2 Weeks in Costa Rica

Greetings all!

Just a quick update. So I have been in Costa Rica for the past two weeks.  For those of you who don't know I am currently working for the Earth2o Program (http://theearth2oprogram.com/). This is a sustainable study program taking place in Costa Rica. It is a new program that has some previous reputation and establishment. We are however now creating the program into an institution. What is my part in all of this? I am developing and coordinating the upcoming 12 - day program for students touring in Costa Rica. The focus of the program is focused on water resources.

How did I get here? Well in January 2014 I was a student on a Green Renewable Energy Education Network (GREEN program) taking place here in Costa Rica.  Part of that study abroad program was develop a capstone project--aka an innovative idea based off of all that I had learned on my trip. During that trip with a group of 4 of us, I presented my capstone project called "the BLUE program." As much as my team enjoyed and were passionate to learn about renewable energy, we were more passionate about our water resources. So our BLUE program was to create a similar study abroad program we were on, however focused more on water resources and its local and global issues.

After that presentation JP (one of the program owners, also owner of the Lake Arenal Hotel) invited us all to work on such a program. Over the past 1.5 years I have kept in touch with JP to create such a program.  (Here is the link to check out the hotel where I am staying: http://www.lakearenalhotel.com/)

So here I am now in Costa Rica working on developing and coordinating our upcoming Water's Program. This 12-day trip is apart of the new Earth2o Program/ Institute. So far this has been a really great opportunity for me to learn about coordinating and planning, advertising, business, sustainability, renewable energy and of coarse WATER RESOURCES! And its only been two weeks! So thankful for the opportunity.

Here is a high side view of the lake where I am staying at. This place is absolutely beautiful.

Pura Vida,

Lindsey

My Last Day at CCA

My last day in class with the kids of CCA was so sweet. All of the teachers had made me a card. Not only that but I received so many cards and pictures from many students of the school. Fifth grade decided to have a going away party for me. It was a surprise to me! During my time with Fifth grade one of the sweetest things one of the girls said to me before I left was, "Your are so special to me, and you have made a big impact on my life." This really touched me to hear this.

After my party with fifth grade I promised third grade that I would throw them a party. So when I walked into the room with the cookies and punch I had made I opened the door and was welcomed by a big "SURPRISE!" They kids had put balloons all over and had made signs to put all over the walls. Then we ate the snacks I had made. Then I gave them individually the cards I had written for them. I took this as an opportunity to speak identity into them. One by one they would come up and I would tell them and their classmates the good character qualities that I saw in the them as a form of encouragement. This was a really impactful time for all.  After this time we watch a video I had made of them all. Garret had given me a good worship song for kids called, "WE WONT BE QUIET." I had them learn this song in English and we would have fun learning new words and dancing around. One day I had video taped them dancing and singing to this song. I promised them on my last day that we would watch our class music video...so we did! They absolutely loved watching themselves on the screen. All in all it was a fun and joyous goodbye time. I received so many hugs, and notes to last me a life time! I really am going to miss these kids. They will forever be in my heart.

Me and my fifth grade class. The girl in front of me Melissa was the one who took the lead in throwing this party for me. She was keen on doing it and I appreciated her for that!

All of the cards I had written for my 3rd grade class: a means for encouragement.

Last picture with my 3rd grade class. 

Me and Ms. Mierdna (3rd grade teacher)

Final Lessons in Nicaragua

Rebecca and I created a Volunteers book for all volunteers at CCA to write about their time and experience. Here is what I wrote in my pages:

During my time here at CCA I have served as the 3rd grade English teacher and also computer teacher for 3rd through 7th grades. I worked on an English curriculum for 3rd grade. For computers I also workd on a curriculum, set up a computer display, pushed to see a lap top be used in the computer lab, got the projector up and running, put in a white board, prayed relentlessly for new computers, and painted a colorful keyboard in the computer lab with Kristie Beavert. I was fortunate enough to be able to hand over my projects and ultimately class to a new Nicaraguan teacher--Mr. Giovanny. It is encouraging to see it all in his hands and to continue even after I leave CCA. The above are only the projects I performed at CCA. My experienced here however has been marked by so much more.

It has been really cool over the past 4 months to see how God had developed a passion for me to have a <3 for 3rd grade and for computer classes. The vision I had for computers was -- "Inspire through Technology." Technology is so important to the advancement of any country. But we here at CCA have the opportunity, through a Christian lens, to teach computers and t oshow these kids how technolgy can be fun, purposeful and honoring for Nicaragua and furthermore for Christ's kingdom. And through this vision I cam to recognize a greater thing. While God gave Barry and Susanna a vision for starting CCA, He gives all teachers and volunteers visions to better things within the school. What will be your vision?

The greatest thing I have learned while at CCA is the importance of relationships. For a good portion of my life I have been racing full force ahead, working hard in school and by this sacrificing relationships in order to accomplish my goals. But the funny thing is God works quit the opposite, we actually need others. We need the help of others, we need their affirmations, we need their accountability, we need their advice and wisdom, and we need their skills, we need their different personalities-- WE NEED ONE ANOTHER. We need one another, not only for ourselves, but for the glory and for the work of the LORD.

While in the In2House I got to live with many different cultures and also age groups--Koreans, Niccas, Brits, Americans from ages ranging from 19-75. One of the greatest experiences was when Auntie Joyce (beautifully and wonderfully aged), asked me (23) about any areas of her personality that need critique so she could strengthen her weaknesses.  I had been going to Auntie Joyce for advice and input many times, but her receptivity to my youthfulness amazed me. This experience was an example to show how that despite culture, age and background we are a body her to sharpen one another to become better in Christ.

I have come to find that we all hold something unique to share with our body, and if we don't embrace and reach out to
the talents and gifts of others then we as a whole won't go as far. We need to also be willing to be vulnerable with one another. Taking time to first build relationships should be the first and most important task before trying to accomplish any sustainable project here at CCA.

When you can learn to die to yourself for the benefit of your community, and ultimately for the will of the LORD, then there you will make a difference.

Picture of the colorful keyboard that Kristie and I had painted in the computer lab.

Class room set up after my time here. Now Giovany is able to use a projector, has a lap top to use, and the student's computers are as up to date as they can be ;)

Safe Trip to Costa Rica

First of all I just wanted to say that I am safe here in Costa Rica. Thank you to all of my family and friends who had been praying for safe travels for me. I came to find that many of you were far more worried about my safety than I had thought. With this I would like to take the time to better described my trip crossing the boarder.

The trip was smooth sailing with no glitches. I took a Ticca Bus, a bus much like our American Greyhound, ran under a professional Costa Rican travel service. With that being said, the service was accustomed to taking their customers across the boarder and helping us all with those processes. Rebecca took me to the bus stop at 7:30am, and my bus left at 8am. From there it took 2 hours to drive to the boarder. We spent about one hour at the boarder.  There our passports were processed and we had to take all of our luggage off the bus in order to go through a security screening.

During this whole process I had met a white lady from Alabama who spoke English. She has a family in Nicaragua and was familiar with all of the processes. I stuck with her and her family for crossing the boarder. It turns out that they actually lived in Dolores, Nicaragua, the same town I had been living in at CCA! She said I looked familiar. Anyways because of this relationship the whole transition was not stressful, and I felt like I was traveling with family.

It took about another 2 hours to get to my stop in Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (I arrived at approximately 12:30pm). There was no formal bus stop here so I had to ask the driver to let me off here. Because I didn't have a cell phone I asked a man on the bus if he would let me call JP who was on the other end to pick me up. The man was very kind, and even though I offered to pay to use his phone, he refused. Because of the man's kindness I was able to talk to JP and let him know exactly where I would be dropped off according to where the bus driver had described. Upon being dropped off, JP was there within one minute.  It was all smooth, no glitches, and completely safe. From Cañas we drove 30 minutes to Tileran.

Again thank you for your prayers. I was confident that my God was protecting me the whole way through, and here beyond.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Adventure in the Classroom

Today in English class we went on an adventure! The lesson for this week was learning vocabulary of various natural locations including: Sea (el mar), Rainforest (la selva), Beach (la playa), Mountains (las montañas), Desert (el desierto), Tree (el arbol), River (el rio), Island (la isla), Land (la tierra), Junge (la jungla). I drew some of these various locations in chalk in the outdoor auditorium. Others like mountain, and desert there were places around the school property where the kids could pretend that they were at these locations.

When I told them we were going on an adventure yesterday they all grew big ears and gave me the most attention from them I have probably gotten thus far. I assigned each a location and asked them to bring one thing that they might need for their destination. So at the beginning of the class they all shared their item. Then we hopped aboard a ship...aka a parachute...to set sail to a new land! They were all about the pretending and so thrilled.

When we jumped off of the ship they all ran to find their destinations. I had given them a map and once they found their locations they were to write the names of them in English. It was all quite a blast. I showed up to class in a safari hat and sunglasses and they started beaming.

My motivation for this creative lesson was a few things. One, there is a boy named Matthew who wants to be an explorer when he grows up. So this was primarily dedicated to him. Today he brought binoculars and I had him wear my Go Pro on his head (he loved it!). Two, learning can and should be fun, I wanted to continue to show the kids and Ms. Mierdna that. Three, I love the outdoors, natural resources, and adventures so why not one in the classroom?!

I love that I am so free to be creative with my lessons and kids. It has made it all that much more fun. Tomorrow is my last day with them and we will have a fiesta!

Isla de Ometepe

On April 24^th- 27^th Kristie and I had journeyed to Ometepe Island. This is an island located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua and has two volcanoes.

We arrived to the Island Friday afternoon and left Sunday afternoon. We took a bus from Jinotepe to Rivas, and then got on a ferry boat to the island. The trip in total was about 4 hours. As we were on the boat Kristie and I asked any of the gringo travelers if they were up to share a tour guide for climbing Volcán Concepción.  A guy from Sweden was interested in doing the same thing so we all instantly became friends. His name is Adam. That day us three went out to a point called Punta María Jesús.  It was so hot that day so we were all anxious to get wet and cooled off after our muy caliente boat ride. The point is a long point that extends from the island and enabled us to see a good view of the big volcano we would be hiking in the next couple of days.

Saturday was my favorite day. For as long as I had been anticipating our trip to Nicaragua I have been dreaming of riding dirt bikes around all of Ometepe Island. Saturday was our day to do just that! The hostel we stayed at set us up with motorcycle rentals and we left first thing in the morning. We had from 8am to 5pm to have the bikes. We ended up touring around 2/3 of the island, around Volcán Maderas because this is what our time frame had allowed. We also stopped to take a splash in a place called Ojo de Aguas which is a cool spring of water located in the middle of the island.

Sunday we hiked Volcán Concepción. We had to leave our hostel at 5am that morning. It was definitely a long and treacherous hike, considering there was no path. But that is just Kristie and my style, taking the less beaten and traveled path. It was illegal to not take a guide so we paid a local guide $15 to hike to the top. We were accompanied by our friend Adam (the Swed) and two others who were actually from Oregon! Because of the strong winds and sulfur, we were only to hike about 100 m shy of the top…this is an active volcano after all!

Our time on Ometepe would be our last GRAND adventure. We loved every bit of it. Here are some pictures to show you just that.

Punta María Jesús

Los Tres Amigos!

Kristie and I both have our motorcycle license and have been capable of driving dirt bikes for some time. Adam story is different. Many people who saw us three said it was funny to see two chicks on dirt bikes and one guy on a scooter ;)

Yep, I ate it once! When turning off of this road behind me onto the dirt my back tire slipped and I ATE THE DIRT! Thankfully a man driving saw me and offered for us all to go to his house to clean up. His wife and him lived right down the road and were from Southern California. They were very hospitable and it was nice to get the dirt out of my teeth. The bike was fine but I did have to pay $10 for some scratches.

Riding around the Ometepe. UNFORTUNATELY  the chest strap I had bought to take Go Pro videos point at a low angle. This was the best shot I got showing an upward view. The rest were all of my legs and the front of the bike :(

In the clouds, at our peak on Volcán Concepción.

A cool splash in Ojo de Aguas.

Us three Amigos!

The Jinotepe Market

Today was my last day at the Jinotepe market. Every Tuesday Kristie and I have taken the responsibility to go shopping for groceries for the house.  Let me describe our system to you first. Five days a week dinner is prepared for the whole house. During those days, one pair of volunteers (Kristie and my day was Wednesday) cooks dinner for all of us. On Tuesday mornings before we head to the market each pair writes their grocery list.  Those lists, combined with the grocery lists that our housemaid Doña Corina makes for all lunches throughout the week, are compiled.

The market is busy, loud and full of culture. Going to the market has been a time for us gringas to absorb and build relationships with the vendors. We love shopping with Doña Corina because she knows who sells the best vegetables, and who sells them for less. We often find ourselves paying more for food because we are white and foreign. To add to this, when shopping with Doña Corina we often have to hide ourselves so she (Nicaraguan) can get the best deals! Its quite funny but at times frustrating.

As I was strolling through this fast paced vending place, I began to process all that this place had taught me.  1) I give much respect to the people of Nicaragua for getting up every morning willing to earn money by selling vegetables, fish, q tips, flash lights, and any other random items we privileged can find at our local Wal-Mart. I don’t think I would ever have motivation to sell such things. But this is how they provide for their families. 2) Time at the market is time for people to converse and get to know one another. 3) When the men say “good-bye” they are really are meaning to say hello and converse to us in English. 4) Prices for vegetables in the states are outrageously out of this world in comparison to food here in Nicaragua. 5) Taking time to buy and prepare food shouldn't be seen always as a "waste of time," or something to slow us down. Take time to enjoy the fruits of life!

Below I have included some photos that I took today on my last day. One is with a man named Fernando.  We always stop at his vegetable stand because it is the best and he gives us great prices. Today he saw me noticing a new fruit to me called granadia and gave it to me as a gift. It’s a fruit that is often used to make juice and it was very nice for him to give it to me.

At Fernando's Vegetable Stand.

I will miss this wonderful place, its food, its people, and its lessons.

Taking A Moment

As I take a moment today I am reminded of all of the blessings I have been given.  Just recently I graduated from Baylor, started a relationship with a wonderful man, moved to Nicaragua to serve, and got to spend the past three months living, learning and laughing about life with one of my best friends. My time here is soon coming to a close. It has all been a lot to happen in the last 5 months, a roller coaster in many ways, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I have impacted and have been impacted by my time here in Nicaragua. I see myself maturing, and have been affirmed by my community to have been maturing in my faith, attitude and communication with others. I am stronger, better, and have a clearer vision ahead of me because of my time. My prayer right now is that no matter what comes my way, no matter what disappointment, no matter what good distraction, no matter what path I walk down, no matter what that I am always unwavering from the person whom God has called me and the things he is calling me to.

Standing Firm,

Lindsey