Waking up everyday with this as the view from my front porch is absolutely breathtaking. (picture below) Being in the midst of Christ's amazing creation and experiencing his daily unfailing love puts me in awe. Being here in Costa Rica has caused me to see the world through a completely different lens. I am reminded of Gods majesty and grandeur constantly.
Everyday it feels as if my Spanish classes are getting harder; but that only means I'm being pushed to learn more right? Spanish is much more of a complex language than I thought, but I am really enjoying learning it. It is definitely mentally exhausting! After school I usually come home and curl up on the couch with a good John Green book :) My host family helps me a lot! Having so many people to practice with is extremely helpful and beneficial. I have been driving, which is crazy to think about! It's very different from the states and it requires you to be much more aggressive and alert. Its been quite fun nonetheless. I have also been really savoring the food here. It's incredible! There are many talented chefs in Costa Rica and my host mom is one of them :) Every night I have been so blessed to be able to sit down with my Costa Rican family and enjoy an amazing home cooked meal.
I got to spend the day with my host dad today which was so fun! He is so incredibly wise and is such an inspiration. What better way to share stories and testimonies than over amazing Chinese food in downtown San Jose? Then we got mcflurries from McDonald's to top it off! Such a wonderful day.
If not studying or in school, I am usually spending time with my host family which has been great! We play music and sing together, play Xbox, have bible studies, and just spend genuine time with one another. It's been a blast to say the least. Having 14 other siblings is quite fun and we get faced with many wild adventures! Everyday there is thunder and lightening storms. Since I am from Southern California, being in weather like this everyday is awesome!!! I love waking up and falling asleep to the soothing sound of rain. Yes, I know those of you in Cali are probably wondering what rain is....you should check it out its pretty cool! ;)
This verse has really stuck out to me this week and I hope I can encourage you with it. 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
Being here in Costa Rica has been absolutely wonderful! Everyday is a new, amazing adventure and I love it. I am in school Mon-Fri learning Spanish. It's hard because my classes are taught in only Spanish and I have never taken a Spanish class before, but I am catching on and trying to understand everything as much as possible. Spanish is such a beautiful language and I am really enjoying learning it. Also, being in a Spanish speaking country and studying/practicing it everyday has helped me learn much quicker! My family here in Costa Rica is absolutely incredible. I have felt so welcomed and loved. I have only been here a few days, yet I have learned so much from everyone. They are all such an inspiration to me. A few nights ago we had a bible study and we talked about Nehemiah 9. It talks about the power of God and how he is so faithful and doesn't desert his people. Nehemiah 9:17 says: "They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them." This verse is such an amazing reminder of the power and faithfulness of our God. There is power in the name of Jesus!!! No matter how wicked and sinful we are he continues to remain by our sides and is with us through everything. That is truly incredible. I have only gotten a little taste of what this summer will entail, but I am so excited!!
I'm here!!!! After much preparation and a 6 hour red-eye flight, I finally made it! It is absolutely amazing being reunited with everyone. It's so surreal being back; I feel like it was just last week I was here the first time. The whole family I am staying with welcomed me back with open arms and it's lovely to feel so at home right away. I'm hoping to be able to post updates every few days so stay posted! Thank you so much for all the support! :)
Hey guys! I leave late tomorrow night for Costa Rica! This blog is so you all can follow what I am doing! I will post once a week or so. Hope you can find some inspiration and joy through this blog! I will be posting links of new blog posts on facebook so make sure to look for them. Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on this amazing journey. I am so blessed. Thank you!
I got to spend the day with my host dad today which was so fun! He is so incredibly wise and is such an inspiration. What better way to share stories and testimonies than over amazing Chinese food in downtown San Jose? Then we got mcflurries from McDonald's to top it off! Such a wonderful day. 
