I am still taking it all in. I am realizing that Costa Rica is not at all what I expected. It is very beautiful etc., but city life is so normal. Other than walking everywhere, they have what seems the same conveniences that we have. "My brothers" have a play station that they love to play and there is a television in every room. I know that I am here to learn the language and I think I will see different lifestyles when I get to Samara and in San Jose.

The weekend was not what we planned! We traveled to San Jose on a bus to catch another bus to the volcanó. We ran around downtown San Jose searching furiously for the bus stop and it was not in the place we had on the map. Anyway, after walking around in circles for a few blocks, I think the gentlemen selling fruit on the corner recognized us and asked "Volcan Poas?" "Si, si!!" He pointed us in the direction and we were only a block away! So, we sucessfully found the bus and rode comfortably to Alejuela where we then stopped to pick up the rest of the ticos and ticas. Several people stood in the isle for about 1-2 hours. Once we arrived at the top, I was wishing I had packed my raincoat and warmer clothes. It was very cold, rainy, and foggy, Oregon/Washington weather. We walked to the view point and looked out into total white space. It kind of made my stomach drop though because standing on the edge into nothing but white was eerie. Because it was so cold and wet, we decided to head back to Heredia. No sense in staying at the cabin if we are stuck inside.

I really missed being home on Sunday. Church, regular activities, familiar faces, and such, but I also know my time here is short. I ask for continued prayer for learning, safety, and my next host family. I hear conditions in Samara are a bit more rugged (i.e. big spiders etc.!!!!!!!!)

I have to run for "la cena!"