My last day in Costa Rica

Well, Thursday was my last day at C.PI. and I have many emotions and thoughts about it ending. It will be very hard to say goodbye to all the wonderful people here, and of course, my calleros -- Blanca, Ojos Bellos, y Buccaniro.

I have learned a lot here, both the language and about the life. This is a country of many contrasts, rich and poor, mostly poor. The houses are as grand as any you can find in the U.S. and some are worse than the worst shack. There are bugs galore but after awhile you don´t notice them anymore. The Costariccense don´t kill any bugs except mosquitos and cockroaches. The others are part of the life cycle, they say, and their life must be honored. Besides that, there are too dang many to kill anyway! The water is clean and the electricity and telephone works for the most part. At night the air is so thick that it looks like fog, but it´s humidity. I have gotten used to going to bed at 7:30 - 8 p.m. because it is so dark and there are no lights in the evening. Might as well get some shut eye.

One thing I have learned is that while the educational system in Costa Rica is free, that is, there is no tuition, each child must buy their textbooks. For the haves, this is no problem, but for the have nots, it´s major. And there are far more havenots than haves. I have come up with an idea that we can raise money to send to Costa Rica to buy textbooks for the kids. I have talked with Father Javier, the resident priest and he is most amenable to my idea to help these kids. Without books, the children cannot learn, and if they cannot learn, they remain in poverty. I have prayed much about this and feel compelled by God to do this. Do you realize that two American dollars (or 1 mil colones) will buy one textbook. Unbelievable. However, many families only earn the equivilent of 1 dollar a week, or 500 colones. More unbelievable. In my conversation with Father Javier (the population here, btw, is 99% catholic, and I have attended church more times this past month than most Catholics attend in a year in the states!) But I digress. In my conversation with Padre Javier, I told him that my church and pastor would likely be agreeable to send any monies to Costa Rica. For those who do not know, I have the best pastor in the whole world, right Pastor Mike?!

Anyway, as much as I hate to leave, I have missed my family and friends way to much and am eagerly looking forward to seeing everyone. I will make one more post of various pics to close out my blog. Love to you all! Mimi