Today I arrived in Costa Rica. Despite months of preparation, countless checklists, and extensive training, my first day on the field was more than I could of ever imagined. From 4 am wake up calls, to Napoleon Dynamite on the plane, and finally to late night basketball, it was a day unlike any other. Costa Rica is a beautiful, lively country bursting with a culture and lifestyle I am blessed to experience.
It was a long travel day, and by the time we reached our ministry host’s house, I was beat. I wanted to lie down. But our hosts— bursting with excitement upon our arrival— wanted to show us around the city. We walked through cracked sidewalks covered with green moss. Cars zipped by. Nomad dogs barked and howled throughout the city. People stared at us, being from from North America— and notable fair skinned. I felt their eyes upon me, and felt, for once in my life, like the minority. I was no longer the big man on campus; the big fish in the little pond. I was a far fetched boy in a place far from home.
We eventually found ourselves back on the cul-de-sac, and saw some men playing basketball. Our host asked if we wanted to play, and we told her yes. She fired off some Spanish in the direction of the men and they volleyed back at her with hesitancy. They waved us over with some reluctance. I tried to put my basic Spanish skills to use, and we exchanged names and ages. We then somehow arranged a basketball game, and begin playing basketball with two men named Luis and Steven, who speak no English.
We play until the sun goes down, and then used the street lights to play. We did not talk much, but would high five and laugh throughout the game. Eventually it was time for dinner, so we said goodbye, and attempted to say “Good game” in our new friends foreign tongue. They chuckled at out elementary fluency, but appreciated out attempt.
As I now sit under the covered steps outside our bunks, I can hear the Costa Rican rain trickling on the tin roofs. I can hear the crickets chirping, and the dogs still barking. I inhale the crisp air, and feel refreshed to be away from skyscrapers and mega malls. I can only close my eyes and look forward to what lies ahead. Whether it be with Luis and Steven, or the many other warm locals, I am sure that whatever is ahead, it is good.
