The Cereza (Cherry) On Top

I just came off some of my most favorite days in Costa Rica this summer. I spent 3 days with the guys from Georgia Southern, laughing at their antics and trying my best to fit in. I really don’t mind being just one of the guys sometimes…

We stayed in two different hostels and although I know it’s not for everybody, I woke up smiling the very first morning after staying the first hostel. Why? Because it was exactly how I would imagine my Costa Rica experience to be if I weren’t working all summer. The plan was not to have a plan the whole three days and just go with whatever came our way. I am surely considered odd for getting excited about hostel living, but I like the culture, the day to day living, the simplicity, and the fun that comes with it. So they may not be the cleanest places to stay, but it’s never really bothered me.

Anyway, we did some exploring at the nearby beaches; we drank Coco Frios in the morning, and had a local hangout at night where we could relax. Thankfully, I’m not too burnt from it all.

On Thursday, we switched up hostels and headed to La Oveja Negra and moved into a shared room with just the four of us. I’ll be lucky if all of my stuff made it home because it took roughly 7 minutes for the guys’ backpacks to explode around the room. Even though I kept my stuff neatly together, I still have a feeling something got lost in their disastre. Truthfully though, they make awesome roommates.

This morning, I hopped on Interbus and made my way back to the Central Valley before meeting up with my good friend Kelli Finch in Heredia. Kelli and I went to college together, lived in Spain together and survived “The Iz” together. I love seeing her when I’m down here. We decided to grab some food at a street fair that I noticed on my bus ride into town. The food was incredible. I had a tamale for dinner and churros for dessert. I couldn’t imagine a better way to cap off my already amazing summer.

All right, I’m chillin’ at the Holiday Inn right now, and contemplating getting some sleep before rolling out at 4:00 a.m. to catch my flight.

Still struggling with the concept that my summer is ending down here…

Love you all,
Jessica Lynn

Beach Bummin' 101

Waiting for the bus to Tamarindo....

From Wednesday July 27

Heading to Tamarindo for a few days to be a bum and accomplish my goal of becoming a bronzed beauty by the end of the week. I’d settle for just the bronzed part.

After work the guys from Georgia Southern are traveling with me from Flamingo to Tamarindo via bus público. They came to CPI Flamingo for the day to check it out and have decided to hang around until I get off work. They were also nice enough to reserve a bunk for me at the same hostel where they are staying. They are a good group of men.

Oddly enough, I am really looking forward to staying in a hostel again. The last time I stayed in one was in Spain during weekend trips out from Segovia. It was a fun experience just backpacking out for the weekends, and because I am a much more experienced traveler these days, I have a feeling I’ll be more adept to the hostel experience. Hostel stays have a feeling of adventure and companionship that isn’t found in regular hotels. There is a simplistic feel that suits the beach and Costa Rica.

The guys I’m traveling with also have the same mentality so it will make for a comfortable and relaxing few days.


I’ll be back in the Central Valley before my flight leaves on Sunday, but until then… Que Dios le cuide y que le vaya bien : )

Knee deep in the water some where
Got the blue sky breeze blowing wind through my hair
Only worry in the world
Is the tide gonna reach my chair?

My own kind of paradise,
Jessica Lynn

Well, That Was Awkward

No one informed my host family that I was leaving today.

So when I walked out to breakfast at 6:45 a.m. with luggage in hand, it made for a rather uncomfortable moment. My mama tica looked at me in horror when I casually said, “Pues, me voy orita, ¡gracias por todo!” Well, I’m off soon, thanks for everything! She frantically started asking, “What’s wrong? What happened? Why are you leaving? Did we do something?”

I was just as confused as she was. CPI and I apparently didn’t mention that I wasn’t going to be here for the full week. Oops. Luckily, I still got breakfast and a goodbye hug out of it all.

Más incómodo que sacarle un cólico a un gato. More awkward than trying to squeeze a fart from a cat…

Jessica Lynn

Feels Like I'm Born Again

I sat and watched the sunset on the beach last night, solita. It was breath taking. I am always astounded at God’s beauty and how he chooses to reveal it to us. Whether it’s through human interaction in La Carpio or a quiet seat on the beach watching the sun dip down into the ocean—it’s there and it’s real.

As I sat there watching the puesta del sol, I was listening to a Third Day song called Born Again. Below are a few of the lyrics:

It feels like I’m born again,
It feels like I’m living,
For the very first time

For the very first time in my life…

From last year to this year, I have had a rediscovery of self and self worth. I endured an experience here last year that forever altered my view of the world and of the kind of humans that walk it. I am resilient and optimistic and know that not everyone is alike, but it was a difficult summer and past year. I had so many reservations about coming back to work this summer. The pura vida that once drew me in suddenly had betrayed me.

This summer has been beyond wonderful and has restored a lot of my faith and genuine hope for mankind. I have encountered so many beautiful people this summer and I adore them. I have been recharged and renewed in spirit and self this summer. I have broken ties that once held me back and used everything in my will to pave a new path.

Sitting on the beach I realized for probably the one hundredth time this summer how blessed I am to have this opportunity and to be here and feel like I do. The past will forever be with me, but I can move forward now. I do not pretend to no longer be affected by last year, but I do know that I was brought back here for the sole purpose of healing and growth this summer.

I have arrived.

Con mucho amor,
Jessica Lynn

A Great Day

From July 25th

Well, today was great. I woke up at 5:30 a.m., went on a 10 mile run, came back, had some breakfast, and headed to the beach. I spent the next three hours nearly all alone on the beach with my iPod and book. The sun was shining, the water was cool and the morning was all mine.

I did see some small manta rays in the water, so I didn’t venture too far in to the surf—just enough to get the piggies wet and cool off. Some of you may not know this, but I’m not the biggest fan of the ocean to begin with, so seeing any sort of creature (minus fish) in the water is enough to keep me out. I am a lake girl through and through.

It should be noted that when I returned later to my home stay a man had his foot in a bucket of water, grimacing in pain. He had begun stung by a manta ray. Point proven.

Anyway, I was on the beach until about 11:30 when I had to return and get ready to meet my group for their volunteer work in a nearby town. This is a very hands-off, independent group, so I don’t have to do too much with them. It will make an easy next few days. : )

After working at the volunteer site for a few hours, I returned to a wonderfully cold shower (I’m being serious) and went for an ice cream run. Family traditions will always stick with me. (The ice cream run, not the shower). By the way, I have never taken a warm shower on the coast when living with a host family--it’s much too hot for anything but a cold shower. Even then, I still begin sweating immediately after stepping out of the shower.

Time for some food and sleep...

Beach bummin',
Jessica Lynn

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

From Monday, July 25

A true testament to love, my parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today. Congratulations Mom and Dad! Thank you for being a wonderful example of a loving, committed covenant between two incredible people.

I have had the privilege of being part of their life for 24 years now, and it’s only been in the last 4-5 years that I have taken note of what love truly is in their marriage. Of course it’s all of the “I love you’s,” and hugs and kisses and opening doors and being asked to dance; but it’s also being comfortable with one another, understanding, giving, taking, and remembering that the other person is always on your side no matter what. I think I have especially taken note that now that their kids are all grown and raised, they still enjoy one another’s company—maybe even more so now than when they first met.

I have heard of couple’s losing sight of their relationship because they were busy raising the kids, and then when the kids left, they found nothing in common. I don’t see that with my mom and dad. They laugh together, they go out together, and they are learning about wine together—they understand each other. It’s really a pretty amazing thing to watch and to one day strive for. Again, thank you. I love both of you dearly.

Todo mi amor,
Jessica Lynn

Holy Heat and Humidity.

Saying goodbye to my all-time favorite group: Georgia Southern.

From July 24

Forgive the mental image: I’m sleeping desnuda tonight. Holy humidity, it’s hot here on the coast.

I’m lying on my bed in my current homestay with a fan pointed directly on me, and I’m still sweating. Apparently since the big inundación last week, it hasn’t rained here since. I never thought I’d ask this, but where has all of the rain gone, and why?

I arrived in Flamingo this evening and received my final group of the summer. I can’t believe I’m wrapping things up this week. I will actually only be with them until Wednesday because that is my last day working for CPI for the summer. I asked to have a few days off before going home. Wednesday evening or Thursday morning I am headed to Tamarindo to be a beach bum for a few days with a few friends that I made from the Georgia Southern group. Then, it’s back to the Central Valley for my return flight. Would anyone notice if I just ‘missed’ that flight? Probably. Nuts.

Tomorrow morning (Monday), I have a free morning because the school is closed to celebrate the Annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua. It’s a huge deal around here, so I’m taking full advantage of it by going to the beach all morning. In the afternoon, I have a volunteer project with my group. All in all, not a bad day.

Time to get some much needed sleep so I can get up tomorrow and get my running regime back on schedule. In an effort to hang out with my GSU group this last week, I totaled about 12 hours of sleep in 4 days. Love them…not loving this after effect of not sleeping. I’m pooped.

Dulces sueños,

Jessica Lynn

My Week in Photos

Una manera diferente de enseñarle de la semana mia...

Jennifer: The face of beauty in La Carpio

No matter the culture or language, every child and adult loves story time.

Except maybe this little guy. : )

Because the children wanted to take my photo.

Theme of the week: Days of the Week.

Arguably the best show and tell moment I've ever witnessed.

Health Fair day and I was in charge of making friendship bracelets.

The result: Memories from Mayra, My Day in La Carpio and my great friend Muni. Con mucho amor,

Jessica Lynn

Esperanza Rising

From the last few days...

I have spent the last few days in La Carpio with my nurses doing volunteer work with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. La Carpio is an impoverished city of about 35,000 Nicaraguan immigrants that fled Nicaragua after the revolution in 1977. The city itself, although violence and poverty stricken, is really a story of hope. The community has really pulled itself up on its own merit and determination and will soon have legal voting power within the country. Gail, the found of the CRHF came to Costa Rica 35 years ago with the Peace Corps. Today, she is still here, making a difference every day. Within La Carpio, she has built a two medical clinics, a primary school, a Montessori school and a women’s cooperative, just to name a few. She has a bunk bed project that provides families in need of sleeping arrangements for their children a basic, but extremely functional bunk bed. Because I was with a group of nurses this week, we mainly stayed in the clinics and focused on health education. Because I am not a nurse, I simply get to play with the niños, read them stories and make friendship bracelets at the health fair. : )

I have had the most rewarding and emotionally taxing week this week in La Carpio. Gail mentioned something that really resonated with me in regards to how affectionate the young children are with you. It’s incredible how loving the children are and how badly they want to be held and to feel a loving touch. Sadly, more often than not at home, the touches are violent or listless. Children know, innately, that they need to have a loving touch; the most basic part of their existence and being understands this. So without every realizing it, they seek it out—through hugs, hand holding or just sitting in your lap at story time. This was a power revelation for me this week.

A young girl sitting in my lap while I read books to her in Spanish…a small boy that just needed my finger to hold on to while his mom ran an errand… The love and beauty of God and those that serve humanity astounds me at times. There is good, and there is hope in this world.

Amor,
Jessica Lynn

Cheque Vos

So, estudiantes, if you’re reading this, I’ve found out how to say “Deuces” in Spanish. Cheque vos. = I’m out, Deuces, Peace, etc. Extra credit if you use it when we return in August…

I have been overloaded this week with work and other activities. I am happy, healthy and beyond content, but boy, am I tired!

I went and saw the final Harry Potter movie with the GSU group this week. Loved it. I also went dancing with them at Fiesta Casino. Have I mentioned how much I like them?

Do I really have to go home in a week and a half?

Jessica Lynn

Flashlight Shower

From Monday, July 18

Of all things Costa Rican, this was a new experience for me. I was in the middle of a shower the other night when the electricity cut out. It was pitch black in the bathroom, and I had a head full of shampoo. I climbed out of the shower, retrieved my flashlight (a critical necessity in Costa Rica), propped it up in the shower and went on with my business.

The power outage culprit? Luna, the rottweiler. Apparently she jumped and hit the breaker switch which cut power for an hour. And they tell me she can’t escape…

Pura vida,
Jessica Lynn

Southern Love

I’ll go ahead and write it: I love my Georgia Southern group. Maybe it’s because they are so tranquilo and pura vida or maybe it’s because they are a genuinely nice group of students with a genuinely nice professor. It could also be because they are relatively my age, and I can actually hang out with them in the evenings without being their chaperona. : )

Although I have been affectionately labeled abuelita (grandma) by a few because I tend to check my watch as it gets later in the evenings, I truly enjoy spending time with them and getting to know them as friends. Tuanis.

This past weekend was spent with them in Monteverde (another love of mine), so I’ll recap quickly:

Friday night = Bar Amigos.
Good times and great dancing. I love to dance. I am learning all sorts of new moves from the guys in this group (including an over the shoulder flip). The guys in this group love to dance and if any girl is sitting down, they will grab one by the hand and pull her to the dance floor. It doesn’t matter the song or the girl, they are dancing.

Saturday = Santa Elena Reserve hike and Extremo Canopy.
Santa Elena: Well this was one for the books. On the way up to the entrance of the reserve, a man flagged us down on the side of the road and said because it was raining so much a bridge was impassable with a bus of our size. So we were dumped off about 3 km from the entrance (roughly 2 miles, uphill). And…I had spent a week telling the group how much I loved Monteverde and how beautiful the mornings are. Go figured, it poured all morning. So two miles uphill and in the rain does not make a happy group. Especially when the walk lasted an hour and they still had to hike two more hours within the park…in the rain.

I should mention the stomach virus going around Monteverde that got the best of a few of the students too. I only slept three hours the night before after staying up with a sick girl. So, after we got to the top some of the students fell ill and I began the search for a way to get them back down the mountain. Santísima. Thankfully, it was finally determined that bus could in fact pass over the bridge, so we at least got picked up and didn’t have to hike back to the bus. I didn’t go on the nature hike because 1) I didn’t want to anymore and 2) I needed to stay with the sick group members.

Extremo: Amazing. Always. And it stopped raining. I swore up and down to my group that if was still raining during the zipline, I was NOT going. I love to zipline too. I did the Tarzan jump backwards this time and of course, was first in line for the superman cable. I love adventure. : )

Saturday Night = Gerry! And Bar Amigos again
Gerry was in MV as well on Saturday! We met up and went out with my group. I’ve missed dancing with Gerry…so we danced a lot. It was great : ) I also only got about 1.5 hours of sleep that night, but that’s another story for another time…

Sunday = Sugarcane Tour
Trapiche: Trapiche is the sugarcane tour, and I took every opportunity to ingest pure sugarcane or coffee just to stay awake. Afterward, we got on the bus and headed back to Heredia. I don’t remember much from the bus trip though. It was lights out.

Today, incredibly, I had a bunch of energy so I’ve been out back in the cancha de fútbol throwing backtucks and backflips. : )

Time to really work…

Jessica Lynn

Wondering Woman

I’m wondering how we manage to keep it all together here in the office in the middle of the temporada alta.

I’m wondering how many students will be affected by the part of the school that I helped build in a nearby town yesterday. The emotional impact is intense for me.

I’m wondering about the upbringing of some students that come to Costa Rica and how my parents managed to do such a wonderful job of raising my siblings and me to be worldly individuals.

I’m wondering how I was raised to be polite, courteous and respectful of all cultures and people. I think this is innate part of being human, but I’ve seen evidence that proves me wrong.

I’m wondering how many cups of coffee Costa Ricans consume throughout the year…or maybe just in a day.

I’m wondering about the impact of the people that come into my life and how every day I am being shaped into a better person.

I’m wondering how many times I’ll have to run my 2 mile loop here before the men get tired of yelling ‘machita’ at me in the morning. Sigh, I probably can’t put a number on this.

I’m wondering when my heart rate will return to normal after the Café Britt coffee tour this morning and unlimited samples of coffee at my disposal.

The wondering wanderer,
Jessica Lynn

On another note: When I finish with my group in here in Heredia, I'm going to Monteverde! Yes : )

Todo en Orden, Basically.

Some of this is repetitive, I am aware. Gracias.

Holy Cow. What a whirlwind of events this week is bringing. I am managing two groups at the moment and picking a third just for tomorrow and Thursday morning. I barely know what day it is! : ) But I’m happy and content. There is never dull moment.

The weekend in Manuel Antonio was great! We saw a montón of crocodiles on the way to the national park, and during the Saturday morning hike, more sloth sightings than I have ever witnessed in my life. Oddly enough, the monkey count was a little down.

On Saturday night, the group went out dancing and this was the first time that I really got to kick back and have fun with the group. It was awesome! I love dancing.

Sunday morning I woke up and took the public bus back to San Jose. Two years ago, a 5 hour public bus ride turned to 13 after a host of problems ensued, so this trip was a much more successful 3 hour ride. : )

Last night, I ate dinner with Nidia and Miguel—a former host family and watched the Costa Rica soccer game with them and Meggie. I love their family. My mama tica even made Tres Leches cake for dessert. Mmm, my favorite. (And that elusive dessert from when my family was here last year.)

Ok, I just polished off two empanadas filled with guayaba jelly from cooking class. I suppose I should go and get some real food now.

My one token day with West Coast starts tomorrow. Que Dios me acompañe. : )

Besitos,
Jessica Lynn

Additional Note: I’ve spent the last couple of days in La Carpio. It’s always an incredible experience. What is love? ¿Qué es el amor? Look below.

Manuel Antonio Update

Kapi Kapi: Home of the Voodoo Chicken. The dish that rocked my siblings digestive tract last year. (I took this picture especially for you two.) : )

I spent the weekend at the national park, Manuel Antonio, with my university group. Loooooved hanging out with them and going dancing on Saturday night. Can't wait for Monteverde. : )

We saw a ton of sloths and just a few monkeys this year. I got to spend a little time on the beach as well. I took the early public bus back to Heredia on Sunday to pick up a second group that I'll be in charge of for two weeks. In case anyone is wondering, this bus trip was MUCH more successful. Except for Sven, the russian, falling asleep on my shoulder... I didn't even know him.

Time to get dinner with my former host family. Yay! : )

I'll write more later...

Later gator,

Jessica Lynn

Open House for the 'Puppy'

Knocked out a 21km (13 miler) this morning! I was up and at it before the roosters even started in. I love my morning runs. : )

Heading to Manuel Antonio for the next day and a half with my group, and then I'm grabbing a public bus back to Heredia to pick up an additional group for two weeks. The locura for me is about to begin!

On a slightly different note... After my run this morning, I was getting ready to go to work and had left the door open to my apartment. I had my back to the door eating my cereal, and when I turned around, there in the doorway stood Luna--the rottweiler. I nearly dropped my Honey Nut Cheerios.

She approached me looking all cute and fuzzy, so I stuck my hand out so she could smell my scent and lick my hand. I figure I should try to befriend these dogs (but not at the risk of losing a limb). She made herself at home very quickly checking out the bathroom, my bedroom, and then returned to the kitchen to try to eat the crackers on the kitchen counter. This entire process lasted about 3 minutes but it felt like a lifetime. At the conclusion of her tour, I patted her on the head and ushered her out, securing the door in the process...no sense in pushing my luck.

Time to get ready to go the playa. Manuel Antonio here I come. : )

Baby steps with the puppies,

Jessica Lynn

Jabba the Hutt

Remember the secret subculture of choferes I mentioned the other day? Um...this is who walked off the bus today.
No, he's not my chauffeur. Gracias a Dios.

My Personal Porristas

There's a fire starting in my heart... -Adele- Rolling the in Deep-

Porristas: cheerleaders

Ever wake up in the morning hoping and praying that something will snap you out of the rather unpleasant mood you woke up in? That was me this morning. I went to bed mad and woke up mad. Given that I am a generally happy and optimistic person, this was a particularly troublesome way to start my day. My four mile run turned to eight out of sheer frustration and annoyance—and the hope that running longer might burn off some of that steam.

And then, around mile 5, my day completely turned around. I was approaching two women who had been out walking the same loop that I was running, and I had already passed them once before. The first time, I smiled pleasantly and said “¡Buenos días!” I like to greet people while I’m running and they often greet me back. The women, wearing such kind expressions, sweetly responded back in the same manner. They genuinely meant ‘good morning’ as opposed to the security guard that calls out to me every morning trying to get my attention. But I digress…

Anyway, the second time I approached the women, I could see them smiling and anticipating our passing from about 50 meters away. As I ran past, they started clapping and cheering ‘¡Increible, Increible! ¡Muy buena, amiga!’By 6:15 this morning, my day had already been recharged and renewed. I don’t know if it was the cheering or the warm smiles from the women that made me so happy, but I smiled for the rest of my run. Gracias, amigas. I needed that.

Anyway, I’m here in the office this morning getting ready to start work. Today is going to be a good day. I’ll see to it that no one brings me down today. I am in Costa Rica, pura vida.

One smile can make all the difference,

Jessica Lynn

Milestone 100

As of the July 4, 2011, I officially hit 100 blog posts. Hopefully I've brought a few laughs and a few good reads to all those that have taken the time to browse my collection over the last three years.

Why do I write? Initially it was to keep track of my own thoughts each day and allow my family to stay connected since I can't call home every day. As the blog gained popularity, although it still served as a journal for me, it was also used for entertainment purposes and cultural insight. Today, that is my mission. Teach people a little about my life and the world in a thoughtful and often humorous fashion.

As long as I'm here, and as long as I continue to experience everything Costa Rica has to offer, I'll be writing. Thanks for reading : )

Pura Vida,

Jessica Lynn

Memories of España

I am learning all about España right now on T.V. There is one day left until San Fermines (aka The Running of the Bulls). This brings back so many memories of when John and I went together five years ago (July 7, 2007). First and foremost, John flew in from Oxford, England for the weekend and ran in it!! Secondly, we stayed awake for 48 hours straight thanks to my poor planning. : ) We wandered around Pamplona for nearly 21 hours just trying to stay awake so we wouldn’t miss our bus on Sunday morning after arriving on Friday night. Lesson learned about planning ahead…

Upon our arrival on Friday night in Pamplona

Regardless, it was a really amazing experience to share with my brother that I’ll never forget. I’ll also never forget the phone call to Mom and Dad afterward informing them of what he had done and that yes, he was alive and well. Sometimes it’s better to do something and beg for forgiveness than to ask permission. : )

John almost didn’t even run that Saturday morning, but I remember telling him, “Give me your backpack. You didn’t come all the way here not to run. I’ll meet you at the park bench when it’s all over.” It was a long wait for him to get back, but when he got there, he had the most amazing experience to talk about and share with everyone. Love you, Brother.

Naturally, John chose to run in the most dangerous part of the course: the start.

It should be noted that this was also the weekend that I infamously ordered half of the Burger King Value Menu for him and I. Whoops.

We ate everything.

All right time to learn more about España and go to bed.

Feliz San Fermin,

Jessica Lynn

The Gang Is Back Together!

From July 5
Gerry came today!!!!! This may not be big news to anybody but the chaperones of CPI, but we are all celebrating in the office today. Gerry was the chaperone who trained Meggie and me three years ago. We were quite the team between Muni, Gerry, Meggie and I. Thus, having Gerry back to work with us is like getting the A-Team of chaperones back together again. Pura vida : )

Today was spent prepping for the extra group I’m taking on starting on Sunday and heading to Heredia with Gerry to obtain new contact lenses and a few other odds and ends things.

Yesterday was a rather uneventful for the Fourth of July. By the time we chaperones got home we were all too tired to go out. So in typical Schulte Family tradition, I decided to make an ice cream run. I came home with a Mmmio. It was delicious. It is vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate, caramel, nuts and well, pure goodness.

Highlight of my 4th of July yesterday? Hablando con mi hermanita. La extraño mucho : )

Viva la Pura Vida,
Jessica Lynn

Notes to Self

Notes to Self:

1. Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice) can NOT be made with just any old rice. Just ask our cook at CPI. On second thought, don’t. You’ll get an earful. Just trust me on this one.

2. There is a secret subculture within our choferes that has to do with nicknames and then having those nicknames on a faux license plate in their front windshield. (i.e. CABALLO (horse); CHIQUITIN (little guy); CACHETES (cheeks…on your face); SUAREZ (his last name)). It’s quite the reveal when they pull up in the bus and you are anxiously awaiting the big reveal as to who your driver really is.

3. It’s an issue for me that, in heels, I am taller than 80% of the tico men at the disco.

4. I think I failed to mention that the man-eating rottweiler is a SHE.

5. I still don’t like snakes…even if they are in cages.

6. I have a two mile loop that I’ve run 13 times this week. I averaged 15 minutes and 48 seconds per lap. That’s about a 7:54 mile. I’ll take it.

7. I ate yogurt and granola for lunch today. I think my tummy actually smiled. This is my first rice and bean-less day since I’ve been here.

8. Skype is amazing.

9. The quickest way to make a man uninterested in you down here (gringo or tico) is to tell them you are super independent and not interested in starting a family…even five years from now. Easy. I don’t even have to pretend to have a boyfriend.

10. It’s been 5 years since I’ve celebrated within the U.S.A. Happy 4th of July : ) Feliz dia de Independencia

La gringa (and proud of it),

Jessica Lynn

Weekend Update

That's definitely a mariposa on my head. : )

From Sunday, July 3

Saturday was spent in La Carpio working with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. The organization was founded by Gail Nystrom who came to Costa Rica around 35 years ago with the Peace Corps and has stayed every since. She has dedicated her life to this town and seeing that it pulls itself out of poverty by its own merit and hard work. It’s an impoverished area with a lot of crime that was initially started by Nicaraguan refugees. The CRHF has so many wonderful projects going on to help teach skills to the people within the city, not just hand out money. It’s an important trait for the people to learn—that hard work, dedication and trust will help them out of their current state. I am impacted every time I walk in.

Saturday night was spent out with some friends at 212 (Two-Twelve/Dos Doce). It’s a disco that is rather close to my house, and it’s great! : ) I made it an early night though because I needed to be up at 5 a.m. on Sunday to run and pick up the group for their excursion.

Sunday we headed to Poas Volcano and it was a gorgeous morning. The volcano is a crater and it was so beautiful yesterday. We were very lucky that the clouds hadn’t overtaken it when we arrived! Following Poas, we head to La Paz Waterfall Gardens which houses all sorts of biodiversities and animals, as well as the waterfall itself. Naturally, it started raining before we even started the two hour hike. Being Miss Preparada I had a rain jacket, keen sandals and my umbrella to stay dry. And boy, did I ever. Besides my sandals, I was dry to the bone. : )

Poas Volcano with my UD Magazine

Sunday night was spent back the apartment with Meggie and Claire watching a movie and hanging out after Skyping my family back home. : )

Hasta pronto,
Jessica Lynn

Dreads

From Friday, July 1

Well, today marked a new experience for me. I accompanied one of my students to Heredia to get his hair put into cornrows. Early on in the week he asked me for a number a place where he could get his hair done. I got a number from a friend in Monteverde who knows someone here in Heredia. By the time we got everything worked out, I had rather vague directions on how to get to this lady’s house in the city. I repeat, house. It was in some place called ‘Jardines 2’, the first right after the Universidad Nacional and in front of the red taxi stop. I was supposed to call her when we got there and she would meet us. We all know how that works out…
We were dropped off by a taxi in a rougher neighborhood where we spent 20 minutes looking for Shantell and waiting for her to get us. Her house was literally right in front of where we were standing, but she couldn’t see us from the house so she didn’t come out and get us. It was raining of course. : )

The process took approximately 3 hours. How in the world does it take 3 hours to do a man’s hair?! Well…when he has to get extensions (something I previously thought only a woman could get) it takes forever. And to boot, he didn’t even like it when we left. The cheerleader in me kept trying to boost his confidence by telling him I really liked it (which I did), but it wasn’t helping. Men…

My boss texted me at one point to ask what I was going to get done, but I think I’ll just stick to doing my own hair for now. I can’t imagine how long a full head of hair like mine would take.

Time to go home for the night,

Jessica Lynn

P.s. For the record, I was super impressed with the work Shantell did. I thought it looked amazing and she had the patience of a saint!

Paella and "Puppies"

Healthy and Happy, Always

I love paella. It was confirmed two nights ago at the party for Doña Romy, the founder of CPI. I am currently living in one of the apartments that is part of her house. My boss, Jonle, invited me to the party, and I had such a good time. The paella came in a paella dish that was easily two feet in diameter. It had rice, jumbo shrimp, clams, oysters, chorizo, chicken, calamari, peppers and asparagus. I was in heaven.

This week continues to move quickly and things in the office are always busy. I lost my roommate, Jesus, to West Coast, so I’m staying by myself now for a few days. While I’m at it, I’ll take a moment to describe my new living conditions. I stay in a small apartment with two beds, a great bathroom and little kitchenette. The kitchenette has a microwave, toaster oven and mini-fridge. I think I can make anything with that equipment.

Every day I come and go from the house, I am greeted by a ‘welcoming committee.’ Doña Romy and her husband have two dogs that are super cute…when they are sleeping. I love animals, especially dogs. It saddened me greatly when I received a phone call from my mom letting me know that our dog, Bo, had been put to sleep after 13 wonderful years of being a part of our family. That being said, I was initially overjoyed that the family had pets—until I actually met those two ‘pets.’

These two enormous, man-eating rottweilers stay penned up all day and furiously bark and try to jump over the fence every time someone enters the gates. Doña Romy has assured me that these two bundles of joy have never escaped and that they can’t. I don’t believe it for a second. I have not once entered the gate and not felt my adrenaline and heart rate sky rocket. We chaperones scurry from the house to the gate as quickly as possible and usually appoint someone to walk out there first and open the gate so the others have a clear exit. I’m sure it is quite the scene from the house as we fumble around nervously try to get the gate unlocked to get out. Heaven help me if I ever drop anything close to their cage. It’ll be like a scene from the Sand Lot. It’s a big day when the dogs are sleeping as I’m leaving…

Please watch the video allowing for your viewing entertainment. This is my walk every day.

And in case you're wondering, I made it safely into the house and up to my room, but I didn't stick around too long with the perritos.

Puppy love,

Jessica Lynn