Much More Than Words

I was asked a lot, why Costa Rica? Why not courses at a community college or Rosetta Stone? My choice to go to Costa Rica was from the wise council of many who told me that immersion is the best way to learn. I have begun to see why that is true. One of the most exciting and sometimes difficult parts of learning another language is also learning the culture. Language is tied to the culture that it supports, so to know the culture is to know the language. Ticos are vibrant people who are very expressive with a welcoming spirit and peaceful attitude. This is one of the many reasons why Costa Rica is great to learn spanish. Spending time out in the country and surrounded by the people is very helpful in the process. A difficult obstacle that I am trying to overcome, is the difference in thought pattern. Substituting Spanish for english words is wrong, but learning to form sentences the way a native speaker would. Thus, this weeks spanish lesson. "De hoy en ocho" is the phrase used for "in 1 week." Here in latin america you count the current day and then include the days to come when communicating the days to come. If you know me at all I am easily fascinated by the littlest of things, these nuances of culture and language FASCINATE me. Next time I will try and be a bit more prompt with the week's spanish lessons on Fridays. Thanks for reading and all your prayers, they help so much!!

Prayer Request

I am writing from the International Airport in San Jose, because I am having to travel back home to the states. My Grandpa passed away Friday night and I going home to be with my family during this time and have the incredible honor of preaching his funeral. I would ask for your prayer for my safety as I travel to the states and then back to Costa Rica at the end of the week. Also, please pray that the gospel of Christ will be heard by those who need and that the relationship my grandpa had with Jesus Christ would serve as a catalyst for those who do not know Him as he did. The viewing is on Tuesday and the Funeral Service is Wednesday morning. Thank you for all your prayers. 

This week's Spanish Lesson

Each Friday I will post a little spanish lesson of words or phrases that I have found necessary or interesting. First, is the word Tico. Tico is the word for a native of Costa Rican. You would not call someone a Costa Rican, but a Tico (for men) and Tica (for women). I am told that this comes from the early days of coffee plantations, but I am not sure the exact syntax of the word. However, when referring to someone here, they are a Tico. Second, is a phrase that I have found myself saying over and over and OVER. ¿Cómo se dice...en Español? It is "How do you say...in spanish?" One who is learning the language this is your greatest tool in acquiring a vocabulary of words. My wonderful Tico family are so patient in explaining and pronouncing words over and over to me until I am able to say it back really well. For them Iam so thankful, they are my best teachers, I pray that one day soon my spanish will be good enough to repay them with the kindness of Christ in words. Until then, I will stumble through saying ¿Cómo se dice...en Español? making it through with the help of wonderful Ticos. 

Where The Streets Have No Name

One thing I have learned and am adapting to is that there are no names for the streets here. To find your way around you use landmarks and descriptions of what the street is like. The part of San Jose that I am living in, San Francisco de dos Rios, has two main roads. A North/South Road and a East/West Road, they are called the Major Roads. The house where I live, as you can see in the picture, is right off of the East/West major road. It is absolutely beautiful every direction you look, you can see from the photo of the road in front of my house heading south, that mountains surround the city. I embarked on a walk today, to familiarize my self with the major roads, my walk to school and the parks. While out I made my first purchase with Colones, Costa Rican currency, an umbrella because it rains a lot here and a sprite, I was thirsty. God has placed such a peace in my heart that this is where I need to be. Already I can see Him using me in peoples lives, you know its all God when you can't even speak the Language.