kept working. In fact, they had more fun when it started raining than they did prior to the downpour. We took a short break around 1:30 to eat lunch and then rested for a little bit. After talking with the director, we decided it was time to call it a day. It was still raining and becoming increasingly dangerous to be working around the ditches and mud. Although we didn’t work for very long, the kids still accomplished a lot and we cleared a lot of earth. Some of the kids really impressed me with their work ethic today. It was great!
Tonight is the big night for my dance class! Oh boy. I’ve been practicing at night in my hotel room, so I think I’m good to go. : ) Suerte…
:: ::
One of the best parts of this job is all the people that I constantly get to meet. I truly enjoy this aspect of the job the most. My groups are usually convinced that I know every one any time we travel somewhere. I always laugh because I typically I just met the person 5 minutes before the group showed up. I really enjoy that my position as a chaperone forces me to meet people and be an advocate for the school. I always feel like it’s my job to find out how people are doing and talk to them. It’s great because I get to learn about them and make friends. Most would never believe that I can be quite the introvert. I’ve fooled most people down here. I have met some truly unique and wonderful people while being down here. That is one of the most valuable things I will take away from this trip. From all of the Texans I’ve met to the river guides and the other chaperones, I have made some really good friends. For that, I am so thankful that God has brought me here to this place.
It’s time for dinner! Buen provecho,
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
The house we are constructing is for a family of 4 whose father can not work because of severe back problems so the mother works as a cook at a local hotel sometimes pulling double shifts to support the family. They have an 11 year old daughter in school and an older son who attends college. Right now they are little under a small tin roof. Our goal is to build them a house. My group will be starting the foundation and other groups will hopefully be finishing the task. The house will be made out of cinder blocks, but right now we are clearing away the dirt and rocks to make way for the foundation.
We arrived at the site around noon after we had a brief orientation with the director of the Costa Rica branch of HFH. Because she speaks only Spanish, I served as the translator of the group. It was pretty cool because I really got to use my Spanish skills and was put to the test a little. (I also serve as the translator at the worksite). A little side note, I have become much more confidant in my Spanish skills. I’ve had numerous Costa Ricans tell me that my Spanish is really good. Maybe my professor was wrong after all… : )
Anyway, not more than 30 minutes after starting to dig, it began to pour. This didn’t stop the kids any, they just kept working. In fact, they had more fun when it started raining than they did prior to the downpour. We took a short break around 1:30 to eat lunch and then rested for a little bit. After talking with the director, we decided it was time to call it a day. It was still raining and becoming increasingly dangerous to be working around the ditches and mud. Although we didn’t work for very long, the kids still accomplished a lot and we cleared a lot of earth. Some of the kids really impressed me with their work ethic today. It was great!
Tonight is the big night for my dance class! Oh boy. I’ve been practicing at night in my hotel room, so I think I’m good to go. : ) Suerte…
:: ::
One of the best parts of this job is all the people that I constantly get to meet. I truly enjoy this aspect of the job the most. My groups are usually convinced that I know every one any time we travel somewhere. I always laugh because I typically I just met the person 5 minutes before the group showed up. I really enjoy that my position as a chaperone forces me to meet people and be an advocate for the school. I always feel like it’s my job to find out how people are doing and talk to them. It’s great because I get to learn about them and make friends. Most would never believe that I can be quite the introvert. I’ve fooled most people down here. I have met some truly unique and wonderful people while being down here. That is one of the most valuable things I will take away from this trip. From all of the Texans I’ve met to the river guides and the other chaperones, I have made some really good friends. For that, I am so thankful that God has brought me here to this place.
It’s time for dinner! Buen provecho,
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
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