Pura Gringa

The Beginning of a Memoir..If I Can Even Have One at 26...

2012-01-11T15:17:00.000-06:00

So my new job right now if offering quite a bit of free time, so I've begun a project that I've been excited about ever since first thinking about it. To write about my two and half years spent in Costa Rica. To express all the memories I can possibly dig back up and express in somewhat of a story that hopefully others would be interested in reading. What follows here is the first chapter. It isn't necessarily a novel, more like a collection of the memories that meant the most to me. So if you're interested, have a read of the very beginning and tell me what ya think. (any editing advice would be appreciated)

How Do I Begin?

"There are moments in life that are easily forgotten; monotonous, run of the mill, everyday happenings that don’t seem to bear any weight on the memory. They don’t necessarily result in stories you will one day tell your grandkids. Times passes, and with it, so do those experiences. Even people come and go in our lives without leaving a mark sometimes. Faces that fade as the years go by. That February of 2009, when I took my first step onto the then foreign ground of Costa Rica, I could never quite have conceived the extent to which my experiences there would mark my life forever. There weren’t many days that went by that don’t have a story to them, or a remarkable person. Here I will venture to tell all the stories I can possibly remember. To paint with words as an artist the faces and memories that turned my heart “medio latino.” I hope you will enjoy reading them as much I as did living them.

When I think back on some of my first days in Costa Rica EVER, I have to include the day I moved into the apartment I was to share with Laura Sutton, my then STINT teammate. We had both landed in the country together after only actually spending time getting to know each other for a week in Colorado at STINT training a few months prior. We had been in contact about support raising and our abundance of questions pertaining to the mysteries of living in a foreign country. What were we to expect? Had we talked yet with any of the locals there that were to be working with us? What did we need that we wouldn’t be able to find there, etc. She seemed nice enough. I thought we would spend a peaceful year together. My optimism carried me through to the very end.

So the day we landed, we met our other two team mates, Meghan and Adena. Our STINT team was to consist of the four of us. Meghan had already been living there earning her Masters degree in Translation at the Universidad Nacional. (La UNA). Adena and Meghan already had moved into the Belcris apartments together. The neighborhood is called Barrio Dent. Since we hadn’t yet signed our contract for the apartment, Laura and I spent the first night sleeping on Adena and Meghan’s floor in their apartment. It’s funny the things you’ll do that are so out of the ordinary when you have first arrived to a new place for the first time. You’re way too excited and inundated by foreign stimuli you can hardly think of the ordinary anymore. We were absolutely sleeping on that floor that night!  Once we had the meeting with the landlord and the payments were made we were really ready to settle into our own apartment across the hall from Meghan and Adena on the first floor of that fateful apartment building. We spent our time decorating, buying necessities at Pequeno Mundo, Hyper Mas (which is now Wal Mart), and other local stores that first week. We bought our food mainly at Hyper Mas and Auto Mercado. All were very close. If we couldn’t walk, we would take a taxi for about mil colones (two dollars) to Hyper Mas.

Both Adena and Meghan did a very good job of making us feel at home there. They had both lived in Costa Rica previously and had lots of experience; Meghan with her Masters, and Adena on a previous STINT team. We would hang out together at places like Spoon, a cute coffee shop slightly pricey for the average Costa Rican, but a place we enjoyed in our new initiation. Also there was a Bagelman’s Coffee Shop down the road toward the area of San Jose that was known as Barrio California. Me and Jodi Fisher would go there every once in a while with our laptops and work on random stuff not necessarily connected to anything productive. Skype calls and Facebook That is, when we felt like being brave “gringas” who can sneak past the prospective thieves en la calle incognito and looking like we have few possessions.

Our Stint team had our first retreat together with Carlos and Tatiana, the local staff there, a couple of weeks after we arrived to get to know them a little better and also to kind of summarize and discuss what our duties would be. Every Thursday morning that year we would take a bus to Carlos and Tatiana’s house in Tres Rios to meet also with Phillip and Shirley from Cartago about ministry business. It was good to get together and summarize the details and goings on at the University of Costa Rica and TEC in Cartago where Shirley and Phillip were located as missionaries. Carlos and Tati would always make us some kind of awesome breakfast and Phillip would bring the “pan de canela” that was so delicious from the panaderia in Cartago (which later closed due to rat infestation but we didn’t know that at the time). I really didn’t have a good idea of what I was doing, but later learned that that’s sort of what ministry is. Letting go and letting God take the reins. This was easier said than done. Sometimes I didn’t really know where my social life ended and my “ministry job” began. This was the most difficult part of being a STINTer for me. God can work in any way He wants, and I knew He was, it’s just that we don’t always see the fruits of our work immediately.

So we arrived in February; late February as I now recall. This is the middle of the dry season in Costa Rica, when it rains the least, so the days are sunny with very few clouds in the sky which is the way I remember most of my days there. Not many memories have clouds or rain in them, except for the torrential downpours that were so common in the rainy season. The temperature, however, almost never went below 60 degrees on any given day. The dry season, the time that we arrived, took my breath away. The sights, sounds, and even smells were all so foreign and brand new to me that it almost felt as if I were starting over again, totally new, in a place where no one really knew me or could identify with where I come from. I was living in another country. Experiencing a totally new culture and one that I had grown so interested in through the study of the language and making awesome Latin American friends in college. My worldview was soon to be totally challenged. The perspectives I had previously held in my life were to be forever altered. The day I got out of the American Airlines 727 jet that landed in the San Jose, Alajuela airport on Feb 24th, 2009 sometime in the afternoon to meet Adena and Tatiana outside the airport, God was already doing something amazing, and it wouldn’t be until much later that I would have even an inkling of what that really looks like."

Inspirational Saturdays. Sabados de la inspiracion.

2011-12-10T10:40:00.000-06:00

I heard about tumblr and thought for a minute I would change which blog I use. Then, I realized that's a bit redundant, and I may as well stick with what I have already begun, and make the most of it. Sometimes I feel I have nothing interesting to type.I guess that's why some people choose not to have blogs. But we all have something to say. I haven't posted in a while, so here goes.

I'm now living in Concord, North Carolina for any of you who did not formerly know this. If I know you and you secretly live near here, don't be shy and give me a shout out! ;) "shout out?" Do people still say this? mmm...sometimes I feel I'm getting old and out of touch. I'm only 26. That's not too old yet, right? My roomates are awesome! I live with four other girls in a house here. We like some of the same things....like crazy TLC shows like Virgin Diaries, sitting in the living room with laptops while simultaneously having conversation and watching t.v. So far I'm quite content with this new chapter in my life.

My job. I'm an interpreter/translator for a school system here. It's straight forward. When the administration of the school needs to communicate with hispanic parents, they call me. I also travel to other schools in the district as well. I like it! Stable, pays the bills, gives me experience in what I set out to do, work in interpretation and translation. God totally placed this in my lap. The girl I currently live with (Colea Henderson) I met in Costa Rica on a summer project. Little did I know then we would one day be roomies! Life isn't as random as we tend to think.

Lastnight I began a startling new experience with one of my favorite television phenomenon's Lost. I have already seen the show in its entirety, and have decided to begin again, the epic journey inot the lives and happenings of possibly the most extraordinary cast ever to land on a deserted island (sorry Gilligan). This show is amazing in more ways than I can express, and be it pure, unadulterous entertainment, I just can't get enough. :) Stories inspire me. The writers of this series confirm this for me. I should ask for this for Christmas. :)

The Christmas day is quickly approaching, and I should do some shopping. So, on with my Saturday. I should "carpe" this "diem" and I will begin by getting an oil change, then a haircut, then...who knows! More on my life to come. estamos hablando.

Latinoamerica/Latin America -Calle 13

2011-09-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

I've recently been listening to one of my favorite groups, Calle 13 from Puerto Rico. One of their songs has inspired me to translate its lyrics and post them here for you all to read! Hope the organization isn't too confusing. I thought everyone should share in them. You gotta here the song too! The song is quite simply titled, Latin America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H_8Pedi63M

Soy, (I’m)
Soy lo que dejaron,
(I’m what they left behind,)
soy toda la sobra de lo que se robaron.
(I’m everything left from what they stole,)
Un pueblo escondido en la cima,
(A people hidden on the heights,)
mi piel es de cuero por eso aguanta cualquier clima.
(My skin is made of leather, that’s how I support any type of climate)
Soy una fábrica de humo,
(I’m a smoke Factory,)
mano de obra campesina para tu consumo
(hand of the working farmer for your consumption,)
Frente de frio en el medio del verano,
(a cold front in the middle of the summer,)
el amor en los tiempos del cólera, mi hermano.
(Love in the time of cholera, my brother,)
El sol que nace y el día que muere,
(The sun that comes up and the day that dies,)
con los mejores atardeceres.
(With the best sunsets,)
Soy el desarrollo en carne viva,
(I’m development in the flesh,)
un discurso político sin saliva.
(A political speech without saliva,)
Las caras más bonitas que he conocido,
(The most beautiful faces I’ve known,)
soy la fotografía de un desaparecido.
(I’m the photograph of a missing person,)
Soy la sangre dentro de tus venas,
(I’m the blood inside your veins,)
soy un pedazo de tierra que vale la pena.
(I’m a clod of dirt that’s worth the effort,)
soy una canasta con frijoles ,
(I’m a basket of beans,)
soy Maradona contra Inglaterra anotándote dos goles.
(I’m Maradona against England, scoring two goals,)
Soy lo que sostiene mi bandera,
(I’m what my flag stands for,)
la espina dorsal del planeta es mi cordillera.
(The backbone of the planet is my mountain range,)
Soy lo que me enseño mi padre,
(I’m what my father taught me,)
el que no quiere a su patria no quiere a su madre.
(He that doesn’t love his country, doesn’t love his mother,)
Soy América latina,
(I’m Latin America,)
un pueblo sin piernas pero que camina
(a people without legs, but walking.)

Tú no puedes comprar al viento.
You can’t buy the wind,
Tú no puedes comprar al sol.
You can’t buy the sun,
Tú no puedes comprar la lluvia.
You can’t buy the rain,
Tú no puedes comprar el calor.
You can’t buy the heat,
Tú no puedes comprar las nubes.
You can’t buy the clouds,
Tú no puedes comprar los colores.
You can’t buy the colors
Tú no puedes comprar mi alegría.
You can’t buy my happiness,
Tú no puedes comprar mis dolores.
You can’t buy my pain.

Tengo los lagos, tengo los ríos.
(I have the lakes, I have the rivers,)
Tengo mis dientes pa` cuando me sonrío.
(I have my teeth for when I smile,)
La nieve que maquilla mis montañas.
(The snow that paints my mountains,)
Tengo el sol que me seca y la lluvia que me baña.
(I have the sun that dries me, and the rain that washes me,)
Un desierto embriagado con bellos de un trago de pulque.
(An inebriated dessert with the vision of a drink of pulque)
Para cantar con los coyotes, todo lo que necesito.
(To sing with the coyotes, all that I need,)
Tengo mis pulmones respirando azul clarito.
(I have my lungs breathing clear blue,)
La altura que sofoca.
(The height that suffocates,)
Soy las muelas de mi boca mascando coca.
(I’m the teeth in my mouth, chewing coconut,)
El otoño con sus hojas desmalladas.
(The fall with its colorful leaves,)
Los versos escritos bajo la noche estrellada.
(Written verses under a starry night,)
Una viña repleta de uvas.
(A vine full of grapes,)
Un cañaveral bajo el sol en cuba.
(Sugar cane below the Cuban sun,)
Soy el mar Caribe que vigila las casitas,
(I’m the carribean sea that watches over the houses,)
Haciendo rituales de agua bendita (performing rituals with its holy water,)
El viento que peina mi cabello. (The wind that combs my hair,)
Soy todos los santos que cuelgan de mi cuello.
(I’m all of the saints that hang from my neck,)
El jugo de mi lucha no es artificial,
(The juice of my struggle isn’t artificial)
Porque el abono de mi tierra es natural. (Because my land’s fertilizer is natural,)

Tú no puedes comprar al sol.
You can't buy the sun,
Tú no puedes comprar la lluvia.
You can't buy the rain,
(Vamos dibujando el camino,
vamos caminando)
(Let's go drawing the way, let's go walking)
No puedes comprar mi vida.
You can't buy my life
MI TIERRA NO SE VENDE.
My land is not for sale.

Trabajo en bruto pero con orgullo,
(I work like an animal, but with pride,)
Aquí se comparte, lo mío es tuyo.
(Here we share, what's mine is yours,)
Este pueblo no se ahoga con marullos,
(This people isn't overcome by the wave,)
Y si se derrumba yo lo reconstruyo.
(and if it's demolished, I rebuild it)
Tampoco pestañeo cuando te miro,
(I don't blink when I look at your either)
Para q te acuerdes de mi apellido.
(so that you'll remember my last name,)
La operación cóndor invadiendo mi nido,
a condor operation invading my nest)
¡Perdono pero nunca olvido!
(I'm sorry, but I don't forget)

(Vamos caminando)
Let's go walking,
Aquí se respira lucha.
This is where struggle breathes,
(Vamos caminando)
Let's go walking,
Yo canto porque se escucha.
I sing to be heard.

Aquí estamos de pie
Here we are standing,
¡Que viva Latinoamérica!
Long Live Latin America!

No puedes comprar mi vida.
(You can't buy my life.)

Still Not Sure I Am Where I Belong.

2011-07-22T18:20:00.000-06:00

Today I got my worste case of cabin fever yet. I know I've only been back for three weeks, which generally I suppose, isn't that much time, but to me right now it feels like three years! I got overwhelmed with being in the house and so I drove out to a used bookstore I frequent here to trade in some books for a few bucks. Then, went to a cafe downtown with the laptop to just be somewhere in public for a while. It felt more relaxing. I got two unexpected Skype calls, which was nice :) Love you Jodi and Lester! (platonically of course jeje). It was nice to chat about life in Costa Rica, speak in Spanish, and just talk to friends. My minor panick attack about not having a job yet started me thinking about whether or not I was done with Costa. And then I remembered my one and only source of who I am, and what I should do. God. Last Sunday something interesting happened. I think I may have posted this on my Facebook status or something.

Well, first I was in worship with the Hispanic church I've been involved in, and got this overwhelming sense that I should be living in and around Latinos, sharing God's love with them. Then, I thought of how far I am from really understanding that love, or obeying Him that demonstrates it. Second, we went to a Japanese restaurant for lunch and after the meal I got a fortune cookie that read, "You will experience many changes before settling satisfactorily." I really feel this to be true. Hey, God can use any way He chooses to communicate with us, even a seemingly arbitrary tradition. Never underestimate your fortune cookie. :) Anyways, I'm in kind of a conundrum (is that spelled right?) right now and I'm sure being in a transition stage has a lot to do with it, but I had clarity today. Something happened, maybe the Holy Spirit, that caused me to put things into perspective a little.

I walked into a Christian bookstore downtown. The same one, in fact, that I have applied to for a full time job. I was looking around at all the books, and Bibles. Abundance of the truth, while so many walk around with so little of it. That's something that sometimes overwhelms me about this country, my country, where I was born and raised. We have so much, but don't know how to use it well. I remember a report I read in college saying that only 20% of the world's population uses 60% of its resources. I shutter to think out of what countries those 20% reside. Although I can't control the way our goverment spends its money, or how anybody else does, I can control what I do with what God has given me. I don't want to spend my life a slave to material wealth and the false security of money. I want to live for what God has called me to, and nothing else. I pray I can. I really seek and long for more of who God is. Should I go back and live in Costa Rica and share with Ticos there? I don't know. But I'm here with my parents now, with whom I'd like to have a better relationship. So I can start here, right? May I never be wasteful. God says in his word, "To whom much is given, much is required." What is required of me? What is required of YOU? More on that later.

The Gringa's Return to Gringolandia.

2011-07-15T17:33:00.000-06:00

Searching websites that offer job listings, reviewing and revising my resume, reading Harry Potter, and chatting with friends on facebook. These are some of my major life events lately as I've now been back in the states for a little less than two weeks. I officially arrived back here July 3rd, just in time to bring in Independence Day. I'll have to change the title of this blog now to something more general I suppose. No longer will we see snapshots and thoughts from Costa Rica, as I now plan to stay in the States for a little while. At least to get myself established in a job, then plan from there about grad school and where I'll live. Right now I'm at home with mom and dad and it isn't so bad. They give me food and I don't have to pay rent which in this city would be at least $500 a month even if I shared with someone, at least this is what my experience has taught me. I would like to some friends my age though. All in time I suppose.

It's been a short amount of time relatively, but somehow I feel I've been at home longer than just under two weeks. Maybe it's the stress and pressure of feeling like I need to get a job-stat, and guilty for my parents handing me money. Or maybe it's the plethora of free time I'm presented with. Which in reality, I should be embracing and appreciating, because it will soon disappear. I've spent a couple of nights watching the moon come up in the summer nights.

It's so hot here, as it's been in most states recently. Weather.
I'm still waiting on job applications to prove if they were impressive, while I search for still more opportunities among the shortage of jobs available. I've recently gotten involved with the Hispanic ministry at my local church and plan to stay with them to stay connected to the latin community while practicing my Spanish more and more. Also, translation practice and more chatting with friends. My life right now is not that eventful, but things are picking up. After all, it's only been under two weeks now, but I'm happy to be back home where I'm close to my family and some old friends, although they aren't many. I hope to make more soon. Stay tuned to the life of a once tica, always gringa. Well, actually I'll always be both in my heart. Changes are on the way, and I'm a-ready for 'em!

Monday Meanderings.

2011-06-13T16:10:00.000-06:00

The window to my apartment shows the cloudy sky we've grown accustomed to seeing in the recent months. Rainy season is upon us here in the tropics. I look inside my bedroom and there's an empty stack of dusty suitcases waiting to be filled to the brim with as much of the junk I've accumulated here in my two in a half years as they can hold. I can't quite believe I'm really leaving. This country for me holds some of the most treasured memories of my life so far. But here I go. Life moves fast, and I've made a decision to see where it takes me back at home. Comtemplation fills my days. The pictures I have left to take with the people it may be years before seeing again, the places I have only one more chance to go back and see. But of course I can't do it all. Even if I left today I know I've seen alot here. And I know it won't be the last time I'm here. I'll come back. To visit, to stay for a longer trip, who knows. Costa Rica has definitely left its mark on my heart and soul. Three weeks...gotta make em count!

Less Than One Month Left in Costa Rica

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been thinking and contemplating alot on the fact that I have so little time left in a place I've lived the past two and a half years. I'm not quite sure what I could do to really soak up these last few days. I go to work, which is part time teaching adults English. I hope and pray that I never have to teach another day in my life. I cannot express with adequate words how tired of this job I am. It pays little, and the teacher is the first to blame if the students are too lazy to study and practice outside of class. Just isn't worth all the extra effort the teacher puts into her already 40 hour a week schedule. To all the women and men in the world who eat, drink, sleep, and dream teaching....KUDOS TO YOU!!! You are very special people and the world needs more like you. I'll never fit into your mold.

Two days ago I applied to 5 of the 25 Starbucks locations in Nashville. I'm also thinking of a call center job because they pay pretty well. In any case, I hope to find a full time, seasonal job until December, or early Spring of next year. Meantime, I'm going to study and take the GRE to get into Grad School to study Translation/Interpretation in some other state than Tennessee. I hope to move to Colorado and work as an interpreter/translator. Those are my aspirations, but at this point, I'm just ready to plant my feet back on U.S. soil. I didn't know how ready I was to go home until the date was suddenly,quickly, approaching and all the little things that bug me about life here just seem to exaggerate themselves in my mind. I miss my car, Starbucks frapuccinos, affordable cute clothing, Target, calling my mom on a cell phone, people arriving to meet you on time, four-way stops, smooth sidewalks, and fresh air. :) Don't want to offend any of my Tico friends if you're reading this, but I'm just being real here.

I do miss home, and am just now realizing how much. This is not to say that I won't miss this beautiful place that has changed me completely and taught me countless lessons about life that I would have otherwise been very slow to learn in my comfortable, gringo life. I have made friends that have touched my heart deeply, and whom I love very much. I'm sure there will be many days upon my return that all I will feel like doing is sitting on facebook or Skype and communicating with these friends. That's all part of the transition, and I'm not expecting it to be an easy one. I do expect, however, to begin working seriously and saving money and begin to really seek to reach new goals in my life. This thought excites me because I know that there are so many options out there, and paths to take. There are so many things I can't wait to do! Before that though, there's time left to be spent here, and I'm doing my best to make the moments count, and capture every Kodak moment possible. :)

Teaching in Escazu, Costa Rica, and Other Random Tales.

2011-05-07T10:05:00.000-06:00

(Entry written last Tuesday).I'm sitting outside a cafe in Escazu, Costa Rica writing this entry in the notebook I carry around with me in case good stories come to mind to post here. It's funny the situations I find myself in here. This morning I was on my way to teach private English lessons to one of my students, and as I was riding along in the taxi, the driver begins to interview me, as happens from time to time. Lived here two years now and always seem to get asked the same series of questions. De donde sos vos? Where are you from? I guess my gringa acccent when giving them the directions gave me away as a foreigner. And so I answer, and the next question follows, "ah de verdad? Cual parte de estados unidos?" What part of the U.S?" And so tell them, fully doubting they will have ever heard of it, "Tennessee" to which they reply, "Is that in the north?" I answer with a smile and a deep breath of patience and say, "no." I'm not going to go into another detailed desccription of the geographical location of the place of my birth. If they're really that curious, they can look at a map of the U.S. And so, after enough short answers to this taxi drivers unexpected interrogation, he says to me, "Yeah, they say American women can be cold." :)

Yeah, either we are cold, or we just don't like getting into a taxi on the way to work, before we've even had a chance to finish our coffee that may put us in the mood they're expecting us to be in to be asked a series of questions that require long answers at 7:45 in the morning. I wanted to tell him this, but I decided to restrain myself. I'm allowed myself to express my annoyance at situations enough while living here. I should take a break. Anyways, it's horrible for my attitude and tends to put a damper on the rest of my day.

He then goes into the story of his friend and his marriage to a gringa (Person from the states) from Pennsylvania. Says she's really cold. And how he doesn't understand what makes us that way. I politely said, "well, there are all types of people everywhere, right?" He liked this answer, smiled, and said, "good answer." I never stopped being ammused by the situations I get into sometimes. A friend of mine came down from the states recently to visit. My first visitor since I've lived here in two years may I add. There's gotta be some kind of prize for that! I met up with last Saturday, and we went out to eat. Then, he went to Puerto Viejo with his friend he brought to accompany him. They're still there actually. It was good to see a face from home. Reminded me of Nashville. The country music, the southern accents that some have, the life I lived there and will pick back up again when I return.

Going home, as I've said before, gives me a mixed feeling of anxiety and excitement at the things that lie ahead. I'm going to study for the GRE and apply to universities to study Translation and Interpretation. My plan is to see if they accept me so that I can begin studies Spring 2012. If not, I will return to Costa with the money I've saved from working and living at home to study here. It's so much cheaper, and living in the country that speaks my second language would help, no? All this remains to be seen.

Enough about my plans for the future. The Lord determines my steps. My life here right now if fleeting fast. The moments of feeling the Costa Rican sun on my skin are rapidly coming to a temporary, long-term close. Oh the things I love and hate about this place. I believe there are things we can love and hate about anywhere we are in the world. There's never going to be a place you find no fault with. Be it because of your own personality and perceptions, or the infuences of those around you. We're flawed. No one's perfect, and neither is one place. That's sometimes the beauty of life though. We make up (if I can steal the words from a famous Christian rock group), a very colorful Kaleidascope as a human race. Did I spell that correctly? I don't want Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua to be the only countries I see before I die. I would really like to keep travel a way of life.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

2011-04-27T21:09:00.000-06:00

If you've followed my blog the whole time I've lived down here in this beautiful country, then you've heard of Semana Santa. I should have posted something about going to the beach with friends Eli, Matti, and then boyfriend Douglas. We went to Guanacaste then, which is a city with BEAUtiful beaches! It was incredibly hot though.

This year, I went to the mountains with my friend Jodi Fisher. Our mission? To work on writing and reading for a week. I stayed for four days before I felt the city streets of San Jose calling me back, but my time there was so tranquilo. I brought along the book, The Pilgrim's Progress. I had never fnished it when I started it in high school so I thought this week in the mountains was as good a time as any. I'm almost done now and the book has encouraged my faith and my strengthened my vocabulary. :D It was written in Old English.

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We stayed with a friend Jodi had made in one of her past trips there. This girl makes friends with everyone, and most of the time it pays off for us! Her name was "Dona Vickie" which is Mrs. Vickie here in Costa Rica. Her family owns a hotel that is right beside their house, so she welcomed us gringas in very kindly and gave us a discounted price on the hotel room. $15 a night! Not too shabby especially during Semana Santa week when everyone is travelling all over the country, and staying in hotels.

Monteverde in English means "green mount." The place is up in the mountains and everywhere you turn, there is green year round. I can't get over the beauty that exists here.

I've posted about Monteverde in the past. This is where we went on a weekend trip for my birthday in February! You've gotta come to Monteverde if you come to Costa Rica. I can't tell you how hard it's going to be to leave this place.

So, Semana Santa was great. Now, I'm focussing on what the last two months here should bring me. I don't think I could ever really be ready. And some days I still think of staying. Life is crazy. We never really know what will happen. But I trust in God who has my life under control and in his hands.

Traditions and Piety in Central America.

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting at a cafe inhaling the ardent mountain air of Monteverde Costa Rica with my friend Jodi Fisher as I type this entry. We've come to focus ourselves on our writing and reading, and stop for a few days to contemplate and reflect on who we are, who God is, and what this whole week of Semana Santa (Holy Week) is about. So far, so excellent!

Before I update you on the past couple of days, I must first digress a little back to last week, which is known by University of Costa Rica students as "Semana U" by now you should have noticed that the word "semana" means week, and "U" is how most Ticos refer to the university where they study. You don't have to specify which University, or say its full name, you just say "La U" and it's understood you mean, in general, University. So, last week, the week before Semana Santa, was Semana U in the UCR. Which means that for a week local bands and stores come on campus to sell their goods and play their music, and the students get to partake of all this! And also, like me, anyone who comes in from the outside that just happens to be a fan of the institution. It's also at the beginning of the school year, so it can count as a sort of "welcome back to school" celebration!

Walking to campus, you can see along your way a couple of murals. The first "O nos sembramos arboles, o nos lleva puta" means basically, that if we don't plant trees, it will lead to more garbage in our lives and in the world (roughly paraphrased b/c the word "puta" here in Costa Rica means the "f" word in English, which I will not grace your eyes to read here on my blog. The idea is...PLANT TREES, SAVE THE PLANET! The second mural illustrates this ideal. In Costa Rica, and many other central and south American countries, graffiti is an artform used to express oneself, and isn't as frowned upon in these societies. Almost anywhere you travel here, you will see graffiti. It's a staple of Latin America. So these were a couple of shots I took as my friends and I walked to campus to see the sights of Semana U!

After a typical Costa Rican meal, Casado, we made our way around campus. The casado is the Costa Rican typical dish consisting of rice, beans, a salad, and some type of meat. And all for under $4. Sometimes even cheaper, depending on the place. Anywhere you go, you can find this! It's delicious, filling, and cheap. What more could you ask for? This is definitetly something I will miss dearly upon my return to the Estados Unidos.

Campus Life at Semana U! My friends Meghan and Emma went with me as we shopped for souvenirs. Top right: Meghan and Emma pick out pins with local slang phrases like, "que jeta," "pura vida," and "al chile?"

Second, is a vender selling typical food on campus,and third pic shows the bus waiting on picking students up from campus like any normal day of school.

Now of course, not to be forgotten in the traditions of students at La U is the brew! Here we have three popular beers that students drink! Besides Rock Ice, I don't believe these can be found in the states. The best beer in Costa Rica is Bavaria, named after a town somewhere in Germany, this past year the beer was rated top 5 I think by some contest somewhere in the world :D Germany maybe? The facts leave me.

In the couple of days I had to participate in Semana U, I bought a couple of items of memorablilia and also got to hang out with some great new friends "compas" en the afternoon.

Among the many booths set up with merchandise was one with Japanese items. The family lives and works here in Costa, and make jewelry out of Origami.

Ammy talks to her about buying a bookmark, and I have to take the opportunity to steal a shot with her before she closes up shop. It was great to get to meet local venders and hear live music for a week on campus, which is one of my favorite places to be, since I've had so many precious friends from this University. It'll be my last experience with Semana U in Costa Rica, so I had to take some shots and soak up the experience. And now, the upcoming week is Semana Santa, actually this very week that we're in. I'm thankful for all the wonderful opportunities, stories, pictures, and memories being here provide me. I love this country. So this week everyone is taking, or getting time off from work to think about Christ and his sacrifice, and the power of his resurrection this coming Sunday, el dia de Pascua (Easter.) More on that in later posts. Que Dios te bendiga, hasta la proxima vez! Adios!

Ready For A Change.

2011-04-12T13:08:00.000-06:00

I look out the window of my cozy little apartment shared by me and three other friends from the States who are also here in Costa as English teachers. The weather is sunny and beautiful as it is 90% of the time. I love this country. It has taken over a huge part of my heart, that's for sure. This next week. Not this week, but the next,is Semana Santa. (Holy week). This means that everyone gets out of school and work for a whole week to celebrate the death, burial, and recurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. For most people my age it ends up being a vacation week to get out of school and head for the beaches to have fun and drink beer with your "compas." (Friends)

For me, I will be relaxing in the mountains of Monteverde, Costa Rica with my friend and roomate Jodi Fisher. We both have goals to become writers in some aspect or another, and have different projects to work on, so we're dedicating a few days to get away from the city of San Jose, to go and focus on our work. It sounds great to me! Monteverde is beautiful! We went there for my birthday this year, the 8th of February.

The landscape reminded me of something out of Lord of the Rings. The scenery here is something really beautiful! But now that I've spent two years living here, I'm getting excited about whatever changes the future holds for me. I've been thinking about going back to study a Master's degree in Translation and Interpretation. I think this would be a fun and exciting career choice! I love the Spanish language and, although not 100% knowledgeable and fluent, I know I am familiar enough at this point that it should be too dificul to translate. I've also had some experience in this while I've been living here. I'm currently looking for translation programs to apply to! First, to take the GRE!

So, I'm ready for a change. Today I teach in a few hours. I'm having a friend come over tonight to watch The Princess Bride for the FIRST TIME ever! :) haha. I feel this will be a sacred experience. I love the slow and peaceful pace of life here sometimes. People are not nearly as stressed as in the States, or nearly as worried about money. This fact can be easy and not so easy to deal with. But when one lives in a country and culture not their own, one has to exercise that oh so essentila quality of flexibility. And that has been my experience the last two years, and for the next few months it will be. I'm sure it will be no easy experience either, moving back to our fast-paced culture in July, but I know, for some reason, I have to. To study and become more prepared for a job in a different field than teaching. To try something, FINALLY,new and challening in a different way. And to focus on writing, which I've discovered is something I really enjoy and feel could be seriously pretty good at! :) Now, out to rent a movie, and go teach some business associates some of this English. Stay tuned.

Maybe It Was The Chocolate.

2011-04-04T22:31:00.000-06:00

It's so inconvenient to truly care and love someone who in the end can't give you what you want. As in, be with you forever and maybe, I don't know, father your babies and grow old together with you one day? Be it that they're immature, indecisive, selfish, or a little bit of all three of those things. I gave my heart away to someone who had no idea how to appreciate it and still doesn't. And now I'm left with (forgive me for using cliches) broken pieces of who I was to pick up and put together again. I don't want to forget, but in the forgetting there is healing. I don't want to let go, even though I know that in the letting go, there is freedom. I still hurt when he hurts, get excited when something goes well for him. Feel completely at ease, peaceful, and happy just when I get to sit beside him. This is ridiculous. I've never been so smitten for someone who has made it very clear they want nothing more with me. I feel as if going through a divorce would not be as emotionally different. I've never ached for someone's presence like this before. Cried for them so much, or over them so much, wanted to have done anything just to make them happy. Loco I tell you. This was why, a few months back, I posted "love is not rational" on my facebook. To which came a quick retort from a strong believer friend saying, "Love is rational. Lust is not rational." While I can't say that I agree or understand completely. I still say love is not rational. Why would a perfect God decide to become human and die for sinful man? Not logical, right? I thought so, and that was what I was referring to.

I leave this country in a little over three months, and I hope not to be holding out any false hope of fantasies that one day he would magically arrive at my door and want to see me again. The truth of today is he's not good enough for me. But oh how I want him to be. I've dealt with this too long, but it seems to be coming back every once in a while. Maybe it's my thinking of leaving and the simple fact that I may never see his face again in person. I have to accept this. I have to let go. No matter what it takes. I'm praying for this. It's so hard. My heart is so stubborn. Maybe this rush is emotion is due to the mound of brownie dough I just ate! :) No but really, how can it be that I would give anything, long for with so much of my heart, and dream about, something that is entirely in vain?

Poem Inspired by a long past break-up- yet still hurt remains.

2011-03-10T16:29:00.000-06:00

Preface: I wrote this poem while sitting at a cafe in my favorite city, and hometown of the inspiration for these lines. I love Cartago! And I love that "all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." I have many other writings about this topic, as love and things like it are a never-ending inspiration for the human heart. But here is just one. It may sound juvenile, but I am just starting again on the writings I left off on in junior high! :P Bear with me please...

Loves That Serve As Lessons In Our Lives:

I lost myself there for a minute, but now I just might be back;
The sun had gone down, but now I see clearly the things I had lacked.
The rain is gone and what’s left with me now,
Is a subtle but gentle peace like the sound of a melody coming on,
One so familiar you can’t help but sing along.

I feel myself coming back; I’m beginning to remember the sound of my laugh,
It wasn’t only with you I could feel, that the joy that broke through my heart was so real,
But the thought that you should be the reason,
Confirms for me that it was only a season.

It wasn’t only with you I was worthy,
To feel that I tell a story,
Or be beautiful or creative or wanted,
You told me so many times but my heart had been haunted.

I couldn’t hear the truth, nor smell nor taste it,
You replaced the only truth I could place my hope in,
My heart was gone before my head had noticed,
the severity of the damage that rested below the surface,

Ya me canse del sonido de tu voz,
Ya me canse de tu en todo,
Hasta que otro recuerdo, canción, o viento, viene a mi mente,
Y vuelvo de amarte otra vez

Sometimes at night I still think back,
When the memories come relentlessly to haunt,
It’s hard to imagine how this love I feel will die,
It’s just takes faith to believe it will soon come to naught.

I appreciate all your words of comfort,
The times you really meant the concern you gave to me,
The smiles, laughs, and hugs we shared,
Oblivious to what would come to be.

The joy my heart felt with you,
Will be hard to match I’m convinced.
I haven’t felt this way for many,
The days that passed with you weren't just as any.

The pain is just the consequence,
Of giving my best parts to someone,
Who really had no clue of their worth,
A cruel disillusion of the possibility of love.

The Pura Vida Life continues as I need to update you guys more!

2011-03-08T14:53:00.000-06:00

Well, I went to the Isla Tortuga this past Sunday with my roomates and some other friends to "aprovechar" (to make the most of) the day! It was a $50 trip that included lunch,a boat ride to the Island from a town called Puntarenas, and the whole afternoon spent on a beautiful Island full of palm trees and snorkling!

Now I'm sitting here with a terrible sun burn, but beautiful memories. Must buy coppertone next time. The "Isla Tortuga" is a little island set off the southern coast of Costa Rica. They have great snorkeling there, so we went! The boat ride to the island was about an hour and a half. It was long and relaxing. The water was fresh and sprinkled and sprayed us as we road along to our snorkling destination.

Once there, we strapped on our gear, with our flippy floppies and hopped on in the water. After about half an hour of seeing beautiful black, orange, and blue striped fish with some other European tourists,a school of jellyfish comes swimming around us. Not the big kind you find in the Gulf of Mexico, but a smaller type. When they stung it felt more like an itch. However, who wants that? So, we quickly got out of the water, and our snorkling trip was cut a tad short.

Afterwards, we made our way back to shore and spent three or four hours lying in the sun. My Aveeno sunscreen wasn't as waterproof as it claimed to be and my entire lower back soon resembled a tomato by the time we were heading back to the city, San Jose. Yesterday morning I woke up nauseous and had a terrible headache, but after spending quality time with a bottle of aloe and my waterbottle as well, I'm feeling much better! The sun's a killer! The beach was beautiful, I got to know another part of Costa Rica I'd never been to before, and also some new people I didn't know before either. A great trip. Other than being stung by tiny jellyfish and sunburns, I enjoyed it! :D Next time I'll have someone else apply sunscreen to my back!

Today I'm tutoring Luis at the mall near the UCR. He's a professor at one of the other local universities here working on his doctorate. He need help reading the English articles for his research! :) Then, later, I have classes at the institute I work for. 7:30-9pm. My favorite part is meeting new people. Everyone wants to learn English so much, I feel it's enough sometimes to just have conversation! My life here is so relaxed, although I'm not exactly earning a lot of money, I'm receiving an experience that I'll never forget and that is changing me!

Another professor whom I've been teaching privately is coming to our Crusade meeting this Sunday. He is athiest and says he feels jealous because I know God. I told him that was no thing to feel jealous about, and asked him if he thought it was possible for him to have it too? He said he wasn't sure, but would like to know. He's coming to our Bible study this week and I am prayerful and hopefull that God will work in his heart! :D Please pray for Professor Jorge!

Life in motion.

2011-02-27T17:50:00.000-06:00

I'm learning lately that God is really very serious when He tells us in Isaiah that "his ways are higher than our ways," and "his thoughts from our thoughts." When I try to figure things out for myself, and follow my own thoughts and desires, I end up spending all of my energy running around "like a chicken with its head cut off" only to end up at the very place I had begun.

An example of this occurred in my life about a week ago now. I came back to my apartment from my morning English class, and began applying for jobs in the States online. Just, searching to see what there is, and wracking my brain for something I would like to do. I feel pressured to figure this out soon. Why?

So, as it happened, I spent three hours searching teaching jobs, ESL certification opportunities, and the like. At the end of it all, I sat back and thought to myself, "what am I doing?" "How will I ever leave this country?" No doubt, should and when the day comes I do go back to the States, it will be difficult. As of today, I don't know if that will be July or December of this year. My heart has been enamored by the beautiful slice of latin america. I want to share it with all my gringo friends and family too! This thought makes me want to go home. To start working, to actually save up some money to travel to other places and do other things. But my heart is so attached. No worries though if you're friend or family at home. The day will come! We will see each other again. :)

All we really have to base our lives on as humans is the authority and power of God's word. It's his way of communicating with us. Unfortunately it doesn't say,"Special message for Jodie Upchurch!! This is what you should do with your life at the age of 26, 2011!"...however, he says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." So, I'm not sure how right it is for me to feel so pressured by the inborn North American culture pumping through my vains that says, "quit wasting time, get a real job, make more money, be responsible." Those are actually only voices of a worldview instilled in me from the day I was born. I can't really think of any good reasons to listen to it. It's funny how I worry so much about measuring up to the "status quo" when those who are doing such a good job at it really don't seem to be that much better off.

I love this country. I love my beautiful Costa Rican friends. I don't know what I'll do in the near future, but I know that God who brought me here two years ago has not forgotten his purpose for me, and he says he will be faithful to finish that work until the coming of his son and my savior. I can trust in that! I can't trust in the status quo. So, as my future is a question mark to me, it is clear to God. I will wait on him for the verdict.

Landed.

2011-01-15T00:02:00.000-06:00

Now that I'm back in Costa I'm excited and ready to see what this new year brings. I certainly could never have guessed I would still be here this long. I think a certain boy had some things to do with it, now that I see things with real hindsight. It's amazing how much one can learn from living outside their native culture. But more no that later as the days go on in Central America.

I'm sitting here with new roommates, in a new apartment, with new goals and expectations for this new year. I love new beginnings!

Tomorrow is the first day of my new job teaching English to kids and adults. I'm hoping to have enough hours to survive! We'll see. My "plan" for now is to go home for good in July. I'm still in the process of figuring out what exactly I'll be doing then, but all in good time, and God time more importantly. Whatever happens from here on out, I will forever be grateful to Costa Rica for teaching me more about myself. And I mean that in the most non-cliche way possible.

So, the flight took me first through Chicago, Il then to Mexico City and then finally to San Jose, Costa Rica, where I arrived a week ago tonight! Most of my time has been spent getting settled in the new apartment, and trying to move all my stuff from the old one. Now we've almost succeeded in that! Sunday should be the day when finally all my stuff is out of my former place.

Well, enough idle typing and listening to Ben Folds and Elton John. Time for bed so I can wake up in the morning and teach English to kids from 8-12 years old. Stay tuned!

Every Day is a Winding Road. Well, Some.

2011-01-04T23:02:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I took a drive up to Louisville, Kentucky to see some beautiful people I studied with in college, and whom I've missed for a while! It was a wonderful trip, although it didn't turn out exactly as I was expecting.

First, on Saturday I saw Sarah. (the first Sarah to be mentioned but not the first in my life.) We watched our favorite tv show "How I Met Your Mother" until we couldn't take anymore, knitted, and hung out and caught up. It was pleasant and just what I had been needing for a while. Thank God for old friends.

On my way up the interstate to my next destination, Louisville, I came across a detour caused by some unexpected construction work. So, two roads diverged on some gray asphalt. Which one to take, I asked myself. They both seemed pretty traveled by. One said Owensboro, and the other well, in my memory it remains nameless. So I stayed in the lane I was driving in and ended up in Owensboro, a town which, soon to be to my knowledge, is quite far from my intended destination. Turns out, I ended up on this parkway/highway I had never heard of for almost 5 miles before seeing an exit sign! When the exit sign finally appeared, it led me to yet another desolate, LONG and WINDING slab of asphalt that seemed to lead to nowhere until I glanced up ahead in the distance a gas station, lonely and waiting expectantly for a weary traveler such as myself. So I stop in, ask nervously how I may be able to find my way back to where I came from and get to Louisville! The lady just looked at me with a confused face and asked the lady working next to her. They both seemed baffled that I was actually trying to get to Louisville from where I was. I didn't even know where I was. So, after about a half hour explanation of which roads to take, and which turns at which stop signs, I prayed silently I would make it there before nightfall.

As it turns out, I did make it, be it an hour and a half later than I had planned. I was still able to meet with best friends Sarah Beck, Brittany, and Erin among others..you know who you are if you're reading this.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

The Home Experience :D IT'S NEW YEARS ALREADY!!!

2010-12-31T16:43:00.000-06:00

:D I should have pictures in the next couple of days of my shenanigans lately.

Tonight I was invited to my best friend from elementary school's house for a New Year's Party. I can't believe today is already the very last day ever of the year 2010. I can't say I get really excited about my life when I look back on that year. Things sometimes really don't happen the way you expect or want them to. Maybe that was my biggest lesson learned in 2010. I began a job I thought I would like, but turned out not to be my calling. I broke up with a boy I really loved but am not meant to be with. Still hard. I learned a ton about myself through my trials. You can't trust everyone, you have to stand up for yourself at all times, even when you don't expect to have to. And you can't expect everyone to be your best friend and want to hang out with you on weekends. :) Especially when you work for them. Ha. I'm sure God is looking down at me and thinking, "oh Jodie, Jodie, Jodie."

There have been so many lessons I've learned in life that I just didn't put into practice. Facts that I knew well enough in my mind, but somehow forgot to actually apply to real situations. Being at home, alone, with my parents in their house has been helping me put a lot of things into perspective. Some things difficult, some realizations of things that I need to change, but I know it's all going to work out for my good "for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:28). I'm pretty stubborn and hardheaded at times, but I'm thankful that God is ever patient with me. I can't use that as an excuse not to use what I've learned anymore though. Like they say, hindsight is 20/20. Had I the ability to look back on all this at the beginning of this year, of course I would have done things differently. But that's not how life works.

Now I know and am stronger through my experiences. We only get to see a small picture of the huge painting God is painting that is our life. I am setting a few new years resolutions in 2011. 1).Absolutely no never not at all drinking cokes or carbonated beverages 2).Spend a designated amount of time in the Word of God every day 3). Begin studying (grad school for English with an emphasis on writing) or TEFL/TESL certification. 4). Finish three short stories AND 5). Make the decision to stay or leave Costa Rica forever (typed with a sweaty palms and feeling of exasperation).

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Oh There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

2010-12-26T15:25:00.000-06:00

Sitting by the gas-heated fire, watching old Christmas movies, watching my dog chew on his bone in the living room, reading good books, and enjoying new gadgets received for Christmas while watching the little bit of snow fall over my house in Nashville. This is Christmas at Jodie's house this year. Not so different from the many years past. So far I've gotten to spend good quality time with family (grandparents, parents, sister) and enjoyed the rest being at home and not working brings. :D

At the local church where I grew up they put on a play every year to parody The Andy Griffith show, which they call Christmas in Mayberry. Mayberry being the name of the town where the show takes place. Every year my dad plays Barney Fife in the play! Barney Fife is a deputy law enforcement officer in the show, so my dad being a retired police officer, the role fits him pretty well. We're headed out soon to go watch the much awaited performance.

Yesterday we woke up, had breakfast together, as is tradition, and opened presents we had bought for one another. I'm hoping to get to see friends from college in the next two weeks I have to be home in the States! In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy Tennessee life, being home with my parents, driving, experimenting with my writing, reading, and having Christmas vacation. Love to all.

"And whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23

Jodie

Touched Down and Tired In Tennessee

2010-12-20T22:01:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally made it home after some complicated and stressful trips to the airport. Never thought it would be so complicated. :D Now, just a few more gifts to buy, wrap, and put under the tree and I'm ready for Christmas! It isn't snowing as I thought it would be, but I'm kind of glad.

While in line at the airport yesterday, I met a guy who had brought his motorcycle and taken a month to do nothing but travel around Costa Rica and see the sights. Adventurous! There are always many interesting people in the Costa Rica airport going home. Some half clothed and sun-burned, dragging a huge bad undoubtedly full of soon to be washed dirty clothes. Some, looking ready to get the skies to go back to gringo-landia where they can live their normal, comfortable lives.

Me, I was ready to do what had to be done. Go home, see family and friends to celebrate the coming of a Savior and a New Year. And now, here I am. I'm happy to be back visiting, and still pretty tired from all the expectation of flying, not flying, then finally flying, and landing late last night. On the way through the Charlotte, North Carolina airport which was my layover, there was this poor drunk woman who just though the security metal detector, walk through thing was just too entertaining! She was quite entertaining herself for the security workers there. On the plane to Charlotte I sat next to an Aunt and her niece from Rhode Island who had been visiting Costa Rica for a couple of weeks. They were really sweet, and the Aunt was a financial adviser, so she gave me some wise spending advice for life. Nice flight, nice people.

Then, after Charlotte I had a one hour flight to Nashville, where it was a chilly 27 degrees Fahrenheit. I came from 75 degree weather to 27 degrees. Welcome to the USA in December. :D But I love it. Waited for my dad, he picked me up, we came home last night, and I went out with mom today to shop and run errands today. Now, I'm ready for lots of hours of sleep and a few more days to prepare for Navidad! Touched down in Tennessee, tired, and glad to be back. At least for three weeks.

Ya me voy (I'm leaving now)...well, I thought so.

2010-12-18T19:09:00.000-06:00

So today I was supposed to fly to the States for Christmas. I spent what I thought was to be my last night with friends for the next three weeks lastnight watching Pan´s Labirynth! I really enjoyed it! Then, after getting three hours of sleep, I woke up at 4:30am to get ready, went to the airport with my friend who so kindly took me, and waited in line to find out that my name was not in the computer system, so I had to come back tomorrow and bring proof of the reservation number of the flight.It was very traumatic at first. Nothing like this has ever happened to me. But, then I got over it and called my friend back to pick me up again.

After breakfast, I called mom, found the reservation number and spent my non official last day in three weeks in Costa Rica. ha. Right now it´s pretty early, and I´m hangin out with my friend Andrey. I think I´ll go back to my apartment tonight and rest, go to bed early, pray, calm myself. Tomorrow, I will wake up again, go to the airport, and pray that my evidence is enough proof for them to give me another flight. Nashville, I´ll be seeing you. And gente (people) I´ll be keeping you posted on the details! Buenas noches

The ending of a series, and a series of endings....

2010-12-06T22:46:00.000-06:00

I had a great weekend! (the first part will be in Spanish, so if you don't know, get your dictionaries out!) El viernes, no me fui a trabajo! Como que en la noche jueves habia salido con unas amigas y tome dos cervezas muy rapido antes de haber bailar la Cumbia! Mala idea. La manana siguiente, me levante con UN dolor de la cabeza y del estomogo. Por eso, no fui viernes y me quedo en la cama dormida hasta 10:45 de la manana. Asi, tenia tres dias para el fin de semana!

Friday night was LOST night, and we finally saw the Finale! It was great! Many people say it left them frustrated and still asking questions, but I dare to suggest that perhaps those people needed to pay for attention to the plot, as complicated and changing as it may be. I loved this show. It's beautiful and includes a lot of religious symbolism that made me think more about the existence of God and good in the world. I highly suggest to anyone with spare time to invest it in Lost. :) You won't regret it!

Saturday I was invited to play drums at my friend Jose's church in Naranjo. The name of this city means "Orange Tree." I got to play a drumset for the first time in a LONG time. Since maybe June of 2009. ha! Crazy. Pictures and videos you can find on my Facebook profile. The night was a worship night, so there was a lot of opportunity to praise God for what He's done in your life, and also just reflect on who He is. This helped me a lot. After that night I felt an extra shot of peace and the security of knowing that God knows all, and He will always be there for me, no matter how far I fall or don't call on Him. His mercy is new every morning! For real!

On Sunday we all went to the weekly Bible study meeting. It's always good to have fellowship with other believers! I love Sundays for that! It's an encouragement to my week.

I've been learning so much about myself since living here, and more specifically this year. I've learned this year that I have a passion for writing! I've been doing a lot of creative writing stuff in my spare time, trying to sharpen the craft. I've also learned I'm not cut out to be an elementary teacher, which is ok I'm coming to terms with. You live, you learn,and from now on I will be sure of this. Through heartache and much much confusion, I've learned that one has to be true to themselves first and foremost before they can be true to others, and also that you can't trust is another person's opinion of you to make you feel good about yourself, because opinions change. I've seen more and more that the only true constant I have in my life is Jesus Christ. He's the only one who's the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

I can trust in that, and I can trust in Him. He is good.
In 2011, I hope to pursue goals without fear and with much joy in the Lord. I trust in Him that in quitting my current job, other opportunities will come up, and this new English teaching job will teach me even more! I'm ready for new challenges. And to not be weak in my endeavors, but to hand them over to God and go for it with all my heart. I could say much more about this year, but I'll save that for another entry. For now, the only thing I know is I know very little, but that I trust in a God who knows all. And it's not just a cliche, it's a truth older than time, sharper than any two edged sword, translated into all known languages, and extended and offered to anyone who would just accept. Now, to spend some time with Him. I'm off. Until the next episode!

Jodes

Quote of the Day: "Talk is cheap."

A poem.

2010-11-29T22:03:00.000-06:00

was writing away in my notebook on the way to Cartago the other night, and began a poem. Then, tonight, I decided to finish it. Here's how it goes. Remember, I do appreciate feedback! Practicing my artistic outlet!

The Old Man and The Inexperienced Writer

As I was walkin down the street,
A guy on the street asked me,
honey,why do you write?
I say, well, I got something to say,
And he said, “Who are you to be walkin’ in them shoes?”
And I say, “well brotha, I don’t really know whatcha mean.
You see I ain’t really lived all that many years,
Nothing much to see in me but innocence,
He responds with, “yeah, well that’s just why I ask. What you got to say that could have any relevance?”

I say, Well, the sky is blue , that’s a fact, but they othas who see it quite gray,
Ya see, we all got scars, we all got bruises; stories that’re just waitin to be told one day,
And ya know I just figur’d I’d get a head start, bein as I like writin’ and all.
Ain’t no reason to be getting all fluster’d, writin’s really an expression of art.

How you ‘s is seein’ the world can only be explained in yo’r own words,
Ain’t that right?
So why do you say I ain’t got the right?
To share whatever’s on my mind? I bet you’ll come to see in time,
That it ain’t just age that paints a picture,
It’s tone, and prose, alliteration, and diction.
That come together to play a song, that extends itself into a form,
To be told perhaps, again one day,
So that others will learn to say,
That they too have a story to tell, and that they know it very well.

So you see, kind sir, I’d love to explain my point of view more clearly,
But maybe you should just wait for the next book in the series,
It’ll surely send you wishin you had become a writer yourself,
To express all your deepest thoughts and views, that inside yourself are kept,

And as we finished, the night started to come,
And it became clearer to me,
That what the nice old man was really seeking,
Couldn’t be found in an argument with me,
His life had turned dull, and lonely, and trite.
And somewhere along the way he’d missed his flight.
He’d had a dream, once real, once alive,
That he let slip by him, and then it slowly died.
But I was more and more convinced, that there are others like him,
Who lose grip on the rope of the dreams and continue,
Without a second thought, only worries,
And so I began to write this story,
Of the things that took place one day in my life,
So that those who would read could identify

Before I go to sleep...just want you to know...

2010-11-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

Sunday's are great days to reflect and relax before the work week begins. Today after our Crusade weekly Bible study meeting, I came back a little earlier to my apartment here in Cariari. On the way, I stopped to capture an image.

These are black dresses placed on swings in the middle of downtown San Jose. Each represents a wife or daughter killed due to domestic violence, killed by their husbands or fathers. The white dresses are daughters, the black, wives. Many women stay in harmful situations due to lack of finances if they leave their husbands, or fear of death if they try to go to the police about abuse. Often times the police can't do very much to change the abuse situation so many women give up hope of anything changing or of receiving help. This is definitely an issue in all of Latin America that needs to be lifted up in prayer. Women's rights is still a thing that lacks development in being defended! Please be in prayer for Costa Rica with this issue.

Lastnight my friend Douglas and his friend Fabrizio performed a concert in a cafe just outside the University of Costa Rica! They were able to raise money to help the victims in the recent November floods Costa Rica had when 30 ticos died and many more lost their homes in mudslides that lasted over a week!

This is just a little glimpse of how that concert went! There are videos on face book! This weekend Jodi, Chelsea, and I found a new apartment we're going to live in beginning in January! And my new job starts up then too! I've been so worried and anxious over this decision, but now I have come to believe and feel that it's the best one. Tonight, after talking with my dad on Skype, which has been a phone call way over due, I felt much better, and a bit relieved. New job, new apartment for 2011. :) New horizons in the distance. Now it's time to sleep. Tomorrow begins a brand new work week. Three more left! I will rest in the knowledge that God is with me! Buenas noches!

Am I Bi-Polar? Never thought a decision could be so hard to make.

2010-11-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

I've begun to feel there's just no more to tell on the matter of my quitting my elementary teaching job. I go back and forth on the topic so much that I need to make a final decision. I feel like I'm trying to decide to break up with someone I'm in a harmful relationship with, but I can't do it cause I'm too scared of their reaction. But I know it's something I have to do. I don't know how I can possibly continue in a job where I feel unsupported professionally, inexperienced (which I am), unhappy, and completely (and when I say completely I mean when I'm at school I just watch the hours pass on the clock and wish I were somewhere else) unmotivated.

I think the students deserve someone who's happier and really wants to be there teaching 4th grade. I don't believe I could ever arrive to be that. Plus, I don't think this was the ideal environment to experience your first year of teaching. Now I know why in the states you get so many observations and critiques from teachers when you start out. So, all that said, and after making a list of "pros" and "cons" and going over it again and again in my head, praying and not receiving a clear answer, I've decided I will quit. I have another job lined up for January teaching adults 20-30 hours a week. I also will be doing private tutoring for college students in my off time. I'm looking forward to the change, and also to living with friends and not alone, if we can find an apartment. I'm not worried about breaking my contract. Honestly, that's the only think I'm losing by quitting and I just have faith that it won't negatively effect my future job opportunities! I would like to pursue different paths, and I feel that this is the first step!

In other news, as yesterday was Thanksgiving, we gringas and gringos celebrated by cooking up some traditional foods and deserts for the ticos! Here are some of the foods that represented:

Yes, watermelon! (sandia)

dressing./stuffing! Very tasty!
The food was all very delicious and we also had Turkey! After dinner, we all shared something we were Thankful for. It was a great turnout and Jodi Fisher did a great job of coordinating the night! Thank you Jodi!
I'm currently enjoying my two days out of work yesterday and today. I have plans to take an exam to be an English teacher at an institute today, and also I'm going to teach another lesson at another institute I'm trying to work in in January! Hoping all goes well. Then, later tonight, the epic saga of LOST has it's finale! If we don't finish tonight, we'll finish next week, but I think there's a high chance it'll be tonight! :) EEEHH. I'm so anxious to see the end. Hope you all are enjoying the rest of your Thanksgiving vacations, and stayed tuned to by blog for more updates on my life in Costa Rica! Love!

Jodes

Advice: A Double Edged Sword

2010-11-22T20:40:00.000-06:00

You know they say that people seek advice when they already know what they should do, but don't want to face it or don't like the conclusion. As I sit here in the silence of my overpriced, over sized apartment provided to me by the nice rent check I get from the school I work in, I'm faced with this truth.

I have never in my life experienced an indecision quite so palpable and reoccurring. One minute I want to leave everything and run for the hills, the next I think I should stay because it's only 5 months, and I may learn something and grow, even though right now it's nearly impossible to feel motivated or excited about my job. I love the students, but I feel so incredibly inadequate as an elementary educator. Maybe this is where they separate the women from the girls? I'm stealing the "men from boys" phrase to get my point across. Maybe instead of crying and running away, maybe instead of flying, I can fight. I know it's 5 months more of this teaching job, and who wants to waste any time doing something they don't enjoy but how do I know now that God doesn't want to teach me a lesson in all this. Maybe just because it's hard doesn't mean that I need to abandon everything I've been working on up till now, (referring to the fact that I've worked at this school now since February.) We have one month break for Christmas, which should be great for rejuvenating my senses and mental health. I'm going to read like it's nobodies business.

Another reason it's been so hard is because I've mentally checked out. I honestly have a fear that if I invest too much of myself into this job, which I feel is necessary to be a good teacher, that I'll miss out on other things Costa Rica has to offer, like my friends and maybe language courses. But who's to say that if move closer to the city with friends that I won't have those opportunities? I could! Plus, we get a lot of vacation days that are paid. Not many jobs offer that! I need to look on the bright side, and not waste my time being miserable and melodramatic. I will make it through, and I should learn through the process. We'll see what tomorrow brings. We don't always have to run away from the things life brings us, but we can take the opportunities to learn from them, gain a new perspective, and manage our time and social networks more wisely to make sure we get the most out of it we possibly can! That can be a goal for 2011. A new perspective is good fuel for motivation.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?"

Rhumbo Perdido

2010-11-13T10:27:00.000-06:00

Sitting in my apartment on this lovely Saturday morning, contemplating all the things I would love to do with this day, including updating you on my life in Costa Rica as of today, November 13th, 2010! Last night was another, and we're coming to a close on the series, LOST night! :D eeeh! I really really love this show, and I will be sad when we finally see the end and will have ended our weekly viewing. Well, asi es la vida. (That's how life is.) We begin things, and things end. It's fun while it's lasting and I can't wait to see what happens at the end. This is one complicated storyline, Lost.

Lately I've been feeling a heavy weight on my heart and mind. Ha, that sounds a bit emo but those were the first words that came to my mind. I really don't like my job. I have mentioned this before, but yesterday I talked with the elementary coordinator at the school, explaining my feelings and my recent lack of total motivation to teach 4th grade. She encouraged me to find a job that really makes me happy and that I really enjoy. I completely agree, but growing up, I was never really told that enjoying your job was important. The important thing is to make money. I think my generation is very different in that sense, from the generation of our parents. Not that I chose a career that makes a lot of money. Teaching is definitely not a money making job. But my thoughts were always, well, its a job, it's not supposed to be fun, right? WRONG!!! I have experienced in the past couple months what having a job you don't really enjoy or believe is very important can do to your overall outlook on life and "animo" as it's called in Spanish. Which means, "your general happiness and joyous outlook on life or cheerfulness." That was my paraphrased definition.

Anyway, she confronted me with a decision. I had come to the conclusion that if I could switch my job to ESL for January, that I wouldn't leave the school and break my contract. However, I learned that that is not a possibility for me in January at A.I.S. so I've decided I will quit in December. My co-worker and elementary coordinator really helped me by telling me there's no need to feel guilty if I'm really not enjoying what I do. It was an encouraging conversation but also pretty sad. I don't want to leave this group of kids, but am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt now in my life that I am not made to be an elementary, self-contained, classroom teacher. To me, finding this out for sure is worth breaking a contract! I am currently on the search for an English teaching job and giving English tutoring help on the side, which is something I really enjoy since it gives me opportunities to meet people my age and university students, who are very interesting to work with! My plan for now is find an ESL job with adults, or children, whatever I can find, work from January to June, while applying to study ESL as a Masters degree in the States. I've also considered studying the TEFL certification course here in CR to be certified to teach ESL around the world! It's expensive, but it's an idea for the future. Depends also on whether I get into Grad school. Once again, the plans I have are up in the air, but I kind of like being here. I can really see God's hand in my life because He always provides. Always!

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to playing another "gig" with Jodi Fisher at a coffee shop in Cartago! We just never know what opportunities lie around each corner, and we should take life one day at a time! More on what happens next later. Happy Saturday!

Peace and Grace,

Jodie

Water, Water Everywhere, and Not a Drop to Drink.

2010-11-04T23:16:00.000-06:00

It's almost been a month now since I've posted anything here. I should catch you up. So, we had Halloween! In the school where I teach, the students came to school in their costumes, and at the end of the day we had a mach fashion show where the kids walked a "runway" to show off their costumes. Other than the obvious downfall that only the kids whose parents bought the coolest outfits or brought stuff from the states got the higher points, there were some very good walks down the runway. :) Here are the students in my class who participated.

The one on the far right, Larissa, won for her originality walking down the runway! :D She had an evil grin and laugh while she used her hands to make her look like she was scheming something really evil! :) Here you can see who were the ones really into it. Since Halloween is not as celebrated in Costa Rica as it is in the states, not all the students were that enthused. But the ones who were participated, and it was a fun afternoon.

Since Halloween, school has gone on as usual. I'm beginning to really consider quitting this teaching position in December. I've been pretty unhappy and very very lonely and I think lately it's been accumulating. I've learned very quickly from my experience in this job that my interests lie much more in the teaching of English than any of the other subjects elementary students are required to learn. So, as of a couple weeks ago, I'm on the search for a job in English teaching. It could be something with adults, or older kids, but we'll see. If I'm not able to find another option, I'll just have to stay at the school until June. But I'm trusting in the Lord for what to do...poco a poco (we say in Spanish. ) Little by little. One thing at a time.

In some parts of Costa Rica, the rains that have been hitting us hard lately are hitting others twice as hard it seems. In some areas, there have been mudslides that right now, as far as we know, have killed over 20 people. When it rains really hard, often mudslides occur here. Mudslides and earthquakes are Costa Rica's two main natural disasters. And of course, with so much rain the land gets flooded. That's what we've been dealing with this week! Today the kids had a day off from school because so many people are stranded or can't make it to school, and tomorrow we're out too. Good for us to get two free days, but bad for those who are suffering the wake of these terrible natural disasters. Please be in prayer for those who've lost houses and loved ones to these floods! I'm posting here the link to Costa Rica's national newspaper. In Spanish of course, but for you to get the idea of what's happening. www.nacion.com

Now it's time for sleep. I'm so happy to have tomorrow off! Have a list of things I want to get accomplished!

Call Ahead If You Want A Gig

2010-10-10T20:52:00.000-06:00

This weekend was nice! Went to see Agent Salt with friends Friday night. It was a good movie! I had many doubts going in about the quality, not having seen many really good Angelina Jolie movies, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one!

Then came Saturday and I had plans with my friend Jodi to hang out and practice music with Adams. Supposedly we were going to play in this new cafe they just opened in Cartago! It's very cool and urban. We thought plans were already made, but came to find out that no one had actually asked the place if we could have their permission to come and play that night. HA, so after practicing we decided to go ask, and of course, there was another band playing and we couldn't perform our gig for that weekend. But we're planning another one and this time we're going to plan ahead!

Tomorrow begins another work week. It was supposed to be a national holiday, but they actually changed the date from tomorrow to a week from tomorrow. So it is a possibility that not all of my students will show up. I'm trying to discipline myself to get up early in the morning before work to run with my Mp3. I've succeeded a couple of mornings so far. The hardest part is just the getting out of bed! The rest isn't so bad. But leaving those warm blankets after a night of peaceful rest is tough. EH, what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger right?

I'm going to give this weekend a close by dedicating my time to watching some Lost episodes. This show is great! The more of it I see the more I want it to take longer to finish watching, but we're on the fifth season right now. There are six! ALMOST THE END! I don't know what we'll do every weekend without it! :)

Oh, I forgot to share that I have volunteered to stay after school at work once a week (could change to twice a week) to help students with English. It's not a tutoring job since I can't charge my own students money. However, I think it will give me a feel for the teaching of English to see if that's something I should really pursue for Grad school. I'm looking forward to the experience. Well, that about sums up my recent shenanigans on my side of Costa Rica! Stay signed in for the next episode!

Como Puede Uno Hablar Con Boca Cerrada?

2010-10-03T21:14:00.000-06:00

"How can one speak with a mouth closed?"

I ask this because I just got off the phone with my mom. I've always found it a challenge to communicate with my parents just exactly what's going on in my life. My dad is easier to talk to. I love them so, but just wish it were a but easier to talk naturally about things, as I would with a friend. I'm hesitant with my mom because so many times I've tried to open up to her, but it just seems to upset her to know how I really feel about things. I guess this is just one of those things we go through getting older.

I had a pleasant weekend. Friday I took off work to run errands and had a meeting at the design studio where I had my "on the side" job of translating. It was a good meeting! Really helped me understand better a little bit of the animation world, and my current role in it.

Friday night was Lost with Eli, Matti and Douglas again. I really look forward to these nights. We're now in the beginning of the 5th season. It's getting crazy!!!! Before we went to Eli's house, I had a pleasant time just talking and riding in the bus with Douglas. I really value his friendship. He is a treasure of a person in my life.

Saturday I went to a Museum downtown with my friend and co-worker Nicola! Ha, it was my first time in a museum in Costa Rica! It was nice, but I think I prefer learning things from my friends who explain, or from exploring myself. Museums are good to visit though. My cell is currently out of service and minutes. I waited in line for way too long and didn't even get the re-charge card I needed this weekend. (Long story- look for it in the notes section on Facebook if you're curious.)

Tomorrow begins another week of school! We went on a field trip to a nature park last Thursday- it was a little stressful, but hopefully good for them in the end. :) Now, the rain is pouring once again, and I'm off to sleep...

Micah 7:18-19

2010-09-25T09:52:00.000-06:00

I was hanging out with my friend Jose the other night, and he called to my attention the verse where God hurls our sins to the bottom on the sea. I love this imagery. You find it in Micah 7:18-19.

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us. You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."

Donde hay otro Dios como tu, que perdona los pecados de los que aun quedan de su pueblo? Pues, tu no retienes para siempre el enojo contra tu pueblo, porque amas la misericordia y el perdon mas que la colera y el castigo. Una vez mas ten compasion de nosotros y borra de tus registros nuestras faltas. Olvidate de nuestros maldades como si hubieron sido echados para siempre en lo mas produndo del mar!!

NOT just good Audio Adrenaline lyrics! :)

Estoy cansada! (I'm tired.)

2010-09-21T16:35:00.000-06:00

Getting home now at 3:45 after a teacher's meeting today. I am so tired. My brain isn't as much as my body. My kids asked me one day, "miss, don't you get tired of standing so much? Why don't you sit down?" hahahaha!!!

Well, today in school nothing extra-special really happened. I can only hope they learned something from me! I have begun reading The Magician's Nephew from the Chronicles of Narnia series to the class, and they really like it! I love spreading the knowledge of C.S. Lewis to future generations! He's a great author, and I can only surmise, was a great man as well!

Although nothing really spectacular happened in class, it was picture day! So, they called us out individually and as a class to have our pictures made for the annual (year book) this year! :D Here is how our group turned out.

:D These are the faces of the individuals I spent most of my time with on a regular basis. They are some of the most talented, funny, full of life kids I've ever met and I'm very thankful to be their teacher this year! There was only one missing today, Larissa. (The aspiring author). She'll be back on Monday.

Tonight is sushi en la calle with Andrey, Jaymie, and Douglas, then reading 100 Years of Solitude and going to sleep to wake up to another day as a 4th grade teacher at American International School. Oh, and after about a month of not having work, I now have a new document to translate for the Morpho Animation Design Studio here!! Being a translator is a job I never thought I'd have but am really enjoying! It's my on-the-side work!

Energy Like A Nine Year Old

2010-09-16T20:01:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how fast this week has gone by. It was like a stroke of lightening! Tomorrow is already Friday, and thank the good Lord God for that! I don't know WHAT has happened to me this week, but I've been feeling an incredibly lack of motivation for teaching. I've gone into work only two days so far this week and I feel like I've worked non-stop for days. Very strange. Maybe I'm a little emotionally exhausted or something like that.

Today was another day of school in which I said to myself over and over "just till June, just till June." My work contract runs out then but I don't want to be moping around here wishing I was doing something else until then! So, I've concluded to make the most of each day and learn the most I can from it, and share with you here about it as well. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile anyway!

I entitled this entry "energy like a nine year old" because I've noticed how lacking my energy level is from where it once was. Sure, I'm 25 now and have more years on this body, but I can't even remember what it was like the have enough energy to run around all day long like a kid and scream and play! haha. Nope, can't really remember at all.

Here are some of the youthful, fresh faces now! From left, Larissa (aspiring future famous author!!), Jose Pablo (not far behind with an incredible ability to tell the funniest stories!), Ryu (half Costa Rican half Japanese lover of soccer), and Glorianna (a math wiz who's always looking for a challenge). This is only one fourth of my class since I have 16 students. I took this one day while we were eating lunch. They keep me on my toes and remind me that patience is a virtue, and that you should never take kids for granted! Actually, they teach me a lot more than I daily realize! I love them! :D

Tomorrow night the weekly viewing of Lost resumes. We've almost reached the end, and then I'll be caught up with the rest of North America! :D I almost don't want it to be over. Once again, thank God tomorrow is Friday! I think I'll catch some extra zzzzs tonight and go to bed early. Ciao

Staying at home alone all day is no fun at all.

2010-09-13T20:14:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up, after a late night staying up watching You, Me, and Dupree with Douglas, with a terrible headache. And it was NOT a hangover. I don't know what happened. My stomach was upset and my head was killing me, so I called in sick from work, went back to bed, and woke up again at 11am.

It was great to get more sleep but after about 2pm, I started getting really bored here in the apartment all by myself. I've been feeling emotional lately, so that didn't make it any easier. I did get a few things accomplished. I've been wanting to finish this expository writing piece for an application to grad school at Colorado State University. Got that done, listened to some music, watched the news, meanwhile, the usual every afternoon rain began to fall. And it still hasn't stopped. It's now 8:00pm.. That's what you get when you live in a tropical rain foresty climate! :) Rain! :) It can be beautiful, is great for plants and vegetation, but not for my attire, and not fun to walk in to go get food.

Oh, but speaking of food, lastnight I had the wonderful opportunity to share my stove with my friend Douglas. He came over to bring his drill and put up the painting he did of me back in May.

There is actually more to the painting than what you see here, but I took a picture, so it cut the top half off. Now i have this beautiful piece of art hanging on my wall! My room feels a lot more personal and warm now! :) So when that task was finished, we made coffee, had a chat, then started up the oven more pizza! YUM!! Didn't turn out so bad! I have this recipe book of Costa Rican recipes that, next time, i will use. But sometimes it's just fun to experiment. I do learn best by experience anyway. So, tomorrow I will be going back to school and in the morning we have a patriotic celebration for the Costa Rican Independence day, which is September 15th! I'm playing with two other teachers, a national patriotic song called, "Tan Linda Mi Costa Rica" (How pretty is my Costa Rica). I hope to have a video of this event up soon! Until then, check out the YouTube link on the right for a video of me and Jodi Fisher playing a cover of Wonderwall for a benefit concert for the Campus Crusade ministry last Friday!

VIVA COSTA RICA! Now, time for jammies and 100 Years of Solitude!

Keep a lose grip on the past, a firm grasp on the present, and you can take hold of the future.

2010-09-11T12:14:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here on this Saturday morning in my little, too-expensive-to-afford-without-the-help-of-the-school-where-I-teach, apartment in a commercial area of Costa Rica. I want to update on a few things that have happened lately. I'm fortunate enough to have free time right now, so here we go.

Next week we get Wednesday off because it's Costa Rica's Independence day!! On Tuesday, we're having a school-wide assembly and playing Costa Rica traditional songs! :D Stay tuned for the videos of that!

Last night I went to play a concert that Crusade put on the raise money for the ministry! It was so nice to just play songs that we all liked and take requests from the audience. It was truly a magical night! A cool idea and one that should be repeated someday soon!


The "band" at around 10:45pm, tired and crazy and singing random songs.

Teaching the 4th graders lately has continued to have its challenges. I'm learning how little I know in this world, and how impressionable young minds can be. This generation of kids is so different than anything I would have known when I was their age. Then again, that was 15 years ago, (one of my kids reminded me)...ha, 15 years!!!! since I was in 4th grade! Some days it seems like so much less. I'm sure I'm learning just as much from them as they are from me. I'm enjoying learning just exactly what it means to teach elementary school. The good,the bad, and the ugly. And you can't take one without the other. Somedays I wake up, and just want to stay in bed two more hours, and then wake up and read all day cause that's what I would "enjoy." But I'm learning the things we enjoy are really pretty relative. When I can go and spend 7 hours with 9 and 10 year olds from Costa Rica and other parts of the world, teaching them the English they will use the rest of their lives, and information they will need to succeed year after year, how does that compare with my enjoying a novel I need to catch up on reading? It's quite different.

I don't know where I'll end up when my work contract ends here, but I don't need to worry about that now. I don't want to sacrifice the enjoyment of the present in hopes of a future I know nothing about. God knows. That's all I need to know. (Said so often that it has become a cliche-but aren't all cliches just little truths repeated over and over?)

Tonight I get to hang out with my friend Gabriela. Today's her birthday!!!! YAY BIRTHDAYS!! Here most of the time friends offer shots of tequila at a birthday party, which has led to an ugly end to the night for some of my friends whose parties I've gotten to attend. Ha. We'll see what happens tonight. For pics of my life, you can see my facebook.

I'm still trying to figure out how to effectively post pictures like an album here on blogspot. Maybe it's not possible.....mmmm que lastima (what a shame)..my Vox.com blog is closing. So now I'll forever be here at blogspot. Oh well. Hope you enjoy reading about my random Costa Rican life!

Not My Words, But Cool Ones

2010-08-25T06:40:00.000-06:00

Lastnight, while lying in bed not being able to sleep, a song came to mind that I had forgotten about for a few years now. It's called Welcome Home by Shaun Groves. The lyrics really express how I feel these days. Would like to share it here.

Welcome Home

"Welcome to this heart of mine,
buried under prideful vines,
grown to hide the mess I've made inside of me,
come decorate Lord, and open up the creaking door,
and walk upon the dusty floor,
scrape away the guilty stains,
until no sin or shame remains.

Spread your love upon the walls,
occupy the empty halls,
until the man I am has faded,
no more doors are barracaded.

Chorus: Come inside this heart of mine, it's not my own
             Make it home,
             Come and take this life and make it all your own.
             Welcome home!

Take a seat, pull up a chair,
forgive me for the disrepair,
and the souvenirs from floor to ceiling
gathered on my search for meaning,
and every closet filled with clutter,
messes left to be discovered,
I'm overwhelmed I understand,
I can't make this place all that you can.

(Chorus)

"Take and make me all you want me to be, that's all I'm askin, all i'm askin.

Bridge: I took this place that you placed in me,
            redecorated in shades of greed,
            and I made sure every door stayed locked,
           every window blocked, and still you knocked.

-Shaun Groves, cerca 1999 :D

Infatuation

2010-08-16T22:20:00.000-06:00

"For weeks or months they moved through their separate lives and slept side by side as though they were two strangers who had mistakenly been assigned the same hotel room. And then something would happen and he would find himself staring at her as though he could see the soul of her, looking for an end to his troubles inside the loop of her arms, and he would be snagged with the fishhook of herself, with the barbed hook of his powerless infatuation with something that she seemed to have, some answer that she seemed to offer."

Anna Quindlen

Youthful Writing From My Teen Years.

2010-06-25T11:59:00.000-06:00

I was looking through an OLD journal I had back in high school lastnight and found some funny/cheesy poems written for long lost lovers, crushes I had in the past. Here are a few. :)

1). Misconception Of A Breakup: written Jan. 18th, 2001

Through the rain I see your face tonight,
as if the moon didn't shine as bright,
the day I loved you came no more,
and soon i'll see you walk out that door.

The way to my heart was left broken and torn,
my soul left empty, without a memory to mourn,
you were my first and only , a love of the past,
only now I realize those things don't last.

You were sweet, loving, kind, and gentle,
just like a boyfriend should be, simple.
I loved you until it all ran out,
and now I find I simply have lost count

Of all the times we shared together, prosperous and true,
now all i know is that I'm still in love with you,
When you left you thought it was the best thing for us,
I guess i'll be stuck here forever still singing this chorus.

____________________________________________________

2). Never Fear...God's Still Loving You: written April 19th, 2001

I wonder what would happen,
if I took the greatest risk,
Put into it everything that I hold dear,
and still the goal I miss.

I wonder still, with skepticism,
when my stumbling soul will fall,
If I gave away my fortune,
and got in trouble with the law,

My body aches, my soul cries out,
what is this life to me?
But an endless round of boxing,
without a bell to end the scene.

But then you find some kind of hope,
a light at the end of the tunnel,
that somehow you managed to pull yourself through,
guess what? God's still loving you!

He gave away His life for you,
suffered, bled, and died,
and for this awful life you live,
he promises to be by your side.

He loves you through the screw ups,
and even through the lies,
In fact, He knows every step you take,
and he feels every cry.

A suffering servant He was,
and not a mighty king,
He knows the pain you're going through,
even when His didn't have to be.

He was perfect in every way possible,
Hey he created our world,
But still He gave up everything,
in payment for what we couldn't afford.

The ultimate sacrifice,
blood shed for sin not of his own,
and all because He wants us,
to know that we are never alone,

He gave us life not of this world,
but through Him, in his light,
and now that He is living in me,
I will never fear this life!

___________________________________

So you can see I was thinking of God and boys in my teen years. :) ha, not sure how that will pan out for my future. But just wanted to post these old thoughts here to share with those who would read. I remember when my relationship with God was much easier and sweeter, and I liked to write about Him cause he was always on my mind. It would be nice to go back to that simplicity of believe.

after much time thinking of what to do while not being able to fall asleep....

2010-06-22T22:21:00.000-06:00

and for lack of better uses for this blog, I've decided to use this page for any short stories or works of creative writing that I should be so willing to share with the general public of the people who read my blog here. :)

So, the non fiction stuff you can find at jracquel.vox.com- the fiction here! I'm giving you the online run-around, but both links are posted on my facebook wall! :) Since blogspot came up with this new template designer sweetness, I feel it would be a waste to simply delete this one page. I mean, isn't it beautiful??? :) jeje. Stay tuned for the adventure...

Rain Drops Keep Fallin On My Head...

2010-05-23T16:52:00.000-06:00

Here in Costa Rica, we have officially entered the rainy season and every day for about two to three hours there comes a heavy, heavy rain. For this reason, the country has a tropical climate. Its great for the earth, bad for my shoes. I need to remember more often now to bring my umbrella wherever I go.

Tomorrow morning marks 15 more days of school. I'm looking forward to my trip back to the States for one month, but I know I'll miss it here too. Leaving Costa Rica is so hard. This past week at school, the kids had a dance recital. Each grade in the elementary performed a different dance. The fourth graders danced to the song, "I Feel Good." It was nice! They did a great job, and many of the parents came out to see them!

This is a picture one of the parents took for me when most of the kids were there early, but not everyone is accounted for. There are five students who didn't make it in this pic. I'm putting together a portfolio now for the principal for the end of the year. I need to include lessons I've taught and different ways I've showed good teaching skills. I'm really looking forward to the year coming to an end. Even though I haven't even yet taught a fill academic school year, I'm worn out. I think it's because its my first year teaching, and I'm learning new things everyday. Some good some bad, about how i feel about teaching, about the realities of being a teacher and working in a private school, and about working with the parents of the students too. However, all of this results, hopefully and If i apply it well, to me being a better teacher, or realizing that maybe this isnt the profession for me. Time will tell.

19 days left of the school year...

2010-05-17T17:27:00.000-06:00

And what do I think? That man, I am ready for vacations. This small chunk of a school teaching year has worn me out, and everyday I'm still worn out. I'm doing by best to put everything I'm learning into practice, but still sometimes I feel inadequate as a teacher.

This past weekend there was a retreat with Campus Crusade here in Costa Rica. It was restful to learn from two wise Christian missionaries and see people of my own age. Well, at least people around my age in large quantities. I really like that. It was restful and relaxing! I also got a haircut, that I've been needing for a while yesterday. I had the support of my friends Hector, Andrey, and Donald! Ha, we all went when the last part of the retreat was over to TerraMall to a salon there. It was great! I love my new do---wanna see?

I like it alot! It's the short in the back, long in the front look. Those of you in Nashville or Louisville will see it in person pretty soon.

Anyways, in other news rather than my hair, I'm really looking forward to going home on June 13th! Brittany Jarboe, I'll be at your wedding! Can't wait to see you!

Now, it's back to grading papers and going grocery shopping later. Love you and leave me a note!

Asi es la vida.....That's how life is!

2010-05-09T19:26:00.000-06:00

As usual, this weekend I went to stay at Eli's house in Cartago because, like most Saturday nights lately, we (me, Matti, Eli, Franzi, and Douglas) have been watching LOST! I just began watching the series this past December, even though it's been out now for a while. I've gotten hooked! It's such a good story! We're only on the 16th episode in the first season! Ha. Got quite a ways to go, but I'm enjoying it! I really look forward to this night throughout my week. I was trying to update my blog profile to make it all modern looking and cooler, but I ended up just messing up the whole html, so i went back to the way it was before. Ha. I need to learn a lot more about blog editing I guess. Sometimes the templates you find online have embedded errors, that I'm just supposed to know how to fix, but I don't, so now we're stickin to the basics.

So after two days (thursday and friday) of being in my apartment alone from having an ear infection, I was SO happy to get out and be with people. I got to hang out with my friend, Andrey, on Saturday until the night when i went to Cartago. Then, today being Sunday, I went to the weekly meeting this morning. It was nice, although I've been feeling an underlying loneliness lately that I just can't get rid of. I don't know why, other than recently ending the relationship I had with Douglas. I know deep down that it has to be more than just Douglas. I have felt this way before, when things were well. Living alone can also make it hard for one to avoid feeling lonely at times. I have to remember that I am NOT alone, and that there are people around me, even here, who love me and to whom I can go with anything. Sometimes it's hard for me to open up, and i'm stubborn, and i guess you could say prideful in that way. As if, other people don't need to know how i'm feeling, because they couldn't help anyway. That isn't true. That is a lie. Today, while flipping through the book of Proverbs in the Crusade meeting, I ran across this verse: "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire, he breaks out against all sound judgement."

Now, I can understand the first line of that verse, That he who isolates himself seeks his own desire, but that second part confuses me a bit. Breaks out against sounds judgement? Not sure why. But now I'm beginning to really understand how much we humans really NEED each other. And it isn't necessarily something bad, as if we were all "co-dependent" but rather we were created to be in communion with one another, just as God is in communion, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, in thinking about this, I am resolving to try and remember it the next time i feel lonely, and let people in. I am not very good at letting people into my heart, and with those special ones that I do, it's most often too deep and I end up getting hurt. We have to learn the balance. I am in that lesson of life right now...We'll see how it goes. I am looking forward to getting back to school after missing two days lastweek. Stay tuned as more happens in my Costa Rican life. Love you!

I Love Long Weekends!

2010-05-03T21:36:00.000-06:00

Today is Monday, but it felt more like Sunday to me since I got a day off for Labor Day! "Que dicha!" (How fortunate!). I was very happy about this, and I can say I really enjoyed the weekend. Lately, at school as a teacher, I've been feeling less motivated, and like I still have a LOT to learn to really be the kind of teacher I would like to be. I guess we could all say that at the beginning of our careers, but I've been feeling it strong lately. Somedays, I go into work just looking forward to 3:00. I hate that feeling, so i've been praying for God to send me some inspiration or some rest. He has given me both. I found this really interesting website- www.soyouwanttoteach.com. It's sort of a blog with helpful articles for educators. If you're at interested in teaching, I would check it out.

So since i had an extra day off, I spent it going to see Iron Man 2 at the theater. It was good! I have just recently seen the first one of tv, so i felt more caught up with the story. Although, i still lack a lot in my knowledge of Marvel comics. If i'm right that Iron Man is Marvil Comic. Ha, i'm not even sure about that. Douglas could help me on this. Friday night i went to a Crusade party, then later that night out to a friend's birthday party. On the way out of the party i saw the first real fist fight right in front of me in the street involving probably 10 men.It was crazy, and i would have been scared were it not for the presence of Douglas there with me. We just stood as bystanders as these half drunk men beat each other in the face, and kicked each other when they were down. Sheesh. Douglas called the police,but by the time they got there, the instigators had fled the scene. Ha. I'm glad we hadn't gotten involved, but it was a pretty exciting show anyway. :) In the end no one was severely hurt. I think they should sign up for professional boxing and at least earn money for their shenanigans.

Saturday, i went to see Clash of the Titans with another friend whom i haven't seen since last year at the UCR. I guess I made it a movie weekend. Clash wasn't that great, i wouldn't recommend it. To me, reading anything about classic Greek Mythology would have been much more entertaining.Now, I am off to sleep. Have to get ready for the week ahead. Short may it be. 6 weeks left before summer vacations! How fast the time goes and is going. Goodnight!

Cinco Pinos, Sunburns, and Healing

2010-04-25T21:06:00.000-06:00

I should update this page more often, but I feel that not that many people really read it. Maybe that's good since I can post more personal things here if i knew that not that many people were checking it out. But my point in creating this blog was to let the people i know and love who aren't with me right now in on what's going on in my life here as i live as a "tica" in Costa Rica. So, now it's time for an update, and i'm in the mood to write.

A couple of hours ago, I arrived back at my house from Cartago, a town I have spent a lot of time in since I've lived in Costa Rica, because I have close friends there. Well, lastnight there was a birthday party for my German friend, Franzi, who is a friend-of-a-friend, who just turned 23. So since lastnight was her b-day, I stayed the night with my friend Eli!

Franzi!!

This morning when we woke up, we went to climb a mountain called "cinco pinos"--five pines. It's called this because from the ground, you can see standing atop, 5 tall pine trees. Of course, there are many other trees as well. ;) It was beautiful and we were there from 10 am to around 1pm.

This is Eli!! She is a very good friend of Douglas that i met lastyear, and since then have been hanging out with when i go to Cartago! Buena Gente. (Good people.) :)

So i had a great day climbing 5 pinos with Douglas, Franzi, Matti, Eli, and Leo today. I wish you could meet them! Also, i bought my plane ticket to come back to the states in June yesterday. I'm looking forward to the visit, although I'm really unclear on what to do next in my life once my work contract runs out. We'll see. Just waiting on the Lord and thinking everyday about what decision would be best. I got an extra job offer today to teach a friend of mine English once a week! This will be a nice chance to earn some extra money, although it's more to help him than to earn money.I'm looking forward to a great week at school, and an even better rest tonight after a long day when we were all pretty exhausted! More to come soon! Questions or comments, send me an email.

Jodie

To put a face to a name, if you're not on facebook that much...

2010-04-12T21:07:00.000-06:00

Boys, make up your minds!

2010-04-12T11:52:00.000-06:00

I was thinking of writing about recently breaking up with my boyfriend, Douglas. But I'm not quite sure how to explain it. I'm still a little shocked by it all somehow. I could share with you the conversation, and how it evolved from a carefree discourse about life, to an inevitable end to a (what i thought) beautiful relationship.

The weekend began on Friday night, when Douglas came over to hang out after his night class around 9pm. We had a couple of drinks and talked about life as usual. It was a great time. I always enjoy his company and he makes me laugh. I always imagined he would be making me laugh for a long time. Nothing was wrong, I had only been hearing this little voice in my head, a hesitation. I would always ask myself the question, "And how long will this last?" Douglas has a dream/plan to study his Masters in an Asian country, be it Japan, Korea, China...doesn't know yet. But this time will come in around a year. For this, i was always wondering...."ok, so what will happen with us then?" The answer to which remained to be seen. Until yesterday.

I spent the night at his house Saturday night because we had been watching Lost at his friend Eli's house in his same town. So afterward, I went to his house to sleep since it was more convenient for me than going back home. Normally, on Sunday mornings we go to church together, which is a small group of people in a house with whom i worked with Crusade lastyear. We were on our way there from his house when the following conversation ensued:

Me: Yeah, so i've been thinking of what i will do after this next year and two months of teaching in American International School. I'd like to travel more.

Douglas: Mmm. but i thought you wanted to go back to the States?

Me: No, well, yes eventually, but i'm not in a hurry. I'm not sure what i will do yet. I'd like to teach English.

.......skip to second bus trip on our way to church......

Douglas: begins talking about ex German girlfriend and how she left Costa Rica after dating 6 months with him....

Me: Hm. You know Douglas? I dont want to be another one of your extranjero (foreign) girlfriends that you date for a while and break up with when one or the two of you have to go separate ways. When i got into this relationship i was serious about it, and I'm sure i want to be with you. For me, my future is flexible, but sometimes i wonder what will happen when your opportunities come along to do other things.

Douglas: You're not just another one of my extranjero girlfriends. I mean, when I got into those relationships (with other girls who had come to Costa Rica) I didn't expect to break up. It just happened.

Me: yeah, but you knew they would have to leave Costa Rica eventually.

Douglas: Yes, but I was "in love" and thought that it would work out. I was in HS

Me: Ok. True. Well, I would say that for you, I would stay in Costa Rica, if i thought you were serious about the relationship.

Douglas: Staring into my eyes and taking a long pause before saying: "well, i would say i wouldn't give up my future plans for this. If i had a ticket right now to go, I would end this.

Me: pausing to think...

Douglas: so, i guess you're more serious about me than i am about you

----off the bus now, walking to church

I'm feeling really ready to keep talking at this point and come to a conclusion about what was just said. So, instead of going into the meeting, we went up to the roof of the apartment building i lived in lastyear and had an hour long conversation. THE conversation that ended it, when i finally asked after a long recollection of memories and events that had led us to this point, "So, what are you saying Douglas? You want more time? Or what do you want to do?" Douglas, "I think we should break up." ......the words no girl that's really happy in a relationship wants to hear. I couldn't believe what i was hearing or seeing. Was this really happening?

Only two months together. We came to the conclusion that Douglas wasn't sure when he made the decision to ask me to be his girlfriend in February, and even though i had a notion that maybe that was true, i went ahead thinking that things might change, might evolve to be more secure. But no. For him, it was clear that because of is doubts, we could no longer date. After that, we cried together and walked to where our friends were to have lunch all together. Then, we felt the urge to stay together and keep talking.....both of us feeling like as soon as we leave, the reality will set in and we will feel sad. I didn't want that, and neither did he. So....he came back to my apartment and we watched The Labyrinth. ;) ha. But this made it even harder and this morning he left. I decided to stay home from school today to think and recover a little from this shock. Maybe not the best choice, but I know my heart will benefit from the free time. I will plan for work later.

It's a shame we only lasted two months, but I've learned i should take more seriously who i date from now on. With men, if there's any inclination of doubt, things surely won't turn out well. I'd really like to find a guy i really like who knows how to make up his mind and is at least my age. :) Maybe dating boys two years younger isn't the best idea anymore. What do you think?

Post Semana Santa

2010-04-05T07:07:00.000-06:00

Well. I now have 15 minutes before i have to leave to start a new week of teaching at American International School. We had a week long break for Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter yesterday. Hope everyone enjoyed their time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! The week before Semana Santa, though, i got a virus and was in bed for quite a while. It was something that was going around, so now i feel like I've missed a LOT of school. I'm ready to go back now, and face the challenges of the first year teaching. The students I have in my classroom are really good! I only have two behavioral problems, but I'm still learning everyday new things I can do, and old things I can stop doing, that haven't worked so well.

Ah, i just want to go back to the beach. We had a great time!

We went to a beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica called Playa Brazilito, but also went to the two adjoining beaches there. More pictures are on facebook. Finishing my coffee now, should be heading out soon! Write me! Love you and miss you!

-Jodie

It's been over a month now...

2010-03-15T22:05:00.000-06:00

And I still feel as if somehow I just landed. My life is moving fast, and changing just as fast. Many things have happened since the last time i wrote here. I believe i was still living in the house i was renting from la muchacha Quetzal, a student at UCR. I lived with her for a few weeks before moving into the apartment i now have. And now that i'm here, i feel i never lived anywhere else. I've been so busy everyday with school, that it feels like life is flying by. The school is helping me pay rent, so I am able to afford a pretty nice place within walking distance of where I work! It's so nice to be able to walk to work! I feel i'm being environmentally friendly and economical too! :)

Most of my free time, weekends and such,I spend with my boyfriend, Douglas. He just celebrated his 23rd birthday on Feb 27th and we went dancing with a group of his, now becoming my, friends. I'm really enjoying this dating relationship, already learning a lot. I feel that we are a good match for one another. He makes me laugh, and brings color to my life where i didn't have it before. Also, he inspires me to look beyond what i know and to learn new things, is always correcting my Spanish so i get better, and calls me preciosa and princesa. What more can a girl want, right? Aww. Yo lo quiero mucho. I love him alot. Please keep our relationship in your prayers! He is growing in his relationship with the Lord.

The students in my class I am getting to know more and more every day i am with them, and i love them! Some days are hard, i walk home sweating from head to toe, with a 30 pound load of books or papers to grade around my shoulders, taking a shower the minute i walk in the door. But then the next day of work comes, and i learn something new about a student i have, or someone learns something new because i was there to teach, and it feels awesome! :) I do enjoy teaching. I feel that it is a skill it takes a lifetime to perfect. Even though I studied for 5 years to be a teacher, we learn something new with every child we meet. No two children are the same, nor learn in the same way. And my class especially. If you want to speak of diversity, just take a walk in here. I have students from Korea, Philippines, Columbia, Spain, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. No students from the U.S. this year though. Maybe in August. I'm thankful that God put this school in my path, and for the one and half year contract i recently signed. I know that He is teaching me many things through this experience. I am posting pictures of some of the students on facebook, you can check it out there. I must be going to sleep now....the matress and my aching back are beckoning for one another....:) I miss everyone who's reading this from the states! Love you and will be back in June! Write soon!

Apartments. Teaching. Boyfriends. Friends.

2010-02-27T10:13:00.000-06:00

Good Saturday morning to ya! Lastnight i got to see my good friend, Andrey, and we went out for sushi around my apartment where i live now. It's good to have friends around to see in your free time. This past week at school was muy raro (very weird). Since there was a half day on Wednesday, many of the students decided to just skip school, so they received absences. Then, on Thursday, they didnt come either, because Friday was supposed to be a field trip, which most of them didn't want to go on. So, all that to say, I had about 2-4 students wed and thursday, then yesterday, no one came at all. SO, i had a day off, with which i went to look at apartments, and tried to go get my social security health insurance card, but that didnt turn out quite the way i expected. I didn't know i first had to go to San Jose to get a document signed before it was valid for me to get my health insurance card. Oh, well, it'll be back to San Jose i go sometime this week. Since most of my class went to Huntsville, Al for space camp lastweek, they will all be coming back this Monday, so normal school will resume.

I hope to find an apartment soon so that i can begin moving, and not traveling as much from home to work. It would be nice to save money by walking to school every day! I've found a few apartments, i'm just waiting to see them, and deciding whether i can afford them. Pictures to come soon.

Douglas Mora Aguilera, my Costa Rican friend of one year, and I are now dating. One could say we're officially boyfriend and girlfriend! :) eeeehhhh!! haha. This makes me very content, and today is his birthday! He's turning 23! Now, i know there's a two year difference between us. I always like guys that are two years younger than me...hmm. strange. But i'm really enjoying the adventure of being in a relationship with him, and being a novia! Tonight we're going to celebrate his birthday by watching a movie together, then later hanging out at a fun dance/bar/club place called Las Bahamas with his group of friends, who i've become friends with too. Son Buena Gente! (They're good people.) As for right now, i'm going to spend a few moments with Dios, then head out to Cariari (the city where i work) to see another apartment today! We'll see what happens! In the meantime, please stay tuned to my life here at blogspot, and i love you guys! :) Bendiciones!

Jodes

Monday, monday, so good to me...

2010-02-22T19:35:00.000-06:00

Well, there's nothing like waking up with ten minutes to get ready on a Monday morning. That's what happened to me. I forgot to turn the volume up on my cell phone yesterday plus unwisely placed the cell phone on the floor, beside my bed to charge, so that when it went off at 5:30 am , the first time, i was too lost in dreams to be awakened by its faint whisper...until it went off again at 6:10

So, my morning was a tad stressful but i'm happy to say i got all of my planning done for the week during my planning period. WHAT A NICE FEELING! Tonight, if i want, and if it doesn't bother my roomates, i can actually watch cable tv without feeling stressed or guilty. HA. Also, i'm reading a really good book right now called The House On Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. It's about a young girl in elementary school who moves to a neighborhood in Chicago from Mexico, and the struggles of a new life. I've wanted to read it for a while, but it was always one of those things i said i wanted to do, but never did. Well now i'm doing it, and i'm enjoying it.

This weekend was great! My friend Ivannia and I had a rollerskating party and several of our friends were there. Afterward we went out for some dinner and hanging out at an 80s retro club. All for under $10. Only in Costa Rica. :) I'm really enjoying my life so far this year, teaching in 2010. It is a challenge, esp to wake up so early everyday, but i love having a consistent schedule, and especially teaching these kids. They're a great group and i have been learning a lot from them already. I think in the months ahead i will begin searching for a new place to live..that is closer to the school. Now i travel about an hour with another teacher at the school who lives near me. But if i didnt have to go so far everyday, i could use that time preparing or more easily get to school everyday. We'll see. Vamos a ver. In the meantime, I'm going to go relax and enjoy precious free time. Chao!

To serve as an update....

2010-02-18T21:42:00.000-06:00

Hello all! I noticed i haven't posted since the 5th of February, and many things have happened since. So, let me update you!

After I finally got all my bags packed and things arranged to fly out of the U.S. i arrived in Costa Rica at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon of Feb 10th, where i was greeted by former boss and friend, Tatiana, and Douglas! I hadn't visited the school where i would be teaching yet, nor had i ever seen the apt where i would be living. So, there i was (here, now.)...feeling very different than i did lastyear with Campus Crusade staff there to hold my hand. I arrived to my apt where my landlord, a 20- something year old college student's mom was staying in my room when there wasn't supposed to be anyone there yet. AGH, latin america. So, we get there and we have to wait for her to arrive at the house, i'm not even sure exactly how to get there, but we finally arrive. :) My landlord, Quetzal, gets there and begins moving her mom's stuff out of my room.....(i will take pictures some day soon.....) Anyway, i finally got to move in, and all my clothes fit in the closet! HA! i have a good amount of space and it's comfortable for $120 a month, you really can't beat it!

So, i arrived on Wednesday, and by Friday, i was in the school, observing my new 4th grade class. I am the third teacher this group has had this year, so you can imagine they're feeling pretty restless. Today marks three days that i have been their teacher, even though it seems like its been a lot longer, and i feel that things are going along pretty smoothly. One thing i'm getting to experiment with alot is the curriculum! Since the school right now is in a transitional period, where the curriculum, and what is required for the students to know is up for decision, i am experiencing the freedom that comes with that in my planning, and am learning a lot!! Things my education classes couldn't really teach me at Western Kentucky University. I took a few pictures of my empty classroom this past Monday, when i went in to rearrange and clean up a bit.....

Now, after having spent the past two hours grading papers for tomorrow, i am looking forward to FRIDAY! :) And i will make it a goal to take a class picture next week to keep you guys in on whats going on down here in Costa Rica with Jodie! Love you!

Feeling Like a Nomad in My Own Land.

2010-02-05T19:32:00.000-06:00

Today I have, read Alice in Wonderland and through the looking glass, typed a letter to go home to the parents of the fourth graders i will teach this year, talked to my friend Douglas in Costa Rica, and watched Super Nanny on tv. In short, I've been hanging around the house...but in hanging around, one can often feel lonely. I do. I was snowed in for a few days, which almost made me go crazy with isolation. Then, finally lastnight i was able to go out and got to see Avatar!!! finally!! with my old friend Chaz. It was such a great movie! Today, however, has just been so gray and cloudy, and i'm beginning to feel this strange feeling like a cross between loneliness, fear, fatigue, and stress. I guess its just the getting ready to leave for somewhere you know you'll be for a long time, and wondering if you'll have the strength to finish preparing all the things you need to do in order to leave well, and prepared for this next stage. Honestly, I'm getting nervous. I think i need to call someone. However, tomorrow morning I will drive up to Bowling Green to have a Bible study reunion with those beautiful ladies i grew closer to God with while in college! I'm really looking forward to this. Hope you can make it Sarah!! Then, on Sunday going to visit a church i haven't been to in a while and hopefully talk to some supporters who helped me get to Costa Rica lastyear. Part of me is really really looking forward to this next step, while the other part is feeling scared to be once again leaving all that is so familiar behind. I guess thats just part of growing up sometimes. You can't learn without living, and you can't live without hurting. But i have no doubts that this is what i should be doing in this time in my life, and for this reason i am comforted.

-Jodie

At Home in the Cold

2010-01-10T12:19:00.000-06:00

I could get used to this blog thing! It's quite fun writing about life, it's just that normally, I don't keep one all that updated. This past week, I arrived home from Portland, Or, where i attended a Campus Crusade for Christ winter conference. it was COOOOOLD, and rainy, but not much different from my Nashville, Tn home where here today it is 10 degrees, but sunny at least! I think i need to learn how to minimize my photos so they don't overtake these blog pages. Hmmm..

So i have a part time job here at a store in Oprymills mall, but the boss is cutting back hours MUCHO, so this whole week i only work one day! ha!!! Anybody have free time?

I'm really looking forward to what life will bring next. In this moment, i am waiting on responses from schools in CR about teaching there. There is a phone call i need to make the 18th of January to a director who is interested in hiring me as an English teacher in her elementary school! Please pray that if God wants, i would go, and the interview via skype would go well! :) I would love to spend another year in Costa Rica! Hey, you guys should come down and visit next year if you can! you can crash on the couch in my apartment which is the downstairs of a house that a cool muchacha is letting me rent should i return this February! :) SO thats where i am now! New years was spent a dance party with hundreds of Crusade kids shakin their booties and Christmas was awesome, so nice to see family again. I'm really enjoying relaxing and being spoiled by my mom's cooking and not paying rent! HA! Yikes. I'lll keep you posted as news happens. Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Any New years resolutions out there you would like to share?

Hello Friends!

2010-01-09T17:18:00.000-06:00

I've decided to move my blog page over here so that hopefully more people can comment and i can get more interaction. I was lonely over there at jracquel.vox.com. So from now on, if you wanna know from me, this is your page! I'm going to leave you here and now figure out how i can use thos blogspot blog page! Have a nice night and Happy New Year! :) I'll be here waiting out the snow.