Big News

So much has happened since the last time I wrote – I am officially a Peace Corps Costa Rica Volunteer, I had REAL froyo, and I am finally in my home for the next 2 years!!! All very big news in my life.

Swearing in

First and foremost, as of Friday I am an official Peace Corps Volunteer instead of a measly trainee! There were 50 of us then-trainees at the US Ambassadors house, even though he was not, to go through the ceremony. Not too shabby of a house with tennis courts, swimming pools, and enough space to hold an event with hundreds of people. It was a nice day, with our host families and PC staff there. Even though it was just the formality of the truly meaningful events, it was still a good day. The truly meaningful events took place during the travels that opened my eyes to the rest of the world; deciding to live in, learn from, and work with a foreign community with Peace Corps; the year-long application process; accepting my anxiously awaited invitation to serve in Costa Rica; packing, saying hard good-byes, and boarding a plane to Washington then on to Costa Rica; and living three months with a Tico host family, learning more Spanish, getting accustomed to the Costa Rican culture, learning about the endless PC rules, and getting some glimpses and training in what I might be doing in my community over the next two years. But it was a good day anyways.

Fro-yo

To some, eating froyo would seem a strange event to count among my accompanying big news, but not to those who know me.

After the swearing-in, all the volunteers went to celebrate in San Jose. A group of us made our way to San Pedro, a college town, which was perfect since we all felt a little bit like we were in college/high school during training. On our way to one of the many bars that line a street full of fun, I spotted it – Wanayog. We had a good time in the bar, then went for dinner and my favorite, dessert. I couldn’t hide my excitement – there were multiple flavors, candy and fresh fruit toppings, and you stacked up as much as you wanted and weighed it all to pay. While this is something that seems to be showing up on every corner in San Diego, it is the very first I have found in CR. I was so far beyond thrilled, and the poor workers must have thought I was crazy with the excited questions I was asking and the stupidly exultant look I had on my face. And I definitely put my feelings to action when I filled my bowl up. I spent more on dessert than I did on dinner but it was worth it without a doubt. After such a great find, I feel more confident that I can make it through these next two years much more easily. Any time I’m feeling extra homesick, bored, or just fed up, I can meet up again with Katie and Adrienne there, and feel at home once again. See – big news!

Trip to Bijagua

The next day, it was off to my new home – Bijagua. My Tarbaca mom/sister never ceases to surprise me with her generosity. She decided to drive me the 3-4 hour drive to my new house and spend the night! This not only made my life much easier, not having to take the bus with all of my luggage, but it was a great to spend a little bit longer with the family that has done so much for and come to mean so much to me.

The drive went well, and we arrived safely. Then after some very impressive bargaining by Jacky, we decided to stay in the nice new hotel, at a lower price than the cabinas. It was a relaxing evening.

The next day we were hoping to go to the famous Rio Celeste, but we were informed that Jacky’s car would not be able to make the trip (and our wallets couldn’t handle a taxi). So thanks to some help from a new friend in Bijagua, we made other plans.

First we stopped by my new house, so my Tico families could meet each other. They hit it off great. And as they were talking, I realized how blessed I was to get not one, but two awesome families to support me in my adventure.

Then we went to see a 600-yr old tree. I didn’t realize it was on a farmer’s property, but when we arrived, one of the boys was nice enough to take us on the 20 minute walk/hike to the tree that we never could have found on our own. The walk itself was gorgeous, going from cow fields to dense rainforest in mere seconds. Then the tree itself was very impressive, measuring 60 meters (I guess about 180 ft)!

Then we went up to Alberque Heleconias – Jacky’s car somehow making it despite warnings that we would not. We went on a beautiful hike through the dense rainforest, crossing 3 hanging bridges that were about 30 meters (about 90 ft) above the forest floor. It started to rain (it is a rainforest after all) so we ran the last part to save the cameras. But it was a beautiful walk/run.

After waiting out the rain for a bit, we went back to my new home. After a cafecito with Alcira, it was time for goodbyes. It was definitely hard, but what made it much better was knowing that we were only going to be a car/bus ride away and we plan on visiting each other often. Melannie, Stephannie, and especially Jacky have all become so important in my life and have done so much for me that I know they will remain an important part of my life, especially while I will still be relatively close these next two years.

But now begins the next chapter in Bijagua, since I’m an official Peace Corps Volunteer and all (with the certificate to prove it). Wish me luck!