Aventuras Nuevo de Costa Rica

I finally reached Costa Rica, after ten hours in the air and two hours with the relatives in Phoenix (during my three hour delay)!! 

All air related items went well. I even got a window seat on the way to Arizona. That was fun because I got to watch the sunrise over MN during takeoff, and I had a bird’s eye view of the mountains.  

In AZ I got to catch up my relatives and see my grandparents, which was extra special. I also got to go through an intense security screening. I had to stand in this machine with my feet separated and my hands over my head. (Felt like I was being arrested!) But no worries, as I was not hiding any guns or fingernail clippers. 

Upon arrival in Costa Rica I went to meet my family. There were a lot of people with signs, but I did not think Nestle, Pedro, or Carlos fit me. I did have one guy come up to me and ask if my name was Lawrence. Two hours later I watched a small Costa Rican lady come flying into the parking lot. She rushed out of her jeep/SUV and hurried over to me. She took one look at me and said “Rachel?” 

I have never been so relieved to see a stranger before. She said “lo siento” (sorry) about a 100 times, since she was late, and then we headed for home. Evelyn is her name and she is my host mom for this month. She speaks very little English, and I speak very little Spanish, but we had fun doing our best to communicate on the car ride back. 

Also, the driving in Costa Rica is like something out of Mario Kart. They are all over the roads and aggressiveness is a must. (I think I was holding my breath part of the ride and hanging on for dear life the rest of the ride).

Faithful and friendly Leo

Evelyn has three daughters: Maria, Carolina, & Veronica. Maria and Veronica (aka: Vero) greeted me with hugs and kisses when I arrived. I also received a very warm greeting from this little fellow: Leo (lay-o)-short for Leopold. Leo likes following me around the house and being outside with me. Maria is the same age as me, and she leaves for Mexico at the end of this week (to go back to the university). Carolina (aka: Caro) is a senior at the school I will be teaching at (Miriam Baker School-MBS). And Vero is a freshman at MBS. 

Vero asked me if my family is normal, and she proceeded to explain that her family is made up of screamers. And by “screamers” she means they are loud and very expressive. Vero described Caro as a “bomb” and when she is with her friends she is a nuclear bomb. We will see…

Meanwhile, Costa Rica truly is “pura la vida” pure life. Everything is so green and full of life. Evelyn loves to garden, so here a few pictures of the front and backyard. They live in a gated community, because Evelyn said San Jose is known for a large amount of robbery. 

The view from my room                                                                       

This is my room, which overlooks the backyard and that white house. The reason I say “that white house” is because it is under construction. Last night I was super tired and excited to try to sleep in a little, but apparently the construction workers thought it would be better to start their hammering and sawing at 6 AM. Add some exotic bird noises, and I was up by 8 AM. 

My room...along with a plethora of horse ribbons :)                   Can't help but feel like a winner when I wake up

However, God’s faithfulness is ever so present, as I have experienced a great peace and like King David, I have found my security and worth in Him.

            “But you are a shield around me O LORD; you bestow glory on

              me and lift up my head” –Psalm 2:3

Jim Elliot stated my intention for Costa Rica best by saying “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God” It is my prayer that I will boldly shine His light in Costa Rica and fully live for Him in every situation.

The support from family and friends is incredible, and I am excited to keep you posted on God’s work in my life.

My new favorite place to talk with God and nap...in that order

Here is my address until February:

Rachel Osborn

Granadilla, Curridabat

Residencial Altamonte #290 EE

San Jose, Costa Rica

*I’ll start school at MBS in two weeks and two days. (2^nd grade!!!)

Thanks again for all your prayers, and I will keep you posted on my “Aventuras Nuevo de Costa Rica” –New Adventures in Costa Rica.