Okay, its been about 9 days since I last blogged. ALOT has happened in these past 9 days, so I'm just going to start rattling off major events since there's too many things to mention. And I'm lazy.
*Orientation- Monday-Wednesday of last week was spent at the University with the other exchange students in my program. It was mainly boring meetings and signing up for classes. It was such a blessing to have this week to meet and get to know the other students that are in the same situation that I'm in. It was also great to have Ivelina, José, and Luis as our guides. These 3 "Ticos" (Tico is another way to say Costa Rican) work for the program and are basically here to help us with whatever we need.
*Southern Accent- The other Americans in my program are from all over the states. California, Nebraska, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina, Iowa, Washington, and I think that's all. I was always aware that I have a southern accent, but because I've lived in TN my whole life, it has never been an issue. However, on this trip it has been a topic of conversation. Apparently, my accent it the thickest, or I'm just an easy target. Anyway, I am always aware when I use the word, y'all because at least one Californian or Nebraskan or Washingtonian points it out. At first I was offended and embarrassed. I am very self conscious of this accent as it is often equated with... well, stupidity or ignorance. Neither of which I consider myself. However, after some reassurances from my comrades, I have come to understand it as more endearing to them, and that I am not considered either of the aforementioned characteristics.
*Piña Farm- If you know me very well, you know that Piña, or Pineapple, is my favorite fruit. So when the first stop on our 4 day excursion to the rainforest was a Pineapple plantation, I was stoked. And my expectations were blown out the water. Our tour guide was hilarious and our tour of the totally organic farm was great. We ate lots of Piña, and I was lucky enough to get a "Pineapple Lollipop", see pictures on facebook. The tour ended with more pineapple, pineapple cake, and Piña Coladas in real carved out pineapples. Amazing. Best Piña Colada I've ever had. Oh, and I also won a Piña for answering a question correctly. When pineapple's involved, I'm all ears.... Oh, and it was neat to be on the opposite end of a tour, as I'm usually the one giving the tours. (I'm a tour guide at UT.) It was funny to recognize the cheesy jokes that are told every tour. Not that I tell the same cheesy jokes ever tour or anything...
*Reforestation Project- Friday morning we had the privilege of working with the Saripiqui Learning Center in their Reforestation division. They are a local non-profit working to improve the local rural community. Their reforestation project is trying to connect biological corridors in the area, and therefore, improve the ecological environment. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but i know that we were able to plant about 150 trees in a little over an hour or so. It was such a surreal experience. My planting partner, Anna, is an Environmental Science major, so this was particularly incredible for her. We both just kept saying, "Um, we're planting trees in Costa Rica. How amazing is our life right now." I'm so very grateful to have had this amazing opportunity.
*4-Star Banana Bank- This one will really only have significance for those friends of mine who have been on the Belize trip. We stayed at the Selva Verde Lodge and its basically the same concept as Banana Bank, only bigger, nicer, and cooler. It was incredible to have no AC and still get cold at night. Thank you elevation! We had a lot of free time in the afternoons, so I laid in the hammock and listened to the rain fall while I rested. It was amazing to be in such a beautiful place and have God's creation surrounding you with little man-made constructions blocking it out. It was incredible dark, and loud at night thanks to all the creatures. And the stars were incredible.
I think those are the main events of my time here, thus far. So much more has happened, but I don't want to bore you all, so I will stop here. Thanks so much for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I know that these things are what has made my trip so great thus far. I couldn't do this without knowing the incredible support that I have back home.
Also, I want to thank Mom, Dad, Abby, and Nanny specifically for helping me make this possible. Your love and support and generosity is the only reason I am here, and doing so well. Love you all.
Okey, Hasta Luego! Que tengan una buena semana!
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