Update::Part One Complete

Hola de nuevo, mundo.

I've completed the first part of my study abroad experience, which is equal parts heartbreaking and exciting for me. It also means it's time for another update.

My time in Costa Rica is essentially split into four parts (as far as I can tell). They are as follows:
1) Perspectives Class on Latin America/Spanish Grammar Classes
2) Study Trip to Nicaragua
3) Latin American Studies Class/Spanish Conversation Classes
4) Community Immersion in Rural Costa Rica
[[There are other things happening besides just these, but the skin-and-bones breakdown is more or less that.]]

On Friday, I gave a final presentation and took a final exam in order to check (1) off. Which, let me tell you, is very exciting. Next up is ten days in Nicaragua, where I'll learn about the country and then spend a few days living in a Nicaraguan community with the people there. I've fallen in love with San José and the little comfort zone I've established here, so it's obviously time to leave for awhile. Funny how that always seems to happen.

Just a few things I love about Costa Rica:

This is Maní (peanut). We visited his home for a weekend getaway in Cartago a couple weeks ago. He was almost my favorite part of the weekend, second only to...

The view from the house we stayed in. We were above the clouds guys.

Oh, and the sunset wasn't half bad.

Another one of my favorite parts of this city is living two minutes from Kwshay, who lived on my hall freshman year and by the grace of God ended up on this trip with me. She's pictured here to my immediate right. We celebrated her birthday last week. She summed it up best when she said, "Bailey, I think Jesus put us together on this study abroad trip because He just knew... 'They're not gonna make it.'" She's great.

I am also now a pro at public transportation, more or less. I never thought I'd have to ride a bus. I have Maximus, my trusty automobile. But here I am at the bus stop with a few of the other LASPers. Crowded buses are a breeze for me now. It's fine.

Meet Hannah. She's in my Spanish class, and I'm a fan. Mostly because she likes adventures and she knows Spanish. We wandered to a little corner store and found absolutely divine trail mix. Bless.

A couple weeks ago, we visited an organic coffee farm. I cannot tell you the joy I experienced. We also got to sample some of the other products there--right off the plants...

Aaaand again adventuring with Hannah. Kaldi is a coffee shop maybe a mile or less from LASP. It's perfect for homework. Or a brownie. Whichever you prefer. (Obviously we prefer brownies)

Another grand thing about having Kwshay around is that she almost always asks me if I want a picture. The answer is yes. Kwshay and I discovered this little cafetería by complete chance after a day of shopping. I'm so proud of it. I feel like it's mine.

Finally, it wouldn't be a blog post from me if I didn't feature ice cream. Espresso and helado. San José is my favorite.

So, as you can see, I am enamored with this adventure. Not all the days are good, by any means. But there's a lot of love and ice cream here. So I can't complain.

Other things you may be wondering about:

• My host family goes to an incredible evangelical church called Vida Abundante de Coronado. You can check them out on Facebook if you want. It's wonderful.
• My favorite part of being here so far is that there is a general store on almost every corner. They're called pulperías, and you can find anything from toothpaste to colored pencils to ice cream there. I frequent them. It's so bad for my wallet. But so good.
• I am still accepting mail. Find my address is here. International postage is about $1.20. Vale la pena. I promise.
• No, I have not met my future husband.
• Part 4 of this adventure is the Community Immersion in rural Costa Rica, and I'll be living about an hour away with a family that lives on a farm. There's also a possibility I'll be working at a restaurant while I'm there. Please pray for my family's patience.
• After these next ten days in Nicaragua, I'll be spending four days traveling for Fall Break with two other LASPers. It'll be an adventure, that's for sure.
• Prayer Requests in general:
• I have been so blessed with excellent health the whole time I've been here. Please pray that continues.
• I'm excited for Nicaragua, but also very hesitant to leave my comfort zone. So I'd really appreciate your prayers there.
• My Spanish Conversation final (which is in mid-November) will be a 20-minute presentation in Spanish. I've never even given a 20-minute presentation in English. So I'm already stressed. Prayers for stress and the ability to be present in my experiences for the next few weeks are valued as well.
• My family back home. It's hard being away from them as they experience the challenges of life that I normally have the honor of facing alongside them.

Alright, that's about it. Some days I fantasize about the kinds of doors this is opening for me in the future. Some days I fantasize about living in my small town forever. It fluctuates, friends. I go back and forth between things I'm scared to lose and things I feel like I might be on the edge of gaining.

It's an adventure. And I'm thankful for it.

In the grace of the God of Peace. Until next time.