As I walk around Costa Rica, there is so much to see and so much to do. I walk out of the home I am staying in with 46 other students and I see houses of different colors and roads with many hills. I see a beautiful mountain view and palm trees canopy above me as I walk. This country has so many different people with unique cultures. For example, this is what I’ve gathered from my stay so far:
-They kiss each other on the cheek when they greet each other.
-The driving is crazy! Basically, stop signs and speed limits are optional and pedestrians do not have the right away. Not to mention they honk at each other all the time, but not out of anger, often times to just say hi or thank you. I do have to say though, it takes such intricate skills to not hit people walking around on the sides of the road.
-Rice and beans are eaten at every meal but wow they are quite tasty.
-They do not flush their toilet paper!! It could clog the plumbing system. So hard to remember to put it in the trash can next to me.
-Slamming car doors is VERY offensive here. Their cars are very valuable and it is super disrespectful to slam them.
-Some of these people are the kindest I’ve ever met! Always saying hello and smiling and making effort to speak to everyone they see.
-They all speak limitted English but it’s so inviting to see their joyful faces as they try to communicate with me.
-There are almost more motorcycles than cars.
-Pupusarosas are SO YUMMY.
-Pura Vida is their catch phrase and it can be used to respond to almost anything.
Although our US culture is quite different, how amazing is it that we as people all have something in common: we are God‘s creation!!! Because of this, we are all the same. I am so blessed to be in such a beautiful country, serving our most high king!!! I can’t wait to learn more about this culture and our squad as we experience life together here for the next 3 months! I’m excited to see all that God will put in my path as I explore this lovely area, rest and serve these people. Differences and all, love brings people together. Thank you Jesus.
