Catch Up!

Well, I have been a little lazy with these blogs. Sorry!

Here is a catch-up on everything that's been happening.

Last Friday we went on our last excursion with the school. It was off to Arenal (another volcano). Although we didn't go to the actually volcano. We went to the Baldi Hot springs which were, AMAZING. It was a series of pools (like normal swimming pools) but they were filled with hot water, that were somehow heated by the volcano. Also, there were a few REALLY intense water slides! They were sweet! Although, on the middle one, everyone always came out flying and skidded accross the water. Some of my friends did it headfirst and have giant bruises on their hips. But it looks really cool.

Then Saturday we went by "Jeep-Boat-Jeep" to a place called Monteverde. It really meant that we took a van for awhile, then this really cool boat--kinda like a big pontoon boat-- and then another bus for a long time on SUPER bumpy roads. I really enjoyed the trip, just the traveling. The van rides were fun, and I praise God that I don't get motion sickness. But the view was amazing! The whole time we were surrounded by such pretty scenery and could see the mountains and fields below. I love it. And on the boat, I got some really good prayer time. It was a good break :) I love scenery and the little things in life. Once we got to our hotel in Monteverde (it was called Don Taco!) we had time to go out and eat in the little town. I just love all my friends here and we enjoy all our time together.

After was my favorite time of the whole trip--- It was dark and we wanted stars so we went out into this little field (It was Joey, Ben, me, Rachel, Kelsey, and Caroline). It was so neat because we just laid on the ground or on a log and watched the stars. It was almost magical because I had forgotten how bright stars could be. But boy did they shine! We saw some shooting stars. Then we all sang worship songs together for like 45 min. AHH. So nice to be with similar spirited people who all love the Lord.

Then Sunday was an adventure day-- we went and did a canopy tour! It was a series of about 11 zip lines through the jungle and 2 extra ones. They were fun, but there were 2 that were about 300 feet across a giant gorge. IT WAS AMAZING. I just like, lost my breath when I looked at the scenery. Love it. And the last one was a "Tarzan Swing" which means you get clipped into your harness and jump off a platform to a giant swing. You actually free fall for about 3 seconds before the rope catches and you swing. What a rush!

Sunday night, we were back in San Jose, and it was SLEEPOVER/MOVIE NIGHT! WOO. My friend Rachel's Tica Mom is out of town, so Kelsey and I went over and watched a movie with Ben and Joey. We actually talked them into watching Dirty Dancing Havana Nights. I thought it was very fitting because Cuba is pretty close. Right? Then sleepover with the girls! No school Monday.

I rode in my first taxi Monday! It was.... a little uneventful and kinda expensive. Oh well. Worth a try! But I decided buses work just fine for me.

We went downtown to this littl ecraft market called "La Casonya" and I loved talking to all the people. They LOVED it when we would speak Spanish to them so I got in some good practice. My friend Ben is super good with people and can make anyone laugh. I'm a bit jealous of his people skills, but Im trying to turn that into pure happiness for him and learn some things. I just love watching him interact with people, because he genuinely cares and wants to show them God's love.

New Spanish class started today! "Intermedio Conversación" I love my teacher :) I LOVE HER. She is just super fun and one of those people that you instantly can get along with. Weird thing though: there are 4 boys in my class and only 2 girls. ODD-- I have never been outnumbered by boys in a class before! I'm gonna learn a lot I can tell. My teacher said the goal was to speak like a "tico"...OK let's do it!

Planning a trip (ON OUR OWN!) to the beach called Manuel Antonio this weekend. Keep ya posted on how it goes!