Ten days have passed since I last posted? Oh Costa Rica, you are playing games with time!
It was exam week for the kids. What SCHOLARS my boys are. They were diligent in their studies and worked so hard! Their hard work paid off and everyone excelled. Today we got to CELEBRATE the end of exams and the three week vacation we are about to have. There were games, clowns, shows & LOTS of junk food. I'm not sure I've ever been so happy to eat oreos. :) haha.
I'm getting my things packed to go to Quepos for a few days with my friends Meghan and Dennis, and Meghans brother! I am looking forward to relaxing on the beach and seeing more of beautiful Costa Rica.. and then when I get back I get to head to San Jose to pick up Lesli!! I do not have words to describe the excitement within me!!
Even though this is not a long post - I imagine that the next three weeks are going to be a WHIRLWIND and I won't be around my computer very much. There isn't really anything else to update on right now but I WILL say this:
This week, I spent a lot of time looking at numbers. I'm not normally a numbers person.. Growing up I never LOVED math. But I have always appreciated that no matter WHERE in this world you go, numbers are the same in every language. With that being said, statistics interest me. Like the statistic that there are 147 million orphans in the world. And when I think about that, my heart hurts. I want so badly to care for all of them and tell them all that I love them and GOD loves them. In a discussion I had this week about this statistic, and statistics like it, someone asked me how I could possibly believe their is a God when there are so many orphans and people hurting and dying in this world. My answer was simple. God created every single one of those orphans in HIS image and HE holds them ALL. Just like He holds you and I. And He ALSO put us on this Earth to take care of each other. James 1:27 says that "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans" To me, it's right there - black and white. My heart weighs heavy with this statistic. I want to love them all. I ask that we all take a minute out of our days to pray for the orphans around the world. I pray that they will know humanly love, and the love of our Father. I also am praying for some hearts to be moved in the direction of adoption.
So much for my post not being long. :)
I better throw some clothes in my bag and get going - Happy Friday everyone!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Fearless for You!
I have been terrible at blogging! So my deepest apologies to you loyal readers! Life has been busy here in Costa Rica. I would like to blame my internet connection, but the more truthful answer would be that I am exhausted by the time I would have time to blog! :) I will work on being better!
School is going great! I seriously don't know how many ways to say that I have the best group of students I could have ever imagined. We have become a little "family" and are growing and learnig so much from each other every day. My favorite part is the innocent and eagerness that the boys still have for school. They love finding new, artistic and imaginative ways to do things and present materials. As a teacher, I couldn't be more proud! The boys also now insist I eat lunch with them ALMOST every day. That way none of the girls talk to them. Oh, to be 9 years old. :) I've also been invited to play soccer with them...That's a pretty big deal here! This week we are reviewing materials that the students have learned this trimester, and next week we have exams. It's pretty serious and the students all stress a little more than I'd like, but we will celebrate by having a party Friday before we go on vacation for three weeks!
I'm SO looking forward to vacation. My dear friend Lesli flies in on the 28th, and we will explore Costa Rica a few days and relax. I am really looking forward to her visit...she's the best friend I could ask for! And I miss her terribly...THEN! Kevin and Vinnie fly in July 4 for a week! I'm equally excited for them to visit and explore and spend some quality time with. :) And if that were not enough (which its more than enough!) My friend Corrine flies in on the 9th! It's going to be a great time!! :) I am counting down anxiously! I can't wait for my friends from home to see my new HOME! and way of life, and meet my sweet new friends!
God's been so gracious with surrounding me with supportive and amazing people here in Costa Rica. On Sunday, I celebrated my 22 birthday with them. Meghan insisted we go out to celebrate Saturday, and then everyone came to my apartment for a pool party and bbq on Sunday. They all told me that when you move to another country, you become instant best friends, and I was speechless to see their words ring true on Sunday. We had a blast Sunday and I am thankful to them for making my birthday so special!
Life is good here. I am amazed every day at some things that I see and learn about Costa Rica. (Some good, some bad - of course!) I have come to realize how beautiful diversity is. And in diversity there is STRENGTH. Some of the local people I meet just amaze me. I continue to ask for prayers for strength so that I can provide all of myself to these beautiful people. I also am asking for prayers for my family back home. As I am living my dreams out, I know that it's been hard to seperate myself from the people I care most about. I hope my family all knows that they are always in my heart and my thoughts.
Tonight I pray a little harder and bend a little lower at the feet of Jesus.. "Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will. Whatever YOU will, Father - I will do my best.
Sweet blessings<3
School is going great! I seriously don't know how many ways to say that I have the best group of students I could have ever imagined. We have become a little "family" and are growing and learnig so much from each other every day. My favorite part is the innocent and eagerness that the boys still have for school. They love finding new, artistic and imaginative ways to do things and present materials. As a teacher, I couldn't be more proud! The boys also now insist I eat lunch with them ALMOST every day. That way none of the girls talk to them. Oh, to be 9 years old. :) I've also been invited to play soccer with them...That's a pretty big deal here! This week we are reviewing materials that the students have learned this trimester, and next week we have exams. It's pretty serious and the students all stress a little more than I'd like, but we will celebrate by having a party Friday before we go on vacation for three weeks!
I'm SO looking forward to vacation. My dear friend Lesli flies in on the 28th, and we will explore Costa Rica a few days and relax. I am really looking forward to her visit...she's the best friend I could ask for! And I miss her terribly...THEN! Kevin and Vinnie fly in July 4 for a week! I'm equally excited for them to visit and explore and spend some quality time with. :) And if that were not enough (which its more than enough!) My friend Corrine flies in on the 9th! It's going to be a great time!! :) I am counting down anxiously! I can't wait for my friends from home to see my new HOME! and way of life, and meet my sweet new friends!
God's been so gracious with surrounding me with supportive and amazing people here in Costa Rica. On Sunday, I celebrated my 22 birthday with them. Meghan insisted we go out to celebrate Saturday, and then everyone came to my apartment for a pool party and bbq on Sunday. They all told me that when you move to another country, you become instant best friends, and I was speechless to see their words ring true on Sunday. We had a blast Sunday and I am thankful to them for making my birthday so special!
Life is good here. I am amazed every day at some things that I see and learn about Costa Rica. (Some good, some bad - of course!) I have come to realize how beautiful diversity is. And in diversity there is STRENGTH. Some of the local people I meet just amaze me. I continue to ask for prayers for strength so that I can provide all of myself to these beautiful people. I also am asking for prayers for my family back home. As I am living my dreams out, I know that it's been hard to seperate myself from the people I care most about. I hope my family all knows that they are always in my heart and my thoughts.
Tonight I pray a little harder and bend a little lower at the feet of Jesus.. "Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will. Whatever YOU will, Father - I will do my best.
Sweet blessings<3
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Pura Vida
Hello everyone!
I think my post is a little overdue! It has been a crazy, exciting, BUSY! past couple of days!
Wednesday morning I left bright and early. I was anxious. I was ready to get to Costa Rica, see the school, meet my students, and get going...but I was sad to say goodbye to my brother and sister, and friends. Luckily, my parents are the overprotective type, so they came with me to help me get situated. We landed in San Jose around 130 Wednesday, and rented a car and started on our way towards Jaco.
The ride was pretty! And long. haha. Costa Rica is beautiful though. Everything is SO colorful! It's absouletly amazing. We are staying in Playa Hermosa, which is the town right past Jaco. Wednesday night after dinner, my dad decided we should go and find the school. WELL! That turned into an adventure. The school that I'm working at, Las Nubes, is a private school, in a "gated community." So after the guard let us in to look at the school, he then went to the house next to the school and told the principal we were there. I was NOT expecting this! But she was so welcoming and told me how the students have been waiting for me. We sat and talked with her for awhile, she showed us the school, and then asked me if I would be there Thursday morning at 730? Oh, of course! Talk about being thrown right in. :)
For those of you who know me pretty well, know that I am pretty ridiculous when I get nervous. Thursday morning was pretty ridiculous. :) Once I got to the school, I was greeted by the high school principal and she took me to my class. She quickly explained that my students have had a sub for the past couple of weeks but to just look at the notes and I should be able to figure out what to do. REALY?!?! My students get to school around 8, so I had all of 15 minutes to get things ready. Then my students came. I have five students. ALL BOYS! Guillermo, Andre, Richard, James, and Patrick. They are perfect. I could not have asked for a better group of students. They were so helpful. I also met a lot of the other teachers, who are all very welcoming and kind! There are some girls from the States, and rest are "ticos or ticas" which means locals.
I made it through Thursday. It was a whirlwind and I don't remember a lot of it. But I made it through! Friday was a lot better. I had a plan! (I love plans. :)) I decided to take the day to do "ice breakers" and different, fun activities to get to know my students.. with some work mixed in. I am teaching English, math & science, and another teacher comes in for Estudious Sociales (social studies) and spanish. Well, she seems nice, but she doesn't speak a word of English. I am so lucky that I "clicked" with my students...they translated everything I did not understand. :) I've only been here a few days but I'm already picking up more spanish.
After school on Friday, I went and looked at some of the apartments that my parents had found while I was at work. Cross your fingers that if everything works out, I will have a place to live by Sunday. I've learned that a lot of things here are word of mouth, and people are very trusting. (So far) sooo I hope that it all works out. :)
Overall, I'm loving every second of this. Just about everything is different than what I'm used to..but in such a good different way! I feel very blessed to be here, and I know God has put me exactly where He needs me to be.
Today we are going to Manuel Antonio so my papa can see some monkeys! He is pretty excited, and so am I. I am so lucky (and thankful) to have such loving, supporting, caring parents. Having there here has made this a lot easier. I love them so much and would be lost without them. I will be sad to see them leave Tuesday, but for now I will enjoy the time I have with them.
With that being said, I'm going to close by saying Thank you! Thank you everyone for your prayers and support as I start this journey. You guys are amazing! I love you all so much... your kind words and support make this so much more enjoyable!
Besos!
I think my post is a little overdue! It has been a crazy, exciting, BUSY! past couple of days!
Wednesday morning I left bright and early. I was anxious. I was ready to get to Costa Rica, see the school, meet my students, and get going...but I was sad to say goodbye to my brother and sister, and friends. Luckily, my parents are the overprotective type, so they came with me to help me get situated. We landed in San Jose around 130 Wednesday, and rented a car and started on our way towards Jaco.
The ride was pretty! And long. haha. Costa Rica is beautiful though. Everything is SO colorful! It's absouletly amazing. We are staying in Playa Hermosa, which is the town right past Jaco. Wednesday night after dinner, my dad decided we should go and find the school. WELL! That turned into an adventure. The school that I'm working at, Las Nubes, is a private school, in a "gated community." So after the guard let us in to look at the school, he then went to the house next to the school and told the principal we were there. I was NOT expecting this! But she was so welcoming and told me how the students have been waiting for me. We sat and talked with her for awhile, she showed us the school, and then asked me if I would be there Thursday morning at 730? Oh, of course! Talk about being thrown right in. :)
For those of you who know me pretty well, know that I am pretty ridiculous when I get nervous. Thursday morning was pretty ridiculous. :) Once I got to the school, I was greeted by the high school principal and she took me to my class. She quickly explained that my students have had a sub for the past couple of weeks but to just look at the notes and I should be able to figure out what to do. REALY?!?! My students get to school around 8, so I had all of 15 minutes to get things ready. Then my students came. I have five students. ALL BOYS! Guillermo, Andre, Richard, James, and Patrick. They are perfect. I could not have asked for a better group of students. They were so helpful. I also met a lot of the other teachers, who are all very welcoming and kind! There are some girls from the States, and rest are "ticos or ticas" which means locals.
I made it through Thursday. It was a whirlwind and I don't remember a lot of it. But I made it through! Friday was a lot better. I had a plan! (I love plans. :)) I decided to take the day to do "ice breakers" and different, fun activities to get to know my students.. with some work mixed in. I am teaching English, math & science, and another teacher comes in for Estudious Sociales (social studies) and spanish. Well, she seems nice, but she doesn't speak a word of English. I am so lucky that I "clicked" with my students...they translated everything I did not understand. :) I've only been here a few days but I'm already picking up more spanish.
After school on Friday, I went and looked at some of the apartments that my parents had found while I was at work. Cross your fingers that if everything works out, I will have a place to live by Sunday. I've learned that a lot of things here are word of mouth, and people are very trusting. (So far) sooo I hope that it all works out. :)
Overall, I'm loving every second of this. Just about everything is different than what I'm used to..but in such a good different way! I feel very blessed to be here, and I know God has put me exactly where He needs me to be.
Today we are going to Manuel Antonio so my papa can see some monkeys! He is pretty excited, and so am I. I am so lucky (and thankful) to have such loving, supporting, caring parents. Having there here has made this a lot easier. I love them so much and would be lost without them. I will be sad to see them leave Tuesday, but for now I will enjoy the time I have with them.
With that being said, I'm going to close by saying Thank you! Thank you everyone for your prayers and support as I start this journey. You guys are amazing! I love you all so much... your kind words and support make this so much more enjoyable!
Besos!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The beginning
I want to see Jesus! And if I don't step out, how can He come in? If I dont give all of myself, my home, my love...how can He be magnified?
I am STEPPING OUT! And in a pretty big, uncomfortable, exciting, life-changing way!
As some of you know, since graduating, I have been working on my international teaching certification. Well, I am almost done with that and I have been looking at several different places that I think I would like to teach at. I received an official offer from a school in Jaco, Costa Rica, so it looks like that will be where my journey begins. I'll be leaving in a little over a week! I'm getting more excited as paper work comes in, and things become more final. I'll be teaching fourth grade English, math & science. Honestly, I don't think that any of this is real to me yet...When you dream about something for so long, and your dreams are happening in front of you, well...it can be overwhelming. haha. But I know that God has a plan for me and that He will guide me. I know that His hand will be on me, and that brings me peace of mind. My hope is that He will use me in every way He can. Besides...Costa Rica?! Yes, please!
I am ready to offer all of myself to these people. I know that by teaching, I will learn. I will learn a new culture, a new language, new customs, new traditions, and so many other things. New friendships will be formed, and all while I get to do what I love. How great is that?
I've decided that a blog will be an easy way for me to share stories and experiences I have with everyone while I am away. I also think that one day I will look back and be thankful that I decided to write about this time. My mom also refuses to be a facebooker - so this is an easy alternative ;) Most of you know my family, and so you can imagine that although my parents are excited for me, they are also in protective mode...I am so grateful to have such a supportive family. It makes what I'm doing so much better knowing I have their blessing.
So, as I embark on this next chapter, I am excited. All I can say is USE ME GOD!! MEE MEEE MEEE!!!! USE MEEEE! :) I will post when I have more details.
Until next time! Love<3
I am STEPPING OUT! And in a pretty big, uncomfortable, exciting, life-changing way!
As some of you know, since graduating, I have been working on my international teaching certification. Well, I am almost done with that and I have been looking at several different places that I think I would like to teach at. I received an official offer from a school in Jaco, Costa Rica, so it looks like that will be where my journey begins. I'll be leaving in a little over a week! I'm getting more excited as paper work comes in, and things become more final. I'll be teaching fourth grade English, math & science. Honestly, I don't think that any of this is real to me yet...When you dream about something for so long, and your dreams are happening in front of you, well...it can be overwhelming. haha. But I know that God has a plan for me and that He will guide me. I know that His hand will be on me, and that brings me peace of mind. My hope is that He will use me in every way He can. Besides...Costa Rica?! Yes, please!
I am ready to offer all of myself to these people. I know that by teaching, I will learn. I will learn a new culture, a new language, new customs, new traditions, and so many other things. New friendships will be formed, and all while I get to do what I love. How great is that?
I've decided that a blog will be an easy way for me to share stories and experiences I have with everyone while I am away. I also think that one day I will look back and be thankful that I decided to write about this time. My mom also refuses to be a facebooker - so this is an easy alternative ;) Most of you know my family, and so you can imagine that although my parents are excited for me, they are also in protective mode...I am so grateful to have such a supportive family. It makes what I'm doing so much better knowing I have their blessing.
So, as I embark on this next chapter, I am excited. All I can say is USE ME GOD!! MEE MEEE MEEE!!!! USE MEEEE! :) I will post when I have more details.
Until next time! Love<3
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