Leaving my family and friends and being put in a completely different atmosphere has made me really discover who I am and has helped me learn many new things, I thought I would share these things with you!
1. First off I realized that although I haven’t had a chance to find a church, God is very much with me everyday. From the first day I got here and met both my host family and new friend Laura I realized how much God really looks out for me. He knew that without these people I never would have survived this long in Costa Rica. God definitely has been working on my behalf.
2. This weekend I realized what I don’t want my life to turn into… This weekend, a couple of the girls from school and I went to Tamarindo, a tourist location on the Pacific Ocean coast. Here we stayed in a hostel with another woman, who we discovered was 37. Throughout the weekend, this woman became everything in life I strive not to be. She had no problem being naked around strangers; she was single, seemed to have no connection with her family or any friends to speak of and was basically a vagabond traveling from place to place partying, getting drunk, and cussing up a storm. It was really sad to see this really nice woman who seemed to have no real sense of self worth or meaning.
3. I realized that apparently I’m semi-allergic to sand??? Every time I’m at the beach the sand ends up in my swimsuit and I have a rash on my rear! Not good!
4. Since being in Costa Rica I have come to understand that I truly am a control freak, which I can confidently say I got from my mother! I have learned that when it comes to making decisions, being in control and maintaining control is super important. On the other hand when it comes to dancing with a partner it is essential to relax and give up control and be led by your partner .This has been a struggle for me. It’s something I’m working on.
5. When it comes to food I have found that you can’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I have been introduced to a whole new world of foods that I never would have known whether or not I liked unless I tried them. So far I have found that I do not like papaya and that my new favorite fruit is passion fruit( maracuya), los gatos are an amazing treat, guanavana, although it looks like a slimy white thing is actually quite tasty, and agua dulce is super tasty.
6. While still talking about food, I have found that Chocolate is a not just a want in my life, it’s a need. Here in Costa Rica I stumbled upon the most amazing chocolate covered almonds called Vizzio’s and they’re to die for!
7 Moving on I have found that there really are some pretty dumb Americans, and that I want to strive to be as different from them as possible.
8. I learned that in East Germany women have no problem with going topless in restaurants or just on the streets. Apparently I’m told it’s pretty normal there...
9. I have put out of my head the notion that Minnesota drivers are horrible. Compared to Costa Rica, Minnesota drivers are amazing. The way people drive here makes me soooo nervous and fearful for the lives of both drivers and pedestrians. It’s a crazy world on the streets here.
10. I have learned that no matter how much sun I get, how beautiful the Ocean is, how hot the weather is, and how awesome the food is, Costa Rica isn’t home. Minnesota with its 4 complete seasons, including the frozen tundra will always be home for me!
1. First off I realized that although I haven’t had a chance to find a church, God is very much with me everyday. From the first day I got here and met both my host family and new friend Laura I realized how much God really looks out for me. He knew that without these people I never would have survived this long in Costa Rica. God definitely has been working on my behalf.
2. This weekend I realized what I don’t want my life to turn into… This weekend, a couple of the girls from school and I went to Tamarindo, a tourist location on the Pacific Ocean coast. Here we stayed in a hostel with another woman, who we discovered was 37. Throughout the weekend, this woman became everything in life I strive not to be. She had no problem being naked around strangers; she was single, seemed to have no connection with her family or any friends to speak of and was basically a vagabond traveling from place to place partying, getting drunk, and cussing up a storm. It was really sad to see this really nice woman who seemed to have no real sense of self worth or meaning.
3. I realized that apparently I’m semi-allergic to sand??? Every time I’m at the beach the sand ends up in my swimsuit and I have a rash on my rear! Not good!
4. Since being in Costa Rica I have come to understand that I truly am a control freak, which I can confidently say I got from my mother! I have learned that when it comes to making decisions, being in control and maintaining control is super important. On the other hand when it comes to dancing with a partner it is essential to relax and give up control and be led by your partner .This has been a struggle for me. It’s something I’m working on.
5. When it comes to food I have found that you can’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I have been introduced to a whole new world of foods that I never would have known whether or not I liked unless I tried them. So far I have found that I do not like papaya and that my new favorite fruit is passion fruit( maracuya), los gatos are an amazing treat, guanavana, although it looks like a slimy white thing is actually quite tasty, and agua dulce is super tasty.
6. While still talking about food, I have found that Chocolate is a not just a want in my life, it’s a need. Here in Costa Rica I stumbled upon the most amazing chocolate covered almonds called Vizzio’s and they’re to die for!
7 Moving on I have found that there really are some pretty dumb Americans, and that I want to strive to be as different from them as possible.
8. I learned that in East Germany women have no problem with going topless in restaurants or just on the streets. Apparently I’m told it’s pretty normal there...
9. I have put out of my head the notion that Minnesota drivers are horrible. Compared to Costa Rica, Minnesota drivers are amazing. The way people drive here makes me soooo nervous and fearful for the lives of both drivers and pedestrians. It’s a crazy world on the streets here.
10. I have learned that no matter how much sun I get, how beautiful the Ocean is, how hot the weather is, and how awesome the food is, Costa Rica isn’t home. Minnesota with its 4 complete seasons, including the frozen tundra will always be home for me!
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to read this all the time, but I love to hear about all the things you are experiencing. I told your Mom that I don't think I like the word "party" it's not the Aslhey I know. She assured me you are fine and not the one doing the drinking. I felt a lot better, I told her I think I just want you to come home. It just scares me with all those other people who look at you and know how beautiful you are, keep wearing your glasses. I am glad however you are having fun and finding out how some of the other world lives. It makes you appreciate your home, your family, friends and all the blessings God has given to you. I told Grandpa you sound just like Dorothy, ha!
Maybe you can try to help people like this 37-year-old lady that has no hope, she needs Jesus. What you see is live without him, no purpose for life and no goals, just hopelessness. Makes one sad to see this kind of life, when Jesus has given his life to give her just the opposite. I pray you can make a difference in some of those lives. We are praying for you everyday and pray for safety for you. Enjoy yourself, and be sure to look both ways before crossing the street, Enjoy the chocolate, find a church to attend; it will be a new experience for you too.
All our love,
Grandma Omie & Grandpa Bill