For my family in Estados Unidos-
Trip Start
Apr 04, 2005
1
15
43
Trip End
Jul 18, 2005
San Joaquin de Flores,
Costa Rica
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Hola Mom and Papa and the Redfields and the Longs!
How is everything there? I am getting homesick so I am trying to keep busy. I am feeling back to good again. I got a flu bug or something so I ended up getting dehydrated. You sweat like a pig here and it is gross sometimes, especially since I need to walk through the pollution to get to the internet. When I get home I wipe my face with one of those wipey things and it is brown. Yuk. Things are going fine with my host family although my tica mom is really involved in my comings and goings and what I pack and shared with the people who came over for dinner that I was pouring soup out of my butt for two days so that was a little embarassing, but all and all they are good people.
School is fine but I am not learning as fast as I thought I would. I have a private teacher and am still having trouble remembering all of the verbs and how they are conjugated and all of that. Today I learned that there are 5 different verbs for To Be, and they all have rules as to how they can be applied. For example, one of the verbs can only be used when coupled with a noun and also a personal reaction to something. The other can only be used when talking about profession, location that is permanent, political or religious preference, origin, special events and about 10 opther things. One is used only with things involving the climate that you can see, not that you can feel. (Wind being the exception) blah blah blah. And they all are conjugated differently in past present and future and also by who you are referring to- is it you or me or them or him or us? So anyway, it is crazy.
I am learning a lot about myself. How I react when I am out of my element. I have always been so ballsy and out there, you know? Here it is sooo different! Also how I am dealing with not picking up spanish as fast as I thought. I am really struggling with the learning and it makes me feel wierd. The differences in culture have me on my toes and by the end of the day I am truly exhausted.
But I also realized that even though I feel insecure here quite often, that in my heart I feel a little braver, and a little more confident, and that I don't care so much what people think about me because I know I am doing a good thing, so I am happy about htat and proud of myself for what I am doing. I am ok with everything. I'm not totally freakin out so I must be doing alright! I am being fed well and very healthy food. No more headaches to speak of and the bowels seem to be holding their own against the change.
I hope you are all happy with my journal and that you are keeping tabs. I am sure you are Wendy! I am almost in the top 25! How many times do you click a day? Be careful for carpal tunnel syndrome! I know I write long journals but it is like I find solace in communicating with you all. It is the only time I am able to "speak" english. I miss english. I miss tv. I miss all things familiar. But most of all I miss you guys. OK, before I cry I am going to sign off! :) But really, I am doing great and find happiness at some point every day. I can't believe I have been here almost 3 weeks! Gone from you for 4. The rest will be just a memory before I know it so I am living each moment as much as I can.
Kathy, how are you? How are the kids? How is my brother? What are you up to? I miss you! At the house they have a bird and at first he was mean but now he is nice to me. He kind of reminds me of a defensive Tony. Maybe I am the bird whisperer... :) Please write and let me know how you are! I need you so don't forget about me! At least every other week I would love to hear from you so your time is almost up. You have one more day till 2 weeks, just a friendly warning sis. :) It's good to set expectations- haha!
I go to Monteverde next week and am looking so forward to it! It is supposed to be really beautiful and natural. I will do the canopy tour, bungee jump over a river and visit the Volcano Arenal and Hot Springs while I am there. I am happy for the change.
I forgot the mailing address for the school and also my sisters, I need your addresses because my mind is mush and I forget! :) I will send the address and postcards off as soon as I get your emails. I love you all and take care!! God bless- Christy
