The beginning...

Hola mi familia y amigos!
Finally I have a chance to sit down and write to you all. Unfortunately, the internet is not as accessible as I´d hoped, but I´ll try to fill you in as much as possible. So far things have been crazy! Eventhough i´ve only been here for 4 days, it seems like much more. Costa Rica is just as beautiful as I thought and so much more.

The city of San Jose is huge, atleast it feels that way. But I´m beginning to find my way around. This entire week has been dedicated to helping us acclimate and figure out transporation, as well as orientation. School starts on monday, and to be honest I think I´ll be happy to get into a routine.

So far, I´ve gone to church with my family, eaten rice and beans everyday at all meals of the day, tried to make more friends in my group, and have attempted the night life. To start, my host family is off the chain. I have a mom, dad, two brothers and a sister. My siblings are all close in age to me, and I share a room with my sister Susan. My house is a 45 minute bus ride outside of down town, so that´s kinda a bummer, but that hasn´t stopped me from coming down here everyday. Especially because it´s the best place for internet cafes.

My spanish has picked up quicker than I thought, but that hasn´t stopped me from looking like a complete and total idiot the majority of the time. One of my brothers constantly teases me, and I usually don´t get it so I just smile and nod, and then try to think of a comeback but by the time I do it´s way too late. My family also always tells me to answer the phone, probably just cause they think it´s funny. BUt besides the jokes they are really down to earth and sincerely try to help me with my spanish. I went to their pentecostal church with them the other day, which ended up being 3 hours long. I started nodding off, mostly cause I couldn´t understand everything the pastor was saying, oh and cause it was 3 hours. Hopefully they didn´t notice. The food is acutally pretty yummy, so I have nothing to complain about! I´ve also been told I look latin american by one of my spanish teachers, but I´m sure everytime I open my mouth to speak that idea fades away. Oh well!

All in all, life here has been one big adventure everyday. I´m never quite sure what to expect. I found out that we´ll be in Limón on my birthday for the weekend. Limón is a beach town on the carribean side of Costa Rica, which means i´ll be soakin in the rays while turning 21. Even though that age is like any other here. Anyways, I have so much more I could write, but to be honest my thoughts are still really scattered. I´ll try to write soon and update you on future events.

Just wanted to let you know I´m here, safe, and loving every minute while still thinking about you all at home. Much Love.

-Carlita
p.s.- I probably wont have pictures for a long time, so until then, use your imagination!