I
just finished packing my bags and everything is set to go for my departure
tomorrow. I have decided to write one final blog while I am still here in Costa
Rica. I have mixed feelings about leaving San Jose. Looking back, this month
has gone by fast; however, I am way more ready to leave Costa Rica than I was
when I left Peru. I believe that every experience abroad is beneficial: being
here has reminded me what it’s like living in another part of the world, I have
been able to learn more Spanish, and although being away from home is a
struggle, it’s definitely good for the soul. Since I arrived and as the days
have continued to go by I have noticed how many homeless people there are here.
They sleep on the streets and literally pick through people’s trash, eating
leftover food and taking anything they can get. Seeing this really does break
my heart. Moreover, this trip more than ever has made me realize how blessed I
am to live in America. Costa Rica is rather dirty: the streets are filled with
trash, pollution can be felt in the air, bugs lurk throughout the house, and
mud can be found everywhere because of how much it rains. Also, Costa Rica is a
dangerous place to live. Just yesterday the citizens of San Jose began strikes
against their government. A few main streets were barricaded and hundreds of
people holding signs marched to the center of San Jose in protest. While
working out I saw a story on the news about a murder that happened last night
and over the weekend and into this week police have been lining the streets
pulling over any black car is search of some suspect.
On a more positive note, I will miss
some things about Costa Rica. I truly do love speaking and learning Spanish and
will be sad to see everything back in English again. Also, it has been awesome
experiencing the climate and wildlife here. How many people do you know that
can say they went zip-lining in the jungle? Or was able to see an actual
volcano with smoke coming out of the top? Above all, I will miss my host family
and the other UNK students. Our host family has been nothing but hospitable and
kind these past four weeks. They bend over backwards at our every need and you
can just tell by their mannerisms that they really do love hosting foreigners.
Also, I will miss living with Nicki, Amanda, Jen, and Liz. When you live with
four other people, there is always someone to talk to, watch a movie with, or
go on an ice cream run to POPS. Between the five of us, we have had our fair
share of unfortunate events; however, we are always able to laugh them off and
lift each other up.
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| My roomies and I! :) |
Every since I returned from Peru I
have had this desire to go abroad after I graduate and help others. Believe it
or not, in less than a year I will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary
Education and Spanish and some big changes will be happening. After coming to
Costa Rica, my mind has shifted a little bit as to what I want to do. However,
I’m trying my best to relax and “let go and let God.” I know He will point me
in the exact direction I am supposed to be. So, this means one of two things:
this could be the end of me ever living abroad, or a year from now all of you
might be reading a different blog about my newest adventure! Either way, thank
you so much for all your support while I have been away!
Mary
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