Diving In

I arrived in Costa Rica around 9 pm on Sunday, August 3rd, 5 hours later than anticipated.  It was a very long day of travel with multiple delays from the airline.  However, I still arrived safely.  In the car ride from the airport, the principal of the school I am working for explained to me that the family I was going to live with had fallen through, so now I would be living in a house owned by a man that works for the school.  Even though it was not what I had expected, I was very thankful for a place to stay!  The house is located a short 10 minute drive from school, in a suburb of San Jose.  There is a few supermarkets within walking distance, and even a mall I can walk to. 



 

View of the dining room and kitchen

 

 

Living Room

 

 

My Bedroom

 

Arriving on Sunday gave me one day to adjust to the culture and learn everything I needed to know before beginning teaching on Tuesday.  Talk about being thrown in head first.  I truly had to dive into the school year without much planning.  Being the planner I am, this whole transition has been a challenge because I have not known what to expect. It has taught me to truly rely on God for everything, and He has remained with me, giving me peace in this whole situation.  Thankfully, some of the other teachers had put up some decorations in my classroom, because I came with only two posters.  Although I have a whole closet full of teaching supplies in the US, I was unable to bring most of them.  Therefore, I am learning to teach with hardly any supplies. 

 

 

Front of my classroom

 

Cubby area for supplies- I didn't realize the students brought all their books and supplies on day 1- It was kind of a mess!

 

Classroom Door- I have 19 precious gems in my class

 

 I love all the windows in my classroom!  I hardly ever have to turn on the lights!

 

Fountain area where students eat snack during morning break and play when its raining

 

One area where they can play during breaks

 

 

It's been a long week of preparations, and long, exhausting days at school, but I survived week 1!  I'm adjusting well to the tica lifestyle and can't wait to see more of the country!  But for now I'm doing some much needed relaxing this weekend.