Nicaragua

$20 for an 8 hour bus ride...
$8 for an exit fee and 2 hours at customs...

and here we are. Trish and I are traveling with two missionary families for a few days to discover how they are making a difference in Nicaraguan poverty. So far, we've learned a lot about what the Dice family is doing... Their home church in Michigan is passionate about not only learning about international poverty but also about doing something about it.
So their home church sent them to language school in Costa Rica to serve as a bridge to churches in Nicaragua. They are investing in helping these churches build lasting buildings (instead of the tin huts and garbage bag roofs) and they are helping pastors get off their feet as business men. Last night at dinner I asked April where Jeff was, and she casually told me he was otu buying a taxi. I was confused and asked if we were driving ourselves around the next day, and she laughed. Jeff is buying taxis as an investment into area pastors so they can work toward owning the vehicle and make a family living at the same time. Once a pastor owns the car, he earns $700 monthly... and the average wage here is $150 monthly. WOW. Jeff and April are a huge blessing to these people, and I can see it in the pastors's eyes as they interact with the Dice famile.
the pastor's son who has SOOOO much energy. Here he's telling me that he's a monkey and can he please see his photo?

Ellie, me, Karis, Tricia. These girls are precious.

The Dice family. Jeff and April with their kids, L2R Mason, Karis, Ellie, Camden. Mason is one of my 4th graders this year.

Mason's brown eyes.

and today we follow the Johnson family.

Culture Day... Bon Jour!!

You might remember Culture Day last year... we were China... this year my students chose to be France! They totally took ownership of the research and the projects and I was so proud! Here's some peeks at our ''French costumes''... jeans and white or striped shirts with bandannas. haha, that was about as French as we knew how to get. The students put together a tour guide for our French exhibit... I'll be posting that soon!

The Marianas...

The Marianas and Camila

The twins!! Melissa and Michelle

Jonathan, Lucas, Gabriel

Lucas was super excited about dressing up like the chef from the movie Ratatouille... he even had his own rat.

And the whole class!!!

This Week's Favorite Quotes

Kids are funny. Period. That's about all there is to it. Here's some of my favorites this week:


student ''You have 14 kids??''
me ''yes''
student ''well you sure look good after that many babies! my mom complains that us 3 kids are the reason she's not very pretty anymore''

''Do you happen to have a growing laser that I can use?''

''Let's take a field trip on YouTube.''

''I can't believe I'm going on vacation with my teacher...'' (said to a friend about me traveling with his family this weekend to Nicaragua)




OR sometimes it's the spelling errors that make me smile.

''A vaccine has weekend germs that trigger the production of antibodies.''

''I think I never want to merry a man with a beard.''




AND other times there's their journal entries that make me laugh out loud.

Writing Prompt -- ''Write a conversation you would have with your lungs and heart as you run across the gym to catch a kickball. Whether or not you catch the ball determines whether your team wins!''

Student Response -- '' 'Give me more energy!'' I said. The lungs answered, '' Never! '' My heart was thumping hard. I was trying to get enough oxygen as I can. I could see my veins. My arteries were in hyperdrive. My red blood cells said, ''We are going as fast as we can!'' My diaphram was about to explode. My trachea needed more air. Then I caught the ball.''




THEN there's the quotes that almost break your heart.

''I held an orphan baby last week.''

''I might come in with a black eye tomorrow because my test grade isn't very good.''

Amanecer en Puerto Viejo

Sunrise on the ocean just can't be beat... here's Sunday morning's 5am display...

We had a blast with our group of 5 guys and 4 girls. We rented bikes Saturday and rode to Playa Cocles, which is great for watching surfers and attempting body surfing.. note that I said attempting. :) We covered ourselves in sand and played American football (we always have to clarify which kind of football we are playing!... futbol or football, if you know what I mean). We rented a house and cooked dinner both nights, which was also a great treat. All in all, a good weekend of fun and sun!

Nerd Day

Skylar and I rocking Nerd Day last Friday... One parent told me he couldn't believe I had some of those clothing items here in Costa Rica. You know, the striped socks and the wool (lime green!) vest... only for days like these.

Got Bit by the Travel Bug Recently?

I have...

I'm going to the Caribbean this weekend with a group of Sojourn teachers and ILE students.

Then next weekend, I'm headed to Nicaragua for 5 days.

Photos to come! :):)

Did the Sun Do This in the U.S.??

So this afternoon we saw a phenomenon here in CR... a rainbow circling the sun. Could you guys see this in the States?? I tried to capture it with my camera, but of course, it doesn't have the same effect. It was so bright and so dark all at the same time... all the ticos were out in the street yelling and dogs barking and ... the old lady down the street was sure Jesus was coming back. I have yet to see Jesus face to face today... but I'll keep you posted. :)