Mornings and the Gift of Field Trips

Blessed each and every morning

So yes, I do happen to wake up every morning to breakfast made and prepared for me like this. I don’t necessarily have pancakes everyday, but no other breakfast is less delicious than another. Something about the morning and breakfast is just so beautiful. Especially when I get to share it with my host family. Everyday as I sit on my little stool and doctor my coffee I have to great opportunity to practice my growing Spanish skills. The older I get, the more I have decided that I would like to master the art of sharing a meal with someone, regardless of whether we are from the same place, speak the same language, or share similar tastes in food. Funny story, I used to only drink coffee in Texas when there was some extra in the pot, or if it was offered to me. Well, the first day that I met my host mom, Marty, all the students and their new families shared coffee and cookies (known to all ticos as cafecito) while getting to know one another. As she asked me if I liked coffee, I replied enthusiastically that I did indeed like coffee, especially from Costa Rica. Ever since I told her that, I have a little pot of coffee waiting for me when I wake up- just perfect for three little cups. Talk about something beautiful, I honestly never knew what a difference coffee makes in your day.

Anyways, I don’t just spend all of my time here in morning mode This past weekend our class took an adventurous trip to the Eastern indigenous region of Talamanca to learn about the ancient culture here in Costa Rica. We left at 6 am on Thursday and got back home Saturday evening. Simply put, we did all of the following:

- rode on a bus through the mountains

- ate beans and rice

- trecked through the rainforest

- talked with the indigenous group named BriBri about their culture and traditions

- played soccer with los ninos

- ate beans and rice

- visited a local chocolate-making organization run by women

- rode on the bus some more

- slept in a lodge with cozy (or not so much) beds, and cuddly bugs

- ate more beans and rice

- took cold showers

- and LEARNED a lot

Every moment was just a chance to learn more about the cultures of Costa Rica, and it was really fun to see a different side to the country. At the end of our trip, a talented poet and peer of mine led the group in a processing exercise where we were encouraged to free-write in our journals about our experience. I’ll let you read some selected sentences from it. Keep in mind I was writing this while still in Talamanca, where I was still feeling all of these things as I wrote

Sept 17, 2011

“It smells like ripe fruit and air-dried bed sheets… Bug spray has lived in my lungs for the past three days, and I haven’t put it on once… The biggest shock of being here is the memories it brings back of Cameroon. These are comparative memories though. The nature and climate of the area brings back the physical feelings I remember- in turn resulting in a mirage of mental images of the village life I learned about while in Africa. It sure doesn’t taste like Cameroon though… I feel that there is so much more to be touched on in the indigenous area. I feel as if I’ve scraped the surface of what it means to be indigenous. But that’s just it. No matter how long I would stay here, I feel that I would always somwhat feel that I have only ‘scraped’ the surface. Life here is simple- I’m looking for more that there is even to be discovered”

As random as these pieces are… it definitely shows kinda how all over the place my feelings were as I learned new things and saw the different sides of Costa Rica.

It’s been a busy week (to the point where I feel like I’m running a marathon), and I’ve been a little bit sick but I have a three day weekend ahead and I’m feeling good enough to go dancing and get my ear pierced tomorrow. Welcome to the life of a student abroad

Pura Vida!!!!

Bachata and Personal Hygiene

Just a couple things that I’ve already come to love while in Costa Rica include the music and the strong emphasis on smelling nice.

Ok that might sound a little bit strange… but really!! Among the many things that I have learned about tico culture so far, these two have really intrigued me. So for starters, Latino music is just fantastic. Among the many different beats, merengue, reggaeton, salsa, and bachata are my favorite. (They also happen to be some of the national favorites, lucky me!!)

This summer I immersed myself in a solid amount of R&B/hiphop music- mostly Usher, Chris Brown… you know  But let me tell you, bachata is slowly rising to take their place on my playlists. Here are a couple of songs that I’ve recently come to love:

Ok ok ok, I realize that Usher is still on the first track I posted… I guess I just can’t get rid of him But really, the appeal of the Spanish language has just completely taken over my music taste.

*P.S.- The first video stars “original king of bachata,” Romeo Santos (you may recognize the name from popular group Aventura). Now the second video stars what some describe as “the modern king of bachata,” Prince Royce (again you may recognize him from his fairly big hit Stand By Me). From what I can tell so far, Prince Royce is way up on the charts for the people here.

Anyways, about this whole personal hygiene thing- ticos are VERY clean. This is no comment on the cleanliness of the U.S. or anything, but I literally feel bombarded by deodorant billboards on every corner. Not to mention the 6 deodorant commercials I watch every break between shows. Haha, I hope this doesn’t sound like complaining… trust me it’s great to walk by someone and almost always get a whiff of perfume or cologne. But I can’t help and be the slightest bit self-concious about how I smell all the time. Don’t worry guys, I shower everyday and wear deodorant/perfume and stuff… but I’m just saying ticos REALLY smell good, and they always look their nicest.

For example- the other day in my dance class, even after TWO full hours of dancing in a small room with no AC, it did not smell like sweat. I felt kinda gross and I could tell most people had worked it out in the class, but still everyone in the class that even came near me smelled good!! I don’t get how they do it, but I’m definitely hoping that I fit in here in that sense hahaha

Latino….. Men

Why yes… it is indeed the topic most of my girlfriends at home have been waiting to hear about. But I’ll be honest… there really wasn’t all too much to say UP UNTIL TONIGHT!!!

I’ve been in Heredia for a week and a couple days and so far, I haven’t had many chances to go be out and about with ticos (CostaRicans). Most of my time has consisted of going to and from school, hanging out with my host family, and eating lunch out in little restaurant/cafes with other kids from GC (Global College).

Well today I was lucky because it was my first day of DANCE CLASS!!! Yes… latin dance… merengue… salsa…. all the best of South/Central America As an independent study class for one hour of credit, I will be taking dance classes twice a week at a local studio. Today, because the first class is free, I was joined by a few other chicas from GC. We awkwardly crowded in the small room with maybe 20 other people. There is no denying our gringa-ness. (Gringa=white girl… aka ME) Now, I’ve taken dance classes throughout my whole life, and recently I’ve found a new passion for the dance fitness sensation ZUMBA. I even became a certified instructor before coming down to Costa Rica. Needless to say, even with the different kinds of experience, I had no idea what to expect from this dance class (in Spanish, mind you).

After realizing I would have NO problem paying attention to the instructor we began our warm up. An energetic mix of American songs left us gringas feeling comfortable as we stretched and marked through some basic merengue steps. The first hour of the class reminded me of what I knew from a typical Zumba class… just going through basic steps, sweating intensely, high energy, giggling from not knowing exactly what to do. To be honest, I wasn’t even able to focus on whether or not other people were catching on or not, because I was focused on following every Latino move my teacher made… in hopes that I could too move my hips in such a cultured way Trust me, I eventually caught on

We took a 15 minute break, then class took a turn for the unexpected. All of mi amigas left after the break, and luckily I had two friends stay behind to stay for the rest of the class. I know I looked lost as I started realizing people were pairing up.

I was thoroughly impressed by my first dance partner, we did some cool tricks, dancing for a song or two, and didn’t seem to have any rhythm problems. In fact, he made me look like a MUCH better dancer than I am. Feeling satisfied and impressed with my first partner dance with my classmate, I moved on to the next partner. Much to my surprise… HE TOO WAS A GREAT DANCER.

Looks like I learned more than a few dance steps in class today. I learned that all Latino men know how to dance… very well. As I switched from partner to partner through the different styles and songs, I couldn’t help but imagine some of my classmates from Plano trying to move their hips the way these guys did without even thinking twice. Trust me… I was thinking twice abouteverything- in an attempt to not look so Texan in my moves. Haha

Even though I may not have understood a word my charming teacher said… I had a great time, and look forward to my bi-weekly classes… for the academic positives of course!!

 

Don’t worry Dad, I didn’t pass my number out to anyone or anything.

Una Vida Saludable

I have officially been in Costa Rica for a week now… and the first expression to describe my experience is “healthy living” (una vida saludable). I eat like a king for every meal, my body is in good shape, I get healthy doses of vitamin D throughout the day, the food is fresh, and my relationships with my host family are starting off great.

Unfortunately when we flew in last Wednesday night, it was already nighttime and I couldn’t take in much of the sights… but since then I’ve definitely had plenty to look at We stayed in a hotel for the first two nights to become oriented with Global College, and we were carefully placed in each host family’s home to stay for the rest of the academic year.

I live with a mother and her two daughters. Louisa (mom) is around 70 and is the housekeeper who lovingly washes my clothes and cooks me incredible meals. Her first daughter, Marty is technically my “homestay mom”. She is about 50 years old and she is boss of the house, she is retired and likes to quilt/cook/do whatever Louisa doesn’t do. Louisa’s other daughter, Yoanna, is the only working woman in the house, and she teaches Spanish to expats in a Spanish school in San Jose. So yes… THAT MEANS SHE SPEAKS ENGLISH. Don’t worry… even though she speaks English I’m getting my fair share of speaking Spanish, and she helps me out with communicating with Louisa and Marty.

We live in a modest house, but ironically I have a lot more living space than I did at home with Chloe and Mallory, lol. In my room I have a double bed with my own tv (with cable), desk, closet, and bathroom. My closet, bathroom, shower, and bed are all twice the size of what I’ve grown up with. I’m feeling a little bit princess-like here… not so much what I expected at all.

Classes started yesterday!! Yay, it’s about time I start learning Spanish. The classes I’m enrolled in:

- Beginner Spanish B

- Latin American History/Culture Studies

- Cross Culture Perspectives on Human Nature

- Writing, Documentation and Research

- Freshman Seminar (how to live in other cultures, being a global citizen, talking about our experiences, etc)

- Independent Studies of Latin American Dance (at a local studio)

I am busy, yes… but every class I am taking, I am completely happy with!! Pura vida everyone

l

Comfy bed, big closet, desk, cable tv (with an awesome English channel)

You can’t see the sink and mirror, but it’s to the left of this picture… it’s weird not waiting for two other teenage girls to get done in here ;)

 

This was supposed to be posted as of last night….

Within the first hour of the flight to New York, I realized that although, yes I have been looking forward to leaving for the past 6 months, I am still a Texas girl.

Throughout this summer, I’ve spent countless hours researching about Costa Rica, finding my peers on facebook, and reading the Global College handbook. I couldn’t seem to get enough of what is to come. I’ve told my parents countless times that I’m “mentally, already in Costa Rica.” Haha, well as I’m sure most people have discovered in his or her life, you don’t quite know what you have until it’s gone.

As soon as I said goodbye to my mom in the airport, all I could think about was what I’m going to miss about Texas. Therefore, as my departing blog, I’ve decided to share my list:

My family- My parents and sisters have been so patient with me! After supporting me through COUNTLESS dance auditions, supporting me through a complete flip in college choice, and befriending each friend/boyfriend that walked through the door. Family is #1, gonna miss you guys
My grandparents- Living within 15 minutes from each side of grandparents, I’ve realized how much it means to me that they come to all of my shows, provide me random favors when I need them, teach me valuable things about life, and feed me.
My friends- My friends from work this summer really made a difference on getting up at 7:30 everyday. Working as a camp counselor definitely brought some funny moments to the early mornings. All my girls from school, that I’ve been ridiculous with for the past 2-3 years… there are no words to describe how much joy choir and drill team brought to my life. (Sure, we all complained about Planoettes, but let’s be honest… the times that I have ever laughed so hard my abs hurt, always happened in drill team)
Working for the Frisco RoughRiders- THANK GOD I’M COMING BACK NEXT SEASON!! That’s all I gotta say… who knew that I would become such a minor league baseball fan?? Crew is the most incredible group of people I have ever met, and I can honestly say I’ve never made so many memories in such a short period of time.
American sports- How am I supposed to keep up with the Rangers, Mavericks or Cowboys?? I’ll find a way… but no more exciting games at home As my folks yell at the tv….

Plano has treated me well since arriving “fresh off the boat” from Africa. Every place I go in this small world has something to teach me. Plano has been a place for me to grow up a little bit, but leaving for Costa Rica will allow me to further grow and learn as a young woman. My friends and family have given me the confidence to do something like this, and own it!!

The next blog will still be this girl… just growing and learning in my new home. I plan on carrying a small notepad with me for the first few days I am in Costa Rica so that I can write down all of my first impressions. I’ll be posting the list once I’ve settled in, raw with all my emotions of arriving I’m sure

Yearly Meeting

aka Annual Conference started tonight and I unfortunately was not able to attend opening worship

But tomorrow is a big day because I will be making my last speech! I’m excited but nervous and kind of hating myself for putting off writing it. My first line says “Hello everyone”. Great start huh? How is blogging so natural and easy for me but this whole speech thing not? I don’t get it…

We’ll see how tomorrow goes, and I’m sure I’ll have plenty to talk about after I witness all the awesome Methodist debates

World Peace is not as Clear-cut as we Thought

It must be summer because I have had ice cream and/or frozen yogurt 5 times in the past 4 days. Unfortunately ice cream is my weakness, but it sure does make for a happy Rachel

Even though I have been super busy lately sewing/cleaning/doing college preparation type stuff, I do catch the time to occasionally watch some awesome videos online. My latest finding has left me thinking…

2011 Global Peace Index from Vision of Humanity on Vimeo.

This video gave me a comprehensive view of where countries stand in the peace ratings across the world. I’ll be honest, when I tried to write this blog for the first time (last night) I had a really hard time. Truth is, even though that is an awesome and informative video… there just isn’t much to say about it. It was what happened today that led me to get my creative writing juices flowing.

I recently got a new job (in addition to working at the Frisco Rough Riders baseball park) as a camp counselor at a nearby recreational center. Camp starts Tuesday, so today I was required to attend a training at which I learned about workers compensation (BORING) and how to detect bullying (INTERESTING).

I know for a fact that I get this fascination and passion about stopping bullying from my mother, who is an activist against bullying at the elementary school where she teaches. Go Mom!!

As the woman who was giving the presentation lectured our small room about how to distinguish between bullies and victims, I had time to think about how the violence and emotional damage caused by bullying affects our personal peace, as well as the peace throughout the country.

So…. I did some more research This graph represents the percentage of children who were victimized 2 or more times in previous months around the world.

Bullying stats across the world

All my info comes from:

http://www.prevnet.ca/BullyingFacts/BullyingStatistics/tabid/122/Default.aspx

Check it out for more facts!! (It’s a Canadian site, yes I am aware)

Looks like we aren’t the only ones dealing with the harsh realities of bullying among children. What does this have to do with world peace? Anything and everything! I really appreciate the well-designed world peace video that I have posted here, but it’s missing something! Let’s get back to the basics of la paix, paz, pax, shalom…

peace

noun /pēs/ peaces, plural Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility

I found this definition of “peace” on Google- but it totally encompasses what I would describe as peace. If peace is “freedom from disturbance”, doesn’t that mean freedom from:

• physical bullying
• verbal bullying
• cyber bullying
• emotional bullying
• AS WELL AS…
• war
• violence
• crime, etc.

If liberty from these actions define “peace”, then that video is only giving us a sneak peek at true world peace. Some may argue that bullying is not as serious as war, so why include it as a component of unrest? I would argue that peace is a matter of emotional wellness from man to man; across country to country. If happiness and personal peace were measured to determine a country’s peace “ranking” (along with internal conflicts and war), we might get some different numbers in our little video.

Just a little thought about world peace… It is a beautiful thing to think about!