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