Adios Costa Rica!

I have been home just over two weeks now, and it is cold and snowy and I have so much homework, but I realized I forgot to put up my last few pictures of Costa Rica for those of you who have so faithfully read my blog and encouraged and prayed for me during my time abroad. It seems a little surreal now that I actually lived in this country for nearly four months, and I am starting to miss my host family, my friends, the school, and of course the weather. But I am also excited to be home and back at George Fox. I feel like I packed so much life into four months, so it's hard when people ask, "how was Costa Rica" because I can't even begin to answer that in a sentence. So I just say incredible. Victor came bright and early to pick us up on Saturday morning. I can't believe I actually managed to fit all my stuff in my suitcases! They were actually quite giant...and of course I couldn't forget my hammock! Anyway, it was a pretty emotional goodbye. I will miss Argelis very much and I hope life isn't too difficult for her as her husband is so ill and she won't be able to have students next term (which is her passion and joy). She said a lovely prayer for me before I left, of course including the hope that I get married and come back and visit her soon, and we hugged and cried. It was a very emotional time!
One of our last pictures on the beach! One of the vendors made Lupe and I a rose out of a palm branch, we took in a few rays, then left. It was such a fun day of just relaxing on the beach and laughing and swimming and making sand castles and remembering all the good, crazy, homesick, lonely, and wonderful times we have had in this country.
We were so stoked for our last day at the beach. and we have gotten in the habit of sharing the ipod and dancing and singing along, which I am sure all of the bus appreciated at the hour of 7:15am. We just love to spread the joy.
The fact that we were out the night before for one last night of dancing was pretty clear by about 7:40 when we fell fast asleep. Still excited for the beach of course, just dreaming about it.
We went to El Pueblo and found two pieces of Pizza for just a dollar! It's probably a good thing it was one of our last nights because my pants were getting a little tight...
Just a little Christmas memorial...Danny and I totally blend in with the wise men. Unfortunately baby Jesus has not yet arrived...

Last day with the ninos! :(

I will miss these kids so much. I am sure they will soon forget me as the next group of "gringos" comes through to play and visit them, but they have touched me forever. I am so grateful for the life and opportunities I have been born into, but at the same time they have taught me so much about joy and contentment. They all have such beautiful, wild, and free spirits and are so quick to love and play and simply make friends.
This is quite possibly my favorite picture ever. It truly captures the essence of Jordan and Jordanis...just plain goofy.
"El Caballo" (horse) is probably one of the most tiring and wonderful games to play with the kids. There were even times when I would have four of them on my lap at a time...yikes!
Dona Marta has truly touched my heart. Hers is a life of compelte service and selflessness. No vacations, hardly any extra money, but such a love and joy and trust in God and hope in the kids she cares for everday. She is well past the age of retirement but plans to work until it is physically impossible for her. That is a life dedicated to a far greater purpose.
After a day of playing with kids, I was a little exhausted, but there is always time for a little fiesta and dressing up strangely with Lupe! Who knows what we were thinking...
Castro Madriz...the hill where I live in the Barrio Cordoba, my good ol' neighborhood!
Well, it is an art school, so I suppose it makes sense that there is a zen garden in the front office.
Before our field trip to go to the market (shopping for class! I know!) Shauna showed me her gloves and I had a moment of missing winter and wanting to wear hats and gloves and scarves. Crazy, I know.

A few more pictures...

Some of us girls went out to El Cuartel for monday night ladies night (live music and no cover charge!) but the line to get in was so long and it was so crowded that we went to a little bar across the street that was practically empty, but we could request whatever music we wanted and our whole group of friends danced and sang the night away! It was pretty fun...until we realized it was 3 in the morning and we had class at 8...
I found this special friend on my shampoo bottle in the shower. This is the third lizard in my shower, but better than a cockroach or giant nocturnal butterfly (that looks like a bat and scares my host mom terribly).
Last day trip to Jaco! Though the Best Western did kick us out and refused to even let us walk on their grounds (I felt like a bit of a criminal) Lupe and I still had fun on the beach catching some last rays of sunshine!
Taking a much needed ice cream and smoothie break.
Oh the beautiful palm trees! and the glorious sunshine!
So little did I expect a tico to throw a huge handful of confetti on me! but this was not the first toss. I even got it in my eye and it was quite painful, and embarassing as my eyes watered like crazy and I looked like I was bawling. This is a tradition I may never understand.
This is not snow...this is tons of confetti in the Avienda Central. All the young folks of San Jose come out, pay for bags of paper confetti, and throw it at people. All night long. It can get almost like a battl....pretty brutal actually. Maybe I will try it sometime in Seattle.
Lupe and I had heard of the Festival de la Luz, a Christmas parade, and we went downtown to enjoy a few floats and some christmas cheer. But after some fireworks and a huge crowd, nothing happened. We waited for about 45 minutes (tico time was in full effect here) then tried to make our way home. But due to the crowds, we got stuck many times and here we are on a bridge, seeing the beginning of the parade. There was a pretty christmas tree!