The One When I Climbed the Volcano

“Today we are going to climb a volcano.”
 

Those were the words I heard when I woke up this past Saturday. The next thing I knew, I was on my way to the Irazu volcano in Costa Rica with my host mom, brother, cousin, and a full thermos of that famous CR java!

The drive took over an hour, but let me tell you that I was literally drinking in the sights. I couldn't stop taking pictures out the car window – it was so beautiful it almost hurt. All the way up the mountain I caught glimpses of the valley below, jam-packed with colorful houses and surrounded by open green fields. Above, the volcano was covered with jungle-like forests and rich farm lands.

 

About halfway up, we parked and leaned against a small fence to soak in this view. While eating fresh baked bread and drinking fresh coffee – none of us said a word for a long moment, and simply tried to take in this breath-taking view.

Before we started my CR brother, David, gave me this comforting warning: “It's hard to breathe up here, so if you get dizzy...scream.” Righto.

So, in my yoga pants and tennies (the very ones that got me through The Amazon and beyond) we were off! The trail was steep and windy – but scattered with beautiful wildlife that grew from the rich ashy soil. We climbed and climbed, came across an old native structure, stopped a time or two to catch our breath, but eventually came to a clearing above.

 

The entire time, everyone was raddling off in Spanish (much faster and more complicated than I could understand) so I literally had no idea how long this entire venture would take. Or if we were anywhere close. Or if we were climbing all the way to the lava. Or if we were going to set up camp for a few days. All I could do was put one foot in front of the other and enjoy God's creation around me.

 

Once we made it to the clearing, we weren't at the top, but high enough for clouds to start surrounding our area. The air was chilly but refreshingly clean, and after breathing it in for a few minutes, we were on our way back down (thankfully:).

Back at the car, we enjoyed apples and I made everyone take a few pictures together. We were all tired, but so invigorated by all the beauty we had just seen.

I enjoyed snapping even more pictures on our drive back down the volcano, and (to my delight) we ended up at a mall for dinner!

As the subway jingle “Eat Fresh” came to mind, I couldn't help but think, “Well, Subway, don't mind if I do.” And for the first time in about a week I enjoyed some pure American cuisine :)

 

Stay tuned to the next blog to hear about the Haunted House visit on the way back down the volcano! I'll post tomorrow!

XXOO

p.s.Thanks, Daddy, for your flannel - it loved the Volcano ;)

First Day of School!

Yesterday was my first day of school! Every day I walk a little ways down the winding neighborhoods to a busy street. I then get picked up and taken on the most beautiful route to International Christian School of Costa Rica. Oriana, the guidance counselor, is the one who picks me up - and her daughter Camila is in my class.

I am teaching 5^th grade with Mr. Valverde and so far I love it! Let me just tell you that these kids are SMART. They are all bilingual, as they all speak Spanish and this is a private English-speaking school, and some of them also speak Korean and/or Chinese. It’s absolutely incredible…and I feel rather foolish that I am there one-language-speaking-silly-young-American-teacher.

The school is fairly small - I have 21 kids in my class and there is another 5^th grade class with about the same. Most of these kids have known each other their entire lives, and they also know the teachers - so the first day of school really only felt like the first day to me.

These little kittens are BEYOND CUTE and say the funniest things! For example, when asked what a picture of a ship could be in their history books, one kid shouted “Christmas Columbus!”. Today at lunch I asked one of my students what I was drinking (in Spanish - I was so proud!) and she hesitated and said, “I am nervous to say because sometimes it sounds like a bad word…peach? Yes, it’s peach tea.” I laughed as I realized with a Spanish accent that word could certainly sound like something I would never want to be called.

It has only rained once so far during the day (unusual for the rainy season) but let me tell you, it was cats and dogs! Something I have to look forward to during these next months :p

I slowly getting used to this culture full of cheek-kissing, umbrella carrying, and endless soccer playing. It’s certainly different from home, but it’s becoming my home away…

Until next time, I’ll leave you with a little peck on the cheek!

XXOO

The look for a warm Wednesday...

Lady and Jagger

So here I sit on the couch, my first time being alone in my host home. My host mom - her name is Lady (seriously) is off to salsa class (seriously), and it's the perfect time to blog! 
There is SO much to write about…but I'll simply start at the beginning:
As the plane landed in San Jose, Costa Rica, the jitters started. I have always been a last-minute-it-will-all-work-out-don’t-over-think-it kind of person.  In that moment, however, I realized I had traveled to a foreign country alone, I had no idea what my principal (who was picking me up) looked like, my cell phone no longer worked, and I was now confined to my limited knowledge of Espanol. To top it off, my flight in Chicago had gotten delayed three hours, causing my flights to change considerably throughout the day. Because of this, I kept telling myself that my luggage would not be circling on the other side of that grand silver carousel. However, after I stood there chanting “come on Delilah” (the name of my suitcase), the old dear made it! I let out a cheer and took a picture of Delilah and her baby right then and there. What a miracle!

After this I had sense enough to stop at the currency booth and exchange some money (very wise, if I do say so myself).  Customs was no problem, but as I walked out of the little airport into the world outside, those initial senses started fleeing little by little. I was suddenly surrounded by Ticos (mostly men) holding up signs with scribbled names, whistling and hissing, and asking me in broken English if I wanted a taxi. Gripping Delilah and her baby like they were my own children, I wheeled them with my head high to the end of the crowd - and there, in the air, was the most beautiful name I have ever seen…mine!

Connected to that sign was a very nice, very white man named Mr. Tabor, my principal.  He gave me a big Costa Rican hug and introduced me to his adorable son, Daniel, as they took my bags and led me to the car. They whisked me away in the crazy San Jose traffic and took me to my new home for the next three months. He told me my host mom was a wonderful Lady (literally, ha) who spoke only Spanish. Her 23 year old son, David, however, spoke English and that Bali, Lady’s daughter had just moved to the US. 
I got to the house and was greeted by a PRECIOUS yellow lab I would soon get to know as Jagger (and yes, he has moves:).

 Lady showed me my room - it’s her daughters. Later the next day, Lady explained to me (in one of our many Spanglish conversations) that God knew she needed another daughter while her own was away. With a teary-eyed hug she welcomed me in…and just like that, I was home.

Since then I have picked lemons from the beautiful tree in our backyard, met some wonderful dogs at the park, and was brought to tears in church on Sunday.

Here’s what I know:
-- God knows what I need. He cares for the sparrows, and he cares all the more for me.
-- He won’t leave me abandoned and shaky on a 757 in a foreign country.
-- He’ll put his hand on my back, and give me the strength to stand tall.
-- He’ll show me people that love Him all over the world, just to remind me that I have NO idea how BIG He is.
-- He’ll challenge me when I get comfortable.
-- And I’m pretty sure He laughs when I finally get it…it takes us a while sometimes, doesn’t it?

So with Costa Rican coffee close by, and the comfort of a movie in English on my ipod, I’ll end this blog about my first little darling days…with the excitement of many more to come!

The Summer of a Lifetime!

I’m sitting here in O’Hare International Airport with a delayed flight, a new boarding pass, and a woman next to me who is painting her nails…the adventure has already begun! As I eat my now cold Starbucks breakfast sandwich and worry about getting ahold of my principal who now needs to pick me up at the airport 6 hours later than expected - I realize that before I can blog about my pending ventures Student Teaching in Costa Rica, I should do my recent world travels justice…with a really longgg blog.

I was getting my hair trimmed yesterday and my hair dresser said, “You’ve had quite the summer!” As we chatted about my adventures, and she attempted to get my travels straight - even I had trouble remembering what these past few months have held for me.

((May 8^th-June 9^th))

Here’s what I know - I “graduated” and then was swept away to the Brazilian jungle where I swam in the Amazon river, was attacked by monkeys, held a baby alligator, and met people that changed my life forever. We stayed with two INCREDIBLE missionaries that allowed us to be part of their family. We befriended the locals, witnessed to Indian tribes, fixed up a house boat, and slept in hammocks.

God striped me of everything. Suddenly I didn’t have my favorite clothes, Starbucks, student government, friends, family, language, internet…nothing. God showed me pretty early on that ALL I had was HIM.

There’s something about being outside of your comfort zone - at Lake Ann Camp we call it the “groan/grown zone.” It means that you “groan” while you’re in it, but once you’re through it, you’ve “grown.” That is exactly what happened to me in Brazil.

There were times that I was depressed - every person on that trip was an AMAZING servant leader. Have you ever been surrounded by phenomenal people and realized you are really nothing special at all? Like it or not, it rocked my world for the better!

So, in typical Sarah fashion, here’s the short and sweet:

-- If you don’t wash your hair for two weeks, it does a self-cleaning thing that is gross but apparently super healthy. I recommend doing this in a jungle-like climate where you could care less what you look like.

-- Backward dives are not as scary as they look - especially off a house boat on the Amazon river.

-- Squirrel monkeys are cute, but when they jump from one person’s head to another, they tend to take some hair with them. You’ve been warned.

-- Banana chips in the United States are a joke. We don’t know what we’re missing.

-- Rice and beans never get old.

-- Nothing brings people of different nationalities together like a mutual relationship with Jesus Christ.

-- That power-house of a singer, Adele, can sure break the cultural ice…anywhere.

-- I am so thankful for Bob Barker and his advice to us for all those years, because NO ONE in Brazil has their pets spayed or neutered.

-- Hammocks, although seemingly enchanting to sleep in, suck.

-- When in doubt, act it out!

-- Never challenge anyone to futbol in South America…even if they’re 5.

-- Read “Not A Fan” … and be ready to promise God: Anything, Anytime, Anywhere.

-- Seeing a rainbow on the Amazon river should be the 8^th world wonder.

-- No matter how big the alligator is, it will still be slimy and scaley and stare at you with terrifyingly beaty eyes. Run away.

-- Serve Christ Alone. If you are serving others for your own glory or satisfaction, you will not be glorified or satisfied.

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(Now, while on my flight to Dallas, TX, let me tell you about My Roommate’s Wedding!)

((June 12^th - 17^th))

Randi Naramore - now Randi Wingate was married to the love of her life, Jesse Wingate on June 16, 2012 in The Middle of Nowhere, Vermont. It was beyond beautiful, relaxing, enchanting, and perfect. Randi and Jesse had everything planned to the T, and days before the wedding us bridesmaids could be found bashing around Burlington or getting our tan on at the lodge pool.

Here’s what I know:

-- God will bless that union, and I am blessed to have been a part of it!

-- Never underestimate cowgirl boots and ivory dresses. Meow.

-- Vermont breeds gentlemen.

-- Good girlfriends make you laugh, cry, and challenge you to be a stronger follower of Christ.

-- Weddings make me teary.

-- Once a Roomie, always a Roomie.

-- There is something magical about late night bonfires, night skies full of stardust, misty mountains, and watching the first pink light of the sunrise. Vermont, you stole my heart.

((June 20^th - 23^rd ))

Terra Johnson - now Terra Fazier, married her Evan of four plus years on June 23^rd, 2012.

This included the dazzling downtown charm of Grand Rapids, a timeless bride, and a million pictures that will last a lifetime. This classy event still has me baffled. Terra and I were friends since 6^th grade. I remember junior high pranks and high school cheerleading. I remember boy-scoping for years at summer camp. I remember staying up late at sleepovers talking about our weddings…and then her fairytale became true!

The Skinny:

-- Grand Rapids is happening! In my short weekend there I couldn’t get enough of the artsy little coffee shops and thriving city life.

-- Although sky high nude peep toe pumps may be the arch nemesis of my pinky toes, I will wear them forever.

-- Never confuse the bride’s slip for her wedding dress. Mr. Johnson, I have never laughed so hard.

-- Sometimes you just have to give in and get your nails done…for the bride’s sake, of course.

-- The right guy will hold you when you cry, take the ridiculous wedding pictures, and put up with your crazy bridesmaids.

-- If you’re ever running like a crazy person in the city streets of GR - toss the flip flops and go barefoot. Better traction.

-- The winner is the person who gets to sleep with the bride before her wedding night! I won =)

((June 24^th - June 30^th))

Less than 24 hours after Terra’s wedding, I found myself on a plane to The Bahamas for a mission trip with the bestie of all besties - the ever gracious, Grace Winner.

There, with several people that mean the world to her, we handed out meds, watched as our boys re-built a roof, and were captivated by the precious island children. This trip - although far too short, was none the less enlightening:

-- 45% of the island is unemployed. So many young people we met just wanted to learn a trade, anything that would allow them a job. I was convicted to the core about my own education I have whined about over the passed four years.

-- Sidewalk chalk, wiffle ball, and face paint are childhood favorites EVERYWHERE.

-- The most fulfillment is found when you abandon everything for the glory of Someone bigger.

-- In heaven, I’m pretty sure we will worship God on the beach.

-- If you’re supposed to go, God will get you there.

-- Fins in shallow water do not necessarily mean dolphins, especially if they are straight triangles and are circling each other. Swim away.

-- Sometimes all you need for a good time is a water slide and a trash can.

-- You are going to hurry up and wait. Deal with it.

-- Flying by one’s self is not nearly as mortifying as I imagined…in fact, it’s one of my new favorite things!

((July 5^th - 8^th))


After the Bahamas, a fabulous road trip from FL to OH, and some much needed time with Grace and the Winner fam, I found myself in the ER with my grandpa…watching his heart get zapped back into rhythm. By God’s grace, the fam (grandpa and all) somehow all made it up to the cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula later that week where Grandpa slowly regained his strength. After a week of beach-bumming, sleeping in, four wheeling, and some inspired writing, I was homeward bound.

((July 21^st))

I relaxed just enough for my body to get sick, and with a fever and cold sweats I took my Praxis test the next weekend. We’ll see how those test results turn out…fingers crossed!

((July 27^th - 29^th))

 My last weekend home before my current trek included the discovery that I indeed have mono…but that didn’t stop me from a little time at Lake Ann, MI. Along with some much beloved people, that place, much like Vermont, will forever have a piece of my heart. There’s something about camp - my dad calls it the front lines of ministry: campers come from all walks of life to a safe place, where people care, and they care enough to challenge. Watching young lives change, ironically, is life changing. I can’t even imagine how many tears have been shed on the edge of that chapel stage. So there I was, with old friends and new, and a little taste of the adventure that was my life last summer. With the boost of confidence from LA kittens who love me to the core, I had a few days to pack for the next three months.

((Now))

Naturally those few days came down to the last few hours and somehow I am flying to a destination somewhat unknown. Sometime today I will meet my principal, host family, and city that will be home for the next 98 days. I will have a classroom and students and internet access. I have a suitcase full of “what I hope I think I’ll need,“ and if all else fails, a carry-on full of shoes. What else does a girl need? With hopes of a coffee shop in walking distance, a little living space for my toothbrush, and a taste of what has been promised is pura vida…bring it on, Costa Rica.