September is Independence month here in Costa Rica, and the celebration basically lasts all month long. Independence Day is September 15, but decorations and festivities run the whole month. "Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz" is the last line of the national anthem, which shows their commitment to hard work and staying a peaceful nation. It's easy to say that I live a pretty peaceful lifestyle here. I also had the opportunity to go to the National Theater to see one of my students play in the orchestra for an evening of recognizing diversity and peace here in Costa Rica. Even the president of Costa Rica was there! :)
October included Grandparent's Day and Culture Day. For grandparents day we performed a play showcasing the diversity of our students and appreciation for the grandparents. Culture Day is celebrated on the holiday which we like to call Columbus Day. I think its interesting that while the U.S. is celebrating taking over a land that is not their own, Costa Rica is appreciating all the diversity that makes the country unique. As a school, we had an assembly where all the flags were carried from all the countries represented, dances and songs were performed, and John 3:16 was recited in many other languages. We also had the opportunity to showcase multiple countries through booths with food and information. Since my coworker is from Canada, 3rd grade got to represent Canada. It was quite an exciting Friday morning, which led to an amazing 3 day weekend at the beach! I don't think I'll get tired of having that option every weekend.
November has been a full month of adventure! I have the privilege of getting to know a student teacher from California, and show her around the country to all my favorite spots. Also, just a week ago I had a student teacher from MNU arrive to teach in my class. This is my first experience mentoring a student teacher and I'm so excited about it! She's only here for a short while (especially since we have all week off for thanksgiving....) but it's quite an experience. Therefore I have many reasons to travel all around on the weekends. Lately I've gotten to visit my favorite beach of Punta Uva (pictured above), go whitewater rafting, visit the Poas Volcano, and looking forward to a week of vacations and traveling this week :) God is so good!
On a more serious note, I'd like to thank you for your prayers. Coming back from a summer break in the states was a little tough on me spiritually. I hadn't felt as connected to a church community here in Costa Rica as I did in the states. I was missing my close-knit church group, and struggling to find something similar. Although I still haven't found a permanent church home, I have been blessed with four lovely ladies to meet with weekly for a discipleship group. They are amazing and I thank God for bringing together our group. I don't know what I'd do without them!
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