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.

This past week I looked at Grace and said, “four weeks is a long time.”  We looked at each other with a “what are we doooing??” face...and laughed.
In a couple hours we will be on our way to The Amazon.  Even as I write that, I really have no idea what that means! 
Here are the facts: the bags are packed, the malaria meds have been taken, and the itunes have been completed in preparation of our pending 48 hour travels.  Prayers have been frantically written in journals, walmart runs have been made, and I am staying up all night because if I think about our pending adventures, I will most likely mentally negotiate my way out of this madness.
We will be floating down a river with full-time ABWE missionaries, fixing up their house boat, witnessing to local villagers, and putting on puppet shows for children along the way.

Our team is made up of Robert Rohm - the amazing Pastor at Cedarville University, three other young ladies besides Grace and myself, and six strapping gentlemen.  We have been getting to know each other bit by bit, and many a meeting has been interrupted with a fair share of chuckles - needless to say, it’s a fun group!

As we embark, I can’t thank everyone enough for their prayers and support.  We plan to do amazing work in The Amazon - and that kind of work belongs only to the Kingdom of our Father.  By His grace we will serve Him and the people of The Amazon well!

So much love, from a little darling about to set out on a big adventure <3

XXOO

16 going on 17

I remember when I was nothing but a big blue eyed 8, with puppy dog slippers, sipping chocolate milk while staring at our wooden-framed TV, silently confessing my deep devotion to Rolf in The Sound of Music.  I’d close my eyes and want to be “sixteen going on seventeen” so soooo bad.  

I was staying up to the wee hours finishing a project tonight and suddenly had the overwhelming sensation that I needed to watch that movie.  

I will never forget the day that my mom told me that Christopher Plummer was her first crush.  

In those days, we would get out the scrapbooking paraphernalia, pop the corn, and enter into the magically musical world of the Von Trapp’s.  I could sing every song, word-perfect, complete with motions. 

It’s funny how, years ago, I was DYING to be sixteen.  I wanted “fellas to fall in line” while I danced around an antique gazebo in a delicate little baby-pink-nightgown-dress.   

And even though I’m (ALMOST) 22, there’s still a huge part of my little heart that wants nothing more than what I yearned for at 8…to sing around a garden in the rain.  I want to make an outfit out of curtains.  I want to make someone sit on a pinecone.  I want someone older and wiser telling what to do-ooo.  But most of all, I really, really want to watch that movie <3 

Sixteen Going on Seventeen

We Went to the Whammys!!!

The youth pastor at my home church (Berean Baptist in Portage MI - woot!) put on The (First Annual) Whammy Awards a couple weeks ago.  It was a family friendly affair that included spot-on lip syncing, featured ridiculous performances, and guaranteed eye-watering chuckles (guilty!).

Please picture a group of grown men swaying and rockin out to “In The Jungle” or one in a inflatable fat suit, hugging potato chips while singing “You’re The Inspiration” … Too much? We think not.

Then picture a brother/sister combo singing “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” (I didn't know the song, but someone had a hammer in the performance, so I paid attention!) and later we watched their parents run around with feather boas and swords singing the “Chu-Chi Face” song from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

One of my favorites was a Justin Bieber look-alike owning “Baby” with a surprise appearance of a little blonde girly Ludacris, who crushed that bridge-section rap.  What a show!

My family performed “Yakiddy Yak” which we somehow put together only hours before.  The best part was my father’s outfit (I seriously couldn’t talk to him all night because of his hat/shoe/tie combo. Woof.) and the fact that all he had to do was peek behind his newspaper and mouth “Yakiddy Yak” while the rest of us did all the work (imagine that).  He was a hoot while the rest of us juggled props, attempted motions, and pretended to know lyrics.  Somehow we took home “Best Family Performance” and “Best use of Props” … just sayin :)

All in all, I was impressed with this church-centered, family-included, memory-making production…when was the last time the Brittans worked together and produced something fabulous?  History in the making for sure. 

I love when all ages of the church body can get together for good clean fun - I think it’s fellowship perfection, and a little hint of heaven.

Here are pictures from the “Runway” -- I decided to be the paparazzi ;)