Bendiciones (Blessings)

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I first arrived in Costa Rica; it's safe to say that every day feels like a dream that I'm afraid of forgetting when I wake up the next day (isn't that how it always goes? ). To be honest with you all, Kayla and I have yet to teach in our time here, which has been a little difficult for us because we are anxious to be in school. However, over the last few weeks we have been occupied by helping prepare for the school year to begin and even got to assist in a preschool yesterday! In addition, I cannot believe how much Kayla and I have been able to grow in the last two weeks, we are extremely grateful for each day and new experience.

There are so many things that happen everyday that bring a smile to my heart and remind me of how thankful I am to be here. When I get downtime I blast words, thoughts, and emotions into a word document that I tell myself I will put in my blog eventually. To extract a tidbit from this document, here's a list of things that I will never get sick of here:

1. The way it can go from complete sunshine to a refreshing, lovely-smelling rain in seconds. Seriously...you never know when its going to rain. I love it.
2. Being reminded that everyone smiles in the same language. No matter what language/cultural barrier there can be at times, I am constantly comforted by smiling people. I don't think I've actually met a grumpy person yet!
3. Green. EVERYWHERE. To me it seems that people here live amongst nature and appreciate its value, where other places it is certainly taken for granted.
4. Being greeted by a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Where is the love, yo?" Well, it's here. In Costa Rica. I also appreciate that people appear to be in no rush and can always be found "shooting the breeze" down every street.
5. Panaderías baking fresh bread and pastries everywhere. I may come home 100 pounds heavier, but alas, 100% happy. The smells are irresistible. Papí goes to nearby panaderías every morning, so we eat fresh bread a lot. Don't even get me started on the cream cheese-filled bread.
6. Music. A silent day is a strange day. Between all the stores in the center of Guácimo and peoples' homes, every day is a party. Also, popular music here is much more optimistic, go figure :)
7. How open everything is here. Homes, stores, and people (and the containers of ice cream in the refrigerator ;) Thanks, Mamí!)
8. Colors. This country is a vibrant place in many ways, I never want to blink because there is so much to take in!
9. Having access to beaches x 1,000 on two major bodies of water. I'm down with that.
10. How much everyone loves Bob Marley.
11. Learning new "dichos" (sayings or idioms) of the Costa Rican people

To name a few:
"Tuanis"- this is a popular response when someone asks you how your are doing, similar to "good."
"Pura Vida"- this is really the country's saying, meaning "pure life," "it's a good life," "full life," you get the idea :) 
"Por/que dicho/a"- this translates to "what bliss" or "how good."
"Mae"- more popular for really close guy friends to use, but it's similar to "dude."
"Mucho brete"- Kayla and I learned this one from our friend Don Omar (who has a voice like King Julian in Madagascar...just saying), but means "hard work."
"Pachuco"- this word is used to describe a native person who speaks very informally.

12. Fresh fruit. I don't think I've eaten more delicious fruit in my life! It seems that everyday Kayla and I have gotten to try something new. Today we are going to have Zapote!
13. How often people refer to God in their daily speech, giving him thanks :)
14. How wonderful the Crawford family is. I already know that it's going to be very difficult to leave.

I have a feeling this list will only be growing longer...

I hope that you all are well and living the dream wherever you are :)

To celebrate Kayla's birthday we took our first solo trip to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean :) It was amazing and I'd say we mastered the bus system that day ;)