Full Circle

I can't believe where I am right now, sitting in my room at SNC, having had one full week of Kindergarten in the states already under my belt. I can't even describe this odd feeling within me...I was just in Costa Rica and so much has changed in my life already. The fast-paced American culture really sweeps one up fast.

Getting ready to leave our last morning was an emotional time. Of course the beautiful sun was shining calling us to a new day. Kayla and I had a relaxing a lovely breakfast with Mami, finishing a little packing and took a walk around the yard for the last time. Kayla and I climbed to the balcony and took in the gorgeous site we had been waking up to every day for the past 3 months. A cousin of the family, Reynaldo, had offered to drive us to the airport so once he arrived it was a couple very sad and hard "goodbyes" to Mami and Papi, and we were off. On our way, Rey got Kayla and I our last Agua de Pipa before leaving, which was refreshing! Driving to the airport was surreal; I didn't actually feel like we were leaving. Even being on the plane felt unreal. As soon as Kayla and I flew into Charlotte I knew we were definitely not in Costa Rica anymore. I felt....disappointed. I noticed right away what I did not miss about the US. People consumed in their own little worlds. Granted, you will find this almost anywhere, but it's so evident here in everyday interactions. However, instead of dwelling on the faults in American society, I will work to maintain the beautiful lifestyle practices that I lived amongst in my time abroad.

You know something? I don't think I will stop missing Costa Rica. Ever. I think about it every day. There exists air of peace, patience, love, and tranquility. I now understand why our friend, Patricio the "Gringo," would tell us that this place is "el centro del mundo" (the center of the world). Every time something even remotely stressful came our way or a mistake was made, the first thing to come from someone was, "tranquilo/a." Tranquil. Don't worry. Have peace within yourself. There's no reason to fret. This attitude reminds me of the beautiful serenity prayer:

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next."

--Reinhold Niebuhr

 It is not hard to become worried about trivial things in life, but Costa Rica taught me that each moment is a blessing and one to enjoy, right here, right now. I want to be present in the now for the rest of my life and I don't want to miss a moment worrying about what hasn't been.

During this past week I have already felt the pressure of scheduling, planning, getting all my ducks in a row, and having all my stuff "together." When I was in Costa Rica, none of my ducks were in row, every day was a new adventure and a new challenge, and you know what? I felt happier than ever because I was discovering things about myself and about people and that is more important to me now than ever. I have a renewed sense of self, purpose, and passion for living mostly because of all the people that came into my life over the past 2 and half months. Thanks to all these new people in my life, I am reawakened to the possibilities in life, and have been brought closer to God by their beautiful hearts. When I think about my experiences in life, I think of the people who have taught me about what it means to love one another and to love myself. So, to all my Costa Rican family and friends, THANK YOU. Words will never do justice to the impact you have made in my life. I miss you every day.

To all my family and friends in the U.S., you rock. I could not have even embarked on this adventure without the love and lessons you have taught me up until this point. You are all the reason I am fired for life everyday and willing to step outside my boundaries to continue learning more. It is a happy occasion to again say "hellos" instead of all the "goodbyes".

To everyone I say "Pura Vida;" love each moment for what it is and never stop adventuring :)

"Debe comprar una maleta tan grande para 28 estudiantes."

"You should buy a bag big enough for 28 students," suggests one of my precious 3rd graders the other day as we talked again about what day I'm really leaving. Trust me kiddos, I would take you all with me to los estados in a heartbeat if possible :) Some of them have gotten accustomed to joking about them really being my children. I would be nothing but proud and completely content if I were the mom of any of them, that's how much I love these tykes.

To be honest, I have gone back in forth in my mind about writing this "almost the end" entry because I know it's going to make me cry, but you know what? Let it rain.

I knew that this point in my journey here would come fast, but there is nothing to prepare anyone for a stage like this; in between two adored families and cultures. So the flutter of emotions begins.

Last week Kayla and I didn't have school because it was Holy Week (semana santa), and you know what? I missed my students so much. Seeing my students on Monday morning almost brought tears to my eyes as I got bombarded one by one by their little bear hugs. Shortly after I was also reprimanded by them because they were worried I had left for the states already ;) I pray that my last day with them is full of much happiness and great memories they we can both share forever.

 Look at these crazies :)

"Profe Sarah,

Profe, I don't want you to go because you help me a lot and you are like a mother. I don't know without you because you are very beautiful and hopefully you return soon to visit us. I love you very much, Profesora Sarah. God bless you and protect you always. Goodbye Profe." <3

Cleaning crew!!

 As I really start to reflect on my past two and a half months here, I see the faces of people who have impacted my time here. From the moment Kayla and I stepped foot in Costa Rica we have been meeting loving people left and right. It always comes down to the relationships created with others that makes life...simply beautiful. I feel as though my heart has expanded 10 x because of my students, the Crawford family, people from church, and other friends along the journey. Forever everyone I have meet here will occupy a large piece of my heart :)

                                             Part of my wonderful, crazy Crawford fam :)

Before Kayla and I began our break for Semana Santa, we got the cool opportunity of spending a day in a technical school called La INA working with an English classroom. That day is one I will remember dearly. The students are mostly Kayla and I's age and attend another university, but take English because they find it important for the fields they are studying. I am so impressed by the ambition and passion they each had for learning a new language. I also loved how much of a close family the students were; the dynamic between them all was so beautiful to experience. They were super giddy to have us there and even prepared all these yummy snacks to enjoy during break time. The students asked Kayla and I tons of questions, we got to teach a lesson, play some ping pong, listen to music, even paint nails and do hair with the gals during free time!, and watch an English movie. I enjoyed seeing the structure of the English class and school, I think they've got a good thing going on there!

Fortunately Kayla and I got to go on some wonderful last adventures during Semana Santa, which was awesome. We spent a day in San José collecting books for our school, thanks to the wonderful church of close family friends. I can't wait to give the books to the school library on our last day!


One evening we went to Papí and Mamí's finca (farm), which is called "Mariposa" (butterfly). It was breath-taking. and honestly one of the most peaceful places I have ever been in- I could see all of Papí's passion and hard work in it. As we walked around with fresh Pipas in hand, I could not stop smiling at the magic that seemed to exist in this place. Someday I hope to have my own little piece of land like such where I can spend my time in tranquility soaking in God's beautiful work. When the sunset, Papi brought out a jar and told us that at exactly 6:05 we were going to look for lightening bugs to capture. Sure enough, right at this time we started to see huge green and yellow lights coming from the trees across the stream. These lightening bugs were not like the ones we were accustomed to from home, but were rather larger and their light came from two dots on their heads that made them look like glowing eyes. When you hold them in your hand, they "click" too. It was such a happy moment. We caught about 5 or 6 to bring home and show Mamí because it was something she would do all the time as a kid :)

At the end of the week Kayla and I took a small trip to a town called "Cahuita," where we stayed in a cabin right on "playa negra" (black beach), which is part of the Caribbean Sea. I love the Caribbean side of Costa Rica; it's a whole different culture there. I love the music, the surfing, the hammocks, the open atmosphere, and of course the beautiful sound of the sea rolling in. I could definitely see myself living on the Caribbean in a little bungalow house tucked away in some trees. When Kayla and I got to Cahuita on Thursday it was almost 6pm and we didn't really know how to get to our cabin so we took a nice long stroll through town to enjoy the site and then ask someone to direct us. Brigitte's (the name of where our cabin was) was amazing; we walked down a beaten path past a horse pasture, surf board rental shack, and small restaurant area to get to our hidden little bungalow. Kayla and I were pretty tired by the time we arrived so after a yummy dinner we just relaxed for the night.

The whole time we were in Cahuita, I felt nothing but relaxed. Without technology, connection to the outside world, and in one of the most peaceful/happy environments.  Our second day we went to the national park just a walk away from our cabin. It was a nice walk along which we saw monkeys, colorful crabs, and lovely greenery. Along the way we also got offered free surfing lessons by lifeguards on the beach!

For the rest of the day Kayla and I enjoyed time on the beach, read, checked out some shops and restaurants, and then ended our night at a reggae concert right in front of the sea :) It was a grand time!

                                                 I'll say it again, I love the Caribbean life :)

Not that our weekend wasn't great all ready, but on Easter morning we woke up at 5 to go to church. It was a wonderful service! At the end Mamí, Papí, and Ines said a little something about our time here and then everyone prayed for us. It was magnificent and teary. Afterwards, our super cousin, Xiomara took us to her weekend home in Buenos Aires (no not in Argentina :)) to visit for a bit. I love it there; out in the middle of nature, so peaceful and calm. We had some coffee, chatted, then made our way back home where we were SURPRISED with a going-away party!! It was amazing. All our family and close friends were there waiting to share stories, laughter, gifts, and food. My heart was smiling big time all day long :) All these people had welcomed us from day one and were nothing but loving and supportive our whole experience. Thank you Lord for them all. Every day it gets harder to think of leaving what life we have created here. I love it and I am not ready to leave it, but alas, thus is the beauty of life and making new connections.

                                   Los pastores (the Pastors) from our church! I love them :)

So here we are. Time to slowly pull away from the sweet reality I've known for the past 2 and half months, and the community I love so much. I get ready to leave however with a certainty that I will return. This is my second home and I will never forget what these past few months have done for my life. God is good. Life is precious and to be enjoyed in every moment, not matter what is happening. I am so thankful for every day I have spent here in this special Costa Rican culture.

Well, bring on tomorrow, the tears, the laughter, the crazy school noises, the "hasta luegos," and hugs that could go on forever.

And... let's not forget Pelota, the sweet little fluffy Crawford dog. Let's be honest, Pelota, I'll be missing you the most :)












Cheers, everyone! I pray all is peaceful and well in your hearts :) Chao.

"No quiero que tu vayas."

"I don't want you to go."

I have been getting this statement more and more as the number days until I leave this gorgeous country gets smaller. When I think back to my first day here it seems like a year has passed, but in reality the weeks here are flying fast. This past Friday is a school day that will stay with me forever; I will recap:

The day started with its normal and crazy Friday excitement so when recess #1 came everyone was ready to bolt outside. I had promised a group of my boys that I would play "bolinchas" (marbles) with them. I find the same group every day behind our classroom tearing it up with marbles of all kind and I wanted to join this fun. Immediately I had been gifted with a handful of marbles of various colors ready to learn. For the following 15 minutes my little boys were full of so much laughter and shouts of joy every time their marble hit the "profe's." One of my students, Kener, who acts so tough and tells the girls in the class he's not going to miss me when they talk about me leaving, jumped into my arms when the bell rang and looked up at me with the biggest smile and just said "Profe!" :)  He then grabbed my hand and we skipped off to class together. My heart couldn't have been happier to make this small connection with my students. For the rest of the day I would feel a little tap on my back every now and then to see one of my little boys giving me a new, even prettier marble then before, with a big grin on their face. Needless to say, I was invited back to play marbles the next recess (score!).

It was a short day for Kayla and I because we were going to meet the art teacher, Roxana, at her house in Guápiles to do some art projects. So, before I left I wrote a little message on the board to my students wishing them a happy weekend. Shortly after had a swarm of my students around me asking me not to go and literally trying to trap me in the room. I was then handed various works of art and pictures as a bribe to not go ;) My little boy, Kener, grabbed both of my hands and reached up to give me a huge kiss on the cheek and said, "te quiero, profe." (I love you, profe) I was honestly on the brink of tears just leaving my students for half a day. Three of them made sure to usher me to school entrance to see me go. I looked back and watched a group of my students just standing there watching me walk away. I felt my heart break at that moment knowing that in a few weeks I will have to walk away for good...I can't imagine what the end of one school year is going to be like someday with my students.

Oh, my beautiful crazy students, who have made a little nest in my heart...

To share some other happenings in the magical world of Costa Rica a weekend ago we traveled with Papi to meet his sister, Karen, and her husband, Carlos, to adventure throughout Cartago. Karen and Carlos are so friendly and were very excited to share new sites with us. Our first stop was the breakfast table at their home in Cartago; it was tasty and lovely. We then traipsed through town a little bit to see the beautiful Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and the ruinas (ruins). The basilica was breath-taking and so peaceful. Outside of the basilica there is a little walkway to a spot where there is holy water flowing from a few different spots. A lot of people come there to pray, bathe different parts of their body that might need healing or to fill up bottles to take home. Inside the basilica was even cooler!

After visiting the basilica, we went to walk through the ruins, which was lovely. On the inside there was a gorgeous garden and small pond!

Our next stop of the day was Volcán Irazú. I loved the whole drive up to this spot; so much agriculture, cool air, and neat little towns. We could see Cartago getting smaller and smaller as we drove up, it felt like being in the clouds.  Once we made it to the national park we walked around and looked at 2 out of the 3 craters that Irazú has. I don't know how to explain being by a volcano, but it was pretty neat and inactive, so no worries. On our way out of the park we got some fresh strawberries and headed back.

An old church we visited in Orosi, which was full of much history!



After volcano Irazú we went through two indigenous pueblos, Orosi and Cachí, where Mamí was born. We ended up visiting Mamí's dad actually, who was so sweet and even played the guitar for us.
Afterwards we visited the house where Mamí grew up it- super awesome and huge!!




On Sunday Kayla, our friend Odie, and I went on a lovely adventure to a little place in Guácimo called "La Perla," where we trekked to an absolutely fantastic waterfall. The walk there was amazing as well; there were cool bamboo bridges and a BMX track!

Roxana's outside workshop is basically like a dream!

Kayla and I crafting/putting on a marionette show with Roxana :)

















Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! I wish and pray all the best for each of you :) Chao!

Yeudy...

Before the end of the day of the school day today, one of my little students, Yeudy, wrote me a sweet little letter asking me what I was doing this weekend and told me about his weekend plans. He wanted me to write my answer on the back like we were sending each other mail. So I did and returned the letter. A few minutes later he asked to borrow a small piece of paper so he could make something. This was the result...

My first thought was, "cool, a paper airplane..." and then I returned it to him with a smile. A few minutes later Yeudy came up to me and said, "No, profe, it's for you so you know my love can always fly to you."

How does one respond to this? These children are crawling into my heart.

P.S.

Remember that one time I just uploaded a post? Well, I have some news that I feel is very worthy of sharing.

While I have been here in Costa Rica, my parents, their best friends, and the people from my church at home have organized a project to collect school supplies and books to send to my school here. By their compassionate and genuine hearts, the members in my tiny little church have raised over $600 to ship things to the school. I am brought to tears by the grace of God working through people, I cannot even express how beautiful this effort is to me. I am in complete awe as I watch this connection of humanity from a few small churches in Janesville, WI to a school of eager learning minds in Guácimo, Costa Rica. Once again I affirmed that we all really need each other more than we think and we need to reach out to one another with nothing but love and dignity.

Entonces, to everybody at home who has reached out to Los Geranios in some way; through thought or prayer or however... thank you. :)

It's about that time...

for a little news from Costa Rica!

Sunshine has been MIA while it has been raining for the past week straight. It turns out the sun just wanted to use its "raincheck"...
 (that pun goes out to my ladies of 324 Marsh St.!)

Even in all this rain, Costa Rica remains top of my list as far as beautiful life experiences thus far. Every day Kayla and I wake up (a little too late sometimes), give each other "that look" like 2 seconds passed from the time we fell asleep, and wait for the "Muchachasssssss" call from Mamí to come to the kitchen table for desayuno (breakfast). Then it's quickly brush the teeth and cruise to school to be greeted by our happy, smiley children :)

I get the same uncontrollable happiness when I first see one of my students running down the corridor to greet me with a big hug every morning. Usually it is my little skinny Antonio with a big grin on his face, popping out from nowhere to hang on my side the whole walk to class. In all honestly, learning about and teaching in school here has been challenging in many ways, but when I look at my students I am reminded completely that they are who I'm here for. No matter how many times I feel disheartened or discouraged, there's nothing I want to do more than to encourage them, laugh with them, and see them thrive.

The more I learn about who my students are as individuals, the more I am attached to them. In some of my students' cases family life is inevitably not enriching and it breaks my heart what I've learned while being here with them. Out of respect I will not detail the hard and trivial experiences some of these students live with, but will rather focus on who they are despite not being given what they deserve and need.

For a few examples...
-Seeing the squeal and wide grin from my little José Alberto, the quietest student in class, when he basically "schooled" every one of his classmates in an around the world game of math problems
-My sweet Gerson, who begs to be given extra math problems with a big smile on his face once he is done with other work.
-Then there's my oldest student, Ricardo, who I catch him always sharing his small amount of colored pencils with other students or cleaning things up.
-Nissi, who loves everyone, I mean everyone...and has the demeanor of a mature adult.
-Yeudy, who insists his name is spelt "Yeudi" even after conversing long and hard with Profesora Saira about how his formal documents say otherwise (I can't help but chuckle about this), is a pro puzzle builder. He is the first one I see at recess coming up to me yelling, "Profe!!!? Rompecabeza!?"
-Kener and Josmiar, my suave dancers.
-Sebastian, who will someday I swear, be a fúbolista (soccer player) just like he dreams of. When walking home from school he is always waiting in his soccer gear to say hi.

Needless to say, there's a lot to each of my 28 students and I don't know how I am going to say goodbye to them in just a few short weeks.

 I got the great experience of observing some of the special education teachers today, which was really great. I love the special education teachers, they are very friendly and I can see how a lot of the students thrive under their direction. Also, I believe that every child needs that individual attention.

Once the school day ends, Kayla and I make the walk home, reflecting on the way. Before we make it too far we run into a lot of our students in their homes since they live so close. It's a beautiful thing.

In other news...this past weekend was really relaxing. On Saturday Kayla and I went to the home of one of my students to help with some English home and on Sunday we had a family visit (Kevin, Sandra, Sandra's father, and their daughter Kiyanni) complete with famous Rice and Bean, and fort-making with the little ones :)

The weekend best this last, Kayla and I went on another adventure with Xiomara to a rainforest near Guácimo. It was absolutely breath-taking.

I wish everyone reading many blessings and a happy rest of the week! :)

Hasta Luego, Amigos!

Me: "How are we able to breathe?" Student: "Through our hearts?"

It's responses like that... the goofy looks across the room, whispered stories, surprise hugs, the light in my students' eyes when they finally understand, shared tortillas and juicy mango, and endless amounts of curiosity that leaves my heart smiling constantly here when teaching. There is not one day that passes where the joys during the day aren't able to overshadow all the challenges and struggle.

It's finished! The U.S. puzzle map. They all really get a kick out of doing this puzzle every day.

                                Look at these beautiful ladies enjoying their meriendas! (snacks)

I cannot believe how fast these past two weeks have gone in school and looking ahead seems even crazier. Just two days ago Kayla and I celebrated being here one whole month. One month. Here I am in the middle of one of the biggest adventures I have ever had in my life and it's still so surreal.

I don't even know where to start, like normal, maybe I'll start with SLOTHS!!! because I have seen a grand total of two in the last few days. Imagine seeing your favorite animal just meandering through your school, place of employment, or home...it's pretty unreal, amigos. Yesterday Kayla came running to my classroom and told me to come outside. I didn't believe that there could be a sloth hanging out in the middle of the school, but sure enough hanging snuggly from a branch was the lazy, tranquil creature that I love. During the following recess, a swarm of students and I watched this school sloth make its way (slowly of course) from one tree to another. Ten minutes later, our sloth friend made it to the neighbor tree. There were lots of screams, giggles, and happiness all around!

 Today we sighted the sloth climbing through school ( I think it was late for class...)

To share a little bit about what the last few weeks have been like I will start with our surprise weekend with our new cousins, Xiomara and Marlon, 2 of the coolest people I have ever met.

Two Saturdays ago, Xiomara and Marlon showed up to the house and said we were going mountain climbing in Suerre, which is a city close to Guácimo! Xiomara and Marlon were so excited to show Kayla and I everything. We stopped at a Tilapia farm to chat with a few of their close friends and see a beautiful stream in their backyard. There are so many Tilapia farms here in Costa Rica, it's great! Past the farm we were doing some serious off-roading up and up until we reached a perfect spot to get out a walk.






We found our way to a gorgeous waterfall that absolutely took my breath away. Simple bliss is what I felt the whole time being in this environment. I want to plant my future home right there.

The following Sunday Marlon and Xiomara picked us up at 6:15 sharp for an all day adventure around the Limón province. *Little note about Marlon and Xiomara: these two are absolutely the most "Pura Vida" people I have met here in Costa Rica. They are so full of life and were so thrilled to take us to all these absolutely amazing places. Here is a brief outline of what we accomplished together in one unforgettable day:
1. Breakfast stop at an adorable outdoor cafe called "El Primo," where we tried out first Costa Rican coffee...mmm, rico.
2. Pit stop to pick up our favorite fruit here, Guanabana :) Like a mixture of pineapple, strawberry, and oranges.
3. Visit a few hidden rivers.
4. Watched huge cargo boats being loaded, including Dole fruit company!
5. Tour around the center of Limón.
6. Drive through the indigenous villages in Costa Rica; so peaceful and discrete.
7. Check out what cocoa trees and their fruit looks like.
8. Taking a boat from Cash, a small city, to PANAMA (what!?) to get some items at a import store.
9. Peaceful afternoon in the Caribbean, snacking on the beach.
10. Driving home with uncontrollable smiles and content hearts.
11. Dinner at "El Primo."
12. Best night of sleep ever.

It was honestly the best weekend I have had here, and all the other weekend have been pretty amazing themselves. I am so thankful for Xiomara and Marlon, their gracious hearts, and their love of adventure. I will not forget it.

The following week was our first full week of school, which was great! I have come to accept that my students are definitely going to be teaching me more than I will be able to teach them in my time with them. I love them and how they surprise me in many ways every day. I played soccer with the boys in gym the other day... oh my goodness... I'm pretty sure they are better than my high school's soccer team was. They love sharing soccer stats with me even though most the time I have no idea what they are talking about, I just smile and nod :) I am slowly learning the team names, I fear I might be quizzed one of these days soon!

One of my students favorite things to do is have me quiz them in math facts once they are done with their work. I make little problem sets and they set to work with determined minds, it's so fun to see their faces when I correct their work. Also, riddles. Today I wrote a riddle on the board for them today and they went crazy (in a good way). Once they figured it out they were begging for more.

Parents. I love talking with my students' parents, they are so kind and loving. The other day one of my students' moms told me she doesn't know what is going to happen when I am gone because her son likes having me as a teacher in his class. It made my heart melt. Yesterday one of the moms brought me a bag of recently cooked corn on the cob, which was awesome and yummy! That was a good walk home, snacking on come corn and discussing the day. The other week another one of my students' moms invited Kayla and I over to just sit and chat.

As this blog post turns into a chapter book I will resort to a list of things I am so blessed to have experienced recently :)

-A Saturday trip to San José, the capital city, to visit some popular sites like the National Theater, the Zoo, Casa Amarilla, The Cathedral, and Central Market. Kayla and I walked around for 7 hours taking in a very different city life! :)
-Surprise Birthday Party for Papí's sister. I am in love with this beautiful family. Almost all 11 siblings were there at the party where there was karaoke, copious amounts of food, dancing, piñata, merriment, and did I mention food? It is so wonderful to be in a place where the love between individuals is so visible.
-Talking with Mamí about God and other beautiful topics. She is such a strong woman of faith and love, I look up to her very much!
-Teaching Papí how to use the computer and set up an email account, tehehe.
-Wednesday Pilates with the ladies from church (and a small crab that wanted to join us on the floor). I was so relaxed after this!
-Being able to take time to reflect and see how truly amazing this opportunity it. God is good, life is sweet, and living in each moment just keeps getting better.

I pray that you all are in great spirits no matter what the weather is, literally and emotionally :)
Much love and peace from Costa Rica,
Hasta Luego!