Estoy en Costa Rica

I arrived safely in Costa Rica at about 2 pm local time. (Which conveniently is the same as Columbia.) As I was flying out of Charlotte, all I could think was, "Goodbye America. For FIVE whole months." And as I was landing in Costa Rica, I was thinking, "Welcome home for the next FIVE whole months." But despite these concerns and the anxiety that goes with flying and getting through customs, I was at peace. And very excited as I exited the airport to find lots of people holding up signs with names on them. Excited, that is, until I didn't see one with my name. The next 8-10 minutes were not fun. I realized after about 3 minutes that I had memorized the address of my host family, but not their names. So if I needed to ask about them, I wouldn't know their names, great. I had to continually reassure myself that they were going to show, and I wouldn't be stuck outside the airport all night. And of course, they did. I'm very grateful that I only had to spend a mere 8-10 minutes worrying.

Since I met Odilie and Elias, I have felt extremely welcomed and comfortable. Of course, there have been many awkward pauses in conversations as I try to understand them, think of the word I'm trying to say, and then form the rest of my sentence, but they are extremely patient and willing to help me learn. Which is amazing and much more than, I believe, many of us would be, were the roles reversed.

The first stop we made was for food. Actually, one of the first questions they asked me was if I was hungry. I knew from that point on that I was in the right family. We had a little afternoon snack at a local Chinese restaurant. (Although we passed Taco Bell and McDonalds before we arrived at said restaurant.) I had told them that I wasn't extremely hungry, so they pointed out 'helado' on the menu. Helado means ice cream. And if you know me at all, you know that helado is my favorite food. Once again, I'm in the right family.

Their house is adorable. Small, but very nice and well kept up. I have my own room off the laundry room, and my own bathroom connected to my room. It is small, and I have never felt so materialistic in my life as I did when I tried to stuff all my clothing in the small closet. But it was a successful venture, and everything has its place. I plan on adding a picture or two of my room to this blog eventually, but I don't have time now.

My plans for the evening include a 31st birthday party for my parent's daughter, so my sister, I suppose. I guess I should get ready for said party. I believe we are leaving soon. I'm excited and nervous to meet the rest of the family. Hope they are as patient with my broken Spanish as my parents are.

Oh, if you haven't figured it out yet, I have Wi-Fi in my house. Amazing, right? So that means you'll be hearing from me a lot. Decide for yourself if that is good or bad. I'm very glad I have it because I have already skyped with my family. So good to know I can see their faces so often.

I think that's all for now. ¡Pura Vida!

Costa Rica

I leave for Costa Rica in 3 days. Its incredible. I can't believe that it's actually happening. I've been planning to study abroad since high school, and have been planning this specific semester for over a year. And now it's here. I have had the full range of emotions throughout the past few months. Some days I would be totally stoked and others I would catch myself thinking, "I can't do this. I don't want to go." Right now I feel... ready. I'm scared and nervous and sad, but I know that I'm supposed to do this, and that I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't go. Therefore, after all the months and years of planning, I'm ready.

...Except that I'm in no way prepared physically to go. I went on a Wal-Mart/TJ Maxx/Walgreens trip with Nanny today, so I have most everything I need. However, on of it is packed. So tomorrow and Friday look to be busy days. I'm hoping to just take things slowly and methodically pack everything. I'm sure I'll end up just throwing stuff into my bags, though.

Anyway, I am planning to blog frequently throughout the 5 MONTHS I will be in Costa Rica. So if interested, please check back frequently. When I blog, I'll be sure to post on Facebook. Thanks for all the concern and prayers and well wishes everyone has given me. Please continue to pray for me and my family. I think the hardest part will be the fact that we will be separated, so please pray for them, also.