Settling In

It's Day 27 in Costa Rica!

ATESA Language School

I can truthfully say it has been a wonderful last three weeks in Costa Rica!  Before starting work with EMI, we four interns attended Language School here in Atenas.  We had two weeks of an Intensive Spanish Program (very much like the language school I attended in Mexico).  Kevin, Esther and I started promptly in the intermediate class... yes, intermediate!  It's interesting to know that Kevin and Esther's three years of Spanish in high school = my 10 weeks of Spanish being completely immersed!  Our classroom was located outside under a canopy as we enjoyed the lush greenery and fresh tropic air.  After two weeks of intensive learning and being encouraged to speak only Spanish for those weeks, we graduated! 

Graduation from Language School

We took advantage of the time we had before starting work in the office.  Our various activities included a day trip to Jacó- a beach on the Pacific ocean, rock climbing in San Jose, and zip-lining through the rainforest in Los Sueños!

Our afternoons were spent volunteering in our local community.  My host family's church, Iglesia Biblica, hosted vacation bible school where we helped out with facepainting, crafts, teaching music and games. 

Vacation Bible School at Iglesia Biblica

We have also been working at a new division of the local orphanage called Residencia de Vida.  Kevin, Brad, Esther and I have been working hard to finish building cabinets in preparation for Health Dept inspection.  We have designed, made, and assembled two cabinets... including going to buy the wood, sawing, sanding, staining, drilling and varnishing. We are quickly getting the new house ready for inspection, then we can bring in the kids! 

I praise God that I have connected even more with my host family. Just a few days ago, they told me I am a part of their family and my host mom is starting to introduce me as her daughter when we are out in public. I have been waiting for this moment to come!