Of Kings and Things

December: the month of snow (well for some of us), of eggnog, of Christmas carols, of final exams, of Christmas break, of Jesus’ birth.  I can’t believe it’s here already!  Where has the time gone?  `

This past week we had a visitor stay with us: Irma.  Irma is a student from the States (Wheaton in Chicago) and is currently conducting research on Nicaraguan immigration to Costa Rica.  Graciously, Irma let us travel around town this week and sit in on some of her interviews, from personal migration experiences to the more legal end of immigrating.  One of these days, Irma, Guissel, Rachel and I accompanied her to a poorer community known as La Carpio, a place where “they’ll take even your shoes”—basically, we were told it is not a safe place.  What a strong stereotype this is!  The reality is that it is no more dangerous than any other city but because of the many Nicaraguan immigrants who live there, the stereotype is amplified.  We met a woman there who worked in the community and with several different committees who worked in La Carpio and it was obvious she loved the place.  She showed us around her town and introduced us to her people and we sampled traditional Nicaraguan food (cheese and homemade tortillas)—in all it was a great experience and a great eye opener into the life of Nicaraguan immigrants :)  And then later in the week we went to the only Starbucks in the country (located in what we call little USA or Gringolandia) for the first time and were flabbergasted to think how La Carpio and little USA could exist side by side… such is the world we live in huh?

From left: Guissel, Rachel, Luli, Stephanie (bride), Tali, Chabe, Me, Rodrigo (groom)

On Monday I had lost my voice and progressively throughout the week I got sicker and sicker.  By Thursday my nose was a faucet and I was coughing constantly and by Friday I stayed in bed hibernating all day.  My goal: I had to be better by Saturday (the next day) because we were going to a wedding and I was performing in a skit for the reception.  So I slept and I slept.  I’m thankful to say I’m pretty sure it worked because I had my voice on Saturday and was only coughing once in a while instead of every other minute :)   And what a beauty the wedding turned out to be!  Stephanie and Rodrigo, two good friends of the family here, got married up in the mountains on Whitworth’s college campus—views of the mountains and small lakes surrounded us and the sunny weather held throughout the outdoor ceremony.  Simply put it was picturesque.  And it was the most relaxed wedding I have ever been in!  I’ve decided that relaxed weddings are the way to go people :)  And for the reception, I performed with the other girls here (Rachel, Guissel, Luli, Chabe, and Tali) in a skit about a warrior marrying a princess.  I was the king and, if I may brag a moment, kicked butt at my solo!  It was a great skit and made everyone laugh—boo-yah, gold star for the day.  After the wedding, we enjoyed the rest of the talent show/reception, food, and walking around campus and taking in the great views.  A beautiful day with a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple :)

So this week marks the beginning of December, the beginning of Lent, and the beginning of my last couple weeks here before I come home for Christmas.  All I can say is that there’s a lot I’ve got to do!  Please pray for energy, perseverance, and a joyful attitude for everyone.  Stay tuned!