Here are some pictures to wrap up this blog.

Although much of our learning was done by interacting with Costa Ricans outside of the classroom we still needed a formal gathering space for lectures, discussions, and presentations. We borrowed this classroom from a preK–12th grade school. Our air conditioning was the cross-breeze through the windows and the white floor and ceiling provided sufficient light for the classroom (we generally only used electricity for the projector). 

Outdoor space at the school with covered walkways from one building to another 

We saw iguanas in trees near the road on the way to northern Costa Rica

Traditional Costa Rican art

Nicaraguan cuisine

Chilling on a hammock on an island near Granada, Nicaragua

Intricate Nicaraguan Pottery

Important buildings in Managua, Nicaragua

Walking along Lake Nicaragua

We had the opportunity to meet Ernesto Cardenal, an influential author/artist/priest/political activist.

In Leon, I spent an afternoon with friends touring the numerous colonial churches (I think we saw at least 10).

I have been asked what my favorite experience was in Costa Rica and I'd have to say that it was actually in Nicaragua. We had the opportunity to explore the roof of one of the largest cathedrals in Central America which is in Leon. It was a surreal experience, like walking on holy ground (we actually had to take our shoes off while walking around).

An island in Lake Nicaragua

One of my last empanadas in Costa Rica

My lovely host parents who I stayed with for several weeks

Leaving Costa Rica

Wheaton in Costa Rica was an amazing experience full of joys and challenges that have positively impacted me. My favorite souvenir was the spare house key I had used over the summer that my hosts let me keep, an open invitation to return to the country, culture, and friends that I have grown to cherish.

Picture Sunday: Wednesday Edition

 Stopped at a beach on the way to Manuel Antonio

 Walking home after cafecito at a coffee shop run by a really nice Guatemalan gentleman

 Food from a Mexican restaurant in Heredia called Taco Titlan. So good.

 There's always interesting fruit for breakfast

 View on the way to Manuel Antonio. We could see crocodiles in the water on the other side of this bridge.

 A daily view of the church in San Rafael

Picture Sunday: 2nd Edition

I can't believe it's the middle of June already. This coming Tuesday will mark my 3rd week in Costa Rica. Classes are going well but the homework load can be quite overwhelming; we have a lot to accomplish in 2 months. That said, we still have many opportunities to explore Costa Rica.

Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to...

 Tour of Earth University's banana farm

 Day at the beach near Puerto Limón

Tour of a cacao farm and chocolate making facilities that included a chocolate tasting session. I tried several interesting combinations like chocolate and curry spice. Apparently chocolate and garlic make a good combination.

The view from the chocolate tasting lounge
Museo de Los Niños in San Jose (the building was originally used as a prison but was converted into a children's museum)

Train exhibit at the museum

Tamale wrapped in banana leaves

and maduro con queso (plantain with cheese) for lunch

I have tried many strange fruits including this one

Picture Sunday!

This morning, we watched a "desfile"(parade) pass through the streets of San Rafael celebrating the 130th anniversary of the founding of the town. Little did I know that I would quickly become part of the parade, invited by a relative of my host family to ride in a "carreterra" (beautifully painted cart pulled by cows).  Yesterday, "bailes típicos" (traditional/typical dances) of many Latin American countries were demonstrated. My host mother told me that such activities are referred to as "rescatando tradicionces" (rescuing traditions). San Rafaeleños take pride in preserving their culture and honoring their past.

Day Four

My fourth day in Costa Rica has gone by quickly. We (nine students, professor, and TA) started the day with a hike around two craters then toured a coffee plantation where we also had lunch. Then we returned to the hotel that we had been staying at since Tuesday. After a brief introductory presentation, we met our host families and moved into their houses where we will stay for most of our time in Costa Rica.

So far I have met my host mother, her son, and her sons twins (her grandchildren). I met her husband a few days ago in passing but he has a long shift today (he is a chef) so I will meet him more officially tomorrow. 

Conversing with my host mother has been intimidating even though she has assured me that my Spanish is good.  I'm becoming increasingly aware of the limitations of 'classroom' language acquisition. You don't have to ask a worksheet to repeat what it just said or maintain a coherent conversation with a textbook. And you only have to think in Spanish for an hour or two. Here, we will have about 3 hours in the classroom Monday through Friday and the rest of the day is intended for learning by living (spending time with host families and exploring Costa Rica).

Despite my insecurity, I feel blessed to be able to participate in Wheaton in Costa Rica and I know that my confidence and Spanish skills will improve. Please pray for safety/health of all the students and their host families as well as confidence, patience, and perseverance.

Karis

Thoughts before the trip

About 17 hours from now I will be on my way to Costa Rica for two months of Spanish immersion. I will take eight credit hours of Spanish (two classes) through a program offered by my university.  As part of the program, I will stay with a Costa Rican host family. I hope to be able to volunteer at a health clinic while I'm there as well.

I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to study abroad but I am definitely nervous. I imagine that the learning curve will be very steep; this isn't just a Spanish class that meets for an hour three times a week. I think I'll learn as much (if not more) humility as I'll learn Spanish.

Anyway, I look forward to updating my friends and family on my adventures throughout this experience and would appreciate prayer for safe travels.

Karis