Hey team! Sorry I haven't been updating...I truly haven't been doing much, just living life.
This week and last week have been "vacations" for my students out at the refuge. Usually that two weeks of no school, but the girls assured us they didn't want to stay home. Instead, they come every day from 8:30 to 12:00 for a devotion and crafts (which I've been leading -- let's just say I've cranked out a lot of bracelets). Anyways, basically I just go out there in the morning, come back in the afternoon, and watch a movie either on my computer or at Tom's house, or watch episodes of Glee online. It's been a good two weeks.
Having said that, I will give you my five facts of life as of late:
Today, I...
...saw Editus at the National Theater (another 500 colones deal, or less than $1). This string quintet has two grammys under their belt and while they weren't as exciting as MasterKey last week, Lauren and I faked British accents during the performance as we fanned ourselves from our seats atop the gallery.
...missed chocolate milk. So I found myself some and drank it. YUM.
...realized I am going to miss flipping on the nightly news and seeing places that I walked past during the day. That happens every day.
...learned how to open a locked door with a knife. Watch yourself.
...smiled when Don Horacio (Tom's host dad and the pastor who baptized Luke last time we were down here) welcomed me into his house, calling it my "third home".
--Hannah
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Day 65.
Today, I...
...saw the new Star Trek movie for the first time! That was solid.
...missed praying before a high school sporting event.
...realized I am going to miss yucca -- an AMAZING root that tastes absolutely delicious and is usually boiled with only a pinch of salt (unlike everything else here, which is fried).
...learned why I don't always understand my students. They speak in their own made-up language, much like ubbidubbi from zoom. Here though, rather than putting "ub" before every vowel sound, they stick "ca" before every syllable. I have NO hope of understanding them.
...smiled as I had no homework to do. :)
--Hannah
...saw the new Star Trek movie for the first time! That was solid.
...missed praying before a high school sporting event.
...realized I am going to miss yucca -- an AMAZING root that tastes absolutely delicious and is usually boiled with only a pinch of salt (unlike everything else here, which is fried).
...learned why I don't always understand my students. They speak in their own made-up language, much like ubbidubbi from zoom. Here though, rather than putting "ub" before every vowel sound, they stick "ca" before every syllable. I have NO hope of understanding them.
...smiled as I had no homework to do. :)
--Hannah
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 64.
Today I...
...saw V for Vendetta at Carmen's house. We watched it with Jeffry, Axel, Jairo, Johann, Valesky, Alanna, Tom, and a handful of neighborhood kids. A huge struggle I've been having lately is how I indulge in things from the States, without losing my connections here. Today I felt like I had found the perfect balance -- watching one of my favorite films that brought back memories of some of my favorite people, while still smiling in Spanish and resting plates of rice on my knees (like most families in Carpio, Carmen's doesn't have a kitchen table).
...missed Dairy Queen.
...realized I am going to miss these evenings where I can come home and not feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere.
...learned some new chords on the uke.
...smiled after watching "Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind" for the first time. I have a new favorite quote because of that film:
--Hannah
...saw V for Vendetta at Carmen's house. We watched it with Jeffry, Axel, Jairo, Johann, Valesky, Alanna, Tom, and a handful of neighborhood kids. A huge struggle I've been having lately is how I indulge in things from the States, without losing my connections here. Today I felt like I had found the perfect balance -- watching one of my favorite films that brought back memories of some of my favorite people, while still smiling in Spanish and resting plates of rice on my knees (like most families in Carpio, Carmen's doesn't have a kitchen table).
...missed Dairy Queen.
...realized I am going to miss these evenings where I can come home and not feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere.
...learned some new chords on the uke.
...smiled after watching "Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind" for the first time. I have a new favorite quote because of that film:
"Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating."
--Hannah
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Day 63.
So. Today, I...
...saw an absolutely INCREDIBLE group at the National Theater. Every Tuesday at noon there's a show for only 500 colones (less than a dollar). They very rarely release what band is playing or what show is being performed ahead of time, so it's kind of a hit and miss when it comes to seeing something worth while. Today though, the first day I went, I got to see an absolutely fantastic a cappella quintet. They were Costa Rican, all from the carribean and sang a variety of gospel, jazz, and reggae. It was without a doubt the best 500 colones I will EVER spend in my life.
...missed having little hands. It's weird realizing you're growing up.
...realized I am going to miss sitting in the second story of Quizno's, people watching and talking about faith. Good thing I'm going to Chicago.
...learned that it's good to be a girl. Poor Tom (Halo Boy) was downtown by himself today on his way to Carpio when he got kneed where the sun don't shine, robbed of all his money, and left in the fetal position for three minutes while people just walked by. He had no way to get home, so he signed a picture of himself, told people he was famous, and someone bought the autographed photo for 800 colones. I've been here for two months and haven't had any run-ins with anything like that. Tom's been here a week.
...smiled with embarassment and disbelief as I desperately tried to squeeze a "u" into the word "never". While my Spanish is excelling, my English is falling out my ears.
--Hannah
...saw an absolutely INCREDIBLE group at the National Theater. Every Tuesday at noon there's a show for only 500 colones (less than a dollar). They very rarely release what band is playing or what show is being performed ahead of time, so it's kind of a hit and miss when it comes to seeing something worth while. Today though, the first day I went, I got to see an absolutely fantastic a cappella quintet. They were Costa Rican, all from the carribean and sang a variety of gospel, jazz, and reggae. It was without a doubt the best 500 colones I will EVER spend in my life.
...missed having little hands. It's weird realizing you're growing up.
...realized I am going to miss sitting in the second story of Quizno's, people watching and talking about faith. Good thing I'm going to Chicago.
...learned that it's good to be a girl. Poor Tom (Halo Boy) was downtown by himself today on his way to Carpio when he got kneed where the sun don't shine, robbed of all his money, and left in the fetal position for three minutes while people just walked by. He had no way to get home, so he signed a picture of himself, told people he was famous, and someone bought the autographed photo for 800 colones. I've been here for two months and haven't had any run-ins with anything like that. Tom's been here a week.
...smiled with embarassment and disbelief as I desperately tried to squeeze a "u" into the word "never". While my Spanish is excelling, my English is falling out my ears.
--Hannah
Monday, October 19, 2009
Day 62.
So much life has happened this weekend! So sorry I haven't kept you all posted. I'm going to scrap the current format -- I can't squeeze all that I did in five simple statements. Back to the list.
- Friday I spent the night in Carpio for the first time since I was 12. Alanna and I watched the Hannah Montana movie and all three High School Musical films with four twelve-year-old girls, a few of which will be in my cabin group. I slept. Alanna didn't.
- Saturday I led the Bible study for the girls. We took Psalm 139 and made a sort of mad-lib out of it, filling in our own fears, worries, dreams...it made the whole thing a lot more personal. Some of the girls had responses that were ingeniously creative and others had some that made my insides churn with heart-break.
- After that, Alanna, Tom, and I all went to Alanna's youth group. We watched a dubbed Focus on the Family film that I doubt I would've been able to comprehend if it was in English.
- Sunday I went to church and then talked to my parents on skype! That was great. Much needed.
- Sunday afternoon Tom and I ran into Alanna at a local internet cafe. We decided to hang out, and I volunteered my room as a place to lounge. Wrong. Idea. As soon as we walked up to my house, my tica mom was visibly flustered. I apologized to her, saying that we'd be out of everyone's way and just chillax in my bedroom. Another. Wrong. Idea. She told me that was simply not going to happen, so the three of us got out of there pretty fast...it was like you could cut the tension with a chainsaw. After spending a while in Tom's living room, it got dark and the three of us decided to depart ways. I got home and my tico folks had headed out, leaving me with my host sisters. I apologized profusely to both of them, expressing that I could tell how upset my tica mom was. They explained that in this house, you MUST ask in advance before anyone shows up, and they never ever hang out in their rooms (not even with their girl friends, but ESPECIALLY not their guy friends). Woops.
- Seven o'clock came and my tico folks still weren't back yet and I was exhausted. I lay down for a bit and ended up conking out. At 8 o'clock my tica mom knocked on my door and I leapt up, apologizing and blushing and profusely protesting that I learned my lesson and nothing like that would ever happen again. She just stood there in the doorway, each hand holding a candy. "Hannah," she said, "Raquel told me that you think I'm mad at you. I'm not. Here are two chocolates for you." We hugged and I felt like I was with my real mom for a minute -- you know how miscommunication can plant frustration which eventually grows into reconciliation. Sometimes you have to make a tear in a relationship so that you can sew it back up, making the fibre even tighter, even stronger.
- I spent the afternoon scouring for "Jockey" chocolates, a certain kind of sweet that was very famous in the 80's, and has been brought out of a twenty year retirement for the candy company's 100th aniversary. My host family has been raving about the treats for the last few months...so I bought some and presented them to my tica mom who smiled and hugged me tight. And all was right with the world.
--Hannah
- Friday I spent the night in Carpio for the first time since I was 12. Alanna and I watched the Hannah Montana movie and all three High School Musical films with four twelve-year-old girls, a few of which will be in my cabin group. I slept. Alanna didn't.
- Saturday I led the Bible study for the girls. We took Psalm 139 and made a sort of mad-lib out of it, filling in our own fears, worries, dreams...it made the whole thing a lot more personal. Some of the girls had responses that were ingeniously creative and others had some that made my insides churn with heart-break.
- After that, Alanna, Tom, and I all went to Alanna's youth group. We watched a dubbed Focus on the Family film that I doubt I would've been able to comprehend if it was in English.
- Sunday I went to church and then talked to my parents on skype! That was great. Much needed.
- Sunday afternoon Tom and I ran into Alanna at a local internet cafe. We decided to hang out, and I volunteered my room as a place to lounge. Wrong. Idea. As soon as we walked up to my house, my tica mom was visibly flustered. I apologized to her, saying that we'd be out of everyone's way and just chillax in my bedroom. Another. Wrong. Idea. She told me that was simply not going to happen, so the three of us got out of there pretty fast...it was like you could cut the tension with a chainsaw. After spending a while in Tom's living room, it got dark and the three of us decided to depart ways. I got home and my tico folks had headed out, leaving me with my host sisters. I apologized profusely to both of them, expressing that I could tell how upset my tica mom was. They explained that in this house, you MUST ask in advance before anyone shows up, and they never ever hang out in their rooms (not even with their girl friends, but ESPECIALLY not their guy friends). Woops.
- Seven o'clock came and my tico folks still weren't back yet and I was exhausted. I lay down for a bit and ended up conking out. At 8 o'clock my tica mom knocked on my door and I leapt up, apologizing and blushing and profusely protesting that I learned my lesson and nothing like that would ever happen again. She just stood there in the doorway, each hand holding a candy. "Hannah," she said, "Raquel told me that you think I'm mad at you. I'm not. Here are two chocolates for you." We hugged and I felt like I was with my real mom for a minute -- you know how miscommunication can plant frustration which eventually grows into reconciliation. Sometimes you have to make a tear in a relationship so that you can sew it back up, making the fibre even tighter, even stronger.
- I spent the afternoon scouring for "Jockey" chocolates, a certain kind of sweet that was very famous in the 80's, and has been brought out of a twenty year retirement for the candy company's 100th aniversary. My host family has been raving about the treats for the last few months...so I bought some and presented them to my tica mom who smiled and hugged me tight. And all was right with the world.
--Hannah
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Day 58.
Today, I...
...saw part of Slumdog Millionaire with the Lopez fam. Man I forgot how amazing that film is.
...missed being able to hang out until after nine o'clock.
...realized I am going to miss the amazing conversations I have with my tica mom.
...learned that it's important to learn how to say "no."
...smiled as I played traditional Costa Rican games at the cultural day party during my Thursday meetings.
--Hannah
...saw part of Slumdog Millionaire with the Lopez fam. Man I forgot how amazing that film is.
...missed being able to hang out until after nine o'clock.
...realized I am going to miss the amazing conversations I have with my tica mom.
...learned that it's important to learn how to say "no."
...smiled as I played traditional Costa Rican games at the cultural day party during my Thursday meetings.
--Hannah
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Day 57.
Today, I...
...saw one of my students wearing a "St. Jude's Childen's Hospital Math-a-thon" shirt and immediately remembered my brother Luke dominating that there fundraiser and winning a boom box. So. Cool.
...missed the idea of midnight showings (EVERYONE GO SEE WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!).
...realized I am going to miss the uproar of a whole city as a soccer goal is scored.
...learned that I'm actually 6'3". How did that happen? Ergh.
...smiled when my tica aunt's cell phone went off and I heard "I'm a barbie girl, in a barbie world..." play as her ring tone.
--Hannah
...saw one of my students wearing a "St. Jude's Childen's Hospital Math-a-thon" shirt and immediately remembered my brother Luke dominating that there fundraiser and winning a boom box. So. Cool.
...missed the idea of midnight showings (EVERYONE GO SEE WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!).
...realized I am going to miss the uproar of a whole city as a soccer goal is scored.
...learned that I'm actually 6'3". How did that happen? Ergh.
...smiled when my tica aunt's cell phone went off and I heard "I'm a barbie girl, in a barbie world..." play as her ring tone.
--Hannah
Monday, October 12, 2009
Day 55.
Today, I...
...saw too much of my room. I had the day off and did practically nothing.
...missed Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
...realized I am going to miss speaking Spanish as much as I do.
...learned that Tom, a new volunteer who lives a block from me with the Lopez's, was sponsored by Monster Energy Drink to play Halo. That's right, we he's one of the best Halo players on the planet and was paid quite the pretty penny for such a feat. The best part? He's here. Helping in New Horizons.
...smiled as I thought about another week here.
--Hannah
...saw too much of my room. I had the day off and did practically nothing.
...missed Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
...realized I am going to miss speaking Spanish as much as I do.
...learned that Tom, a new volunteer who lives a block from me with the Lopez's, was sponsored by Monster Energy Drink to play Halo. That's right, we he's one of the best Halo players on the planet and was paid quite the pretty penny for such a feat. The best part? He's here. Helping in New Horizons.
...smiled as I thought about another week here.
--Hannah
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Day 53.
Today I...
...saw a fire hydrant. It was the first one I've seen; I've been here almost two months now.
...missed the sound of seagulls.
...realized I am going to miss not having a cell phone. It may not be for a while after I get back, but I know that I will get a phone again when I return to the states (I got my first one this last June, just for work during the summer). To be honest, I do miss getting texts and calls -- sorry mother, I know that disappoints you -- but there's a different reason that I don't want a cell phone: I know when I have a cell phone, there will be no reason for me to constantly wear my mother's watch. Never in my life have I had a security blanket, I've never needed a nightlight, but here, that blue fistful of plastic is on my wrist all day and all night.
...learned a lot from the book of John. I've been reading it on the Sundays that I don't understand the sermons (there's one pastor who my sister tells me she doesn't even understand), and I've been getting a lot out of it. As some of you may know, I've been working on re-writing the gospel as if it happened in a modern high school, something that has made the Bible completely different for me. Rather than imagining Jesus about to celebrate the passover, I saw a senior named "J" getting ready for prom, looking at the friends he had grown so close to. Let me show you the scene I see:
When I look back on seeds of friendships, it's always interesting to remember the people that I really wanted to get to know. It's overwhelming to think that Jesus thinks that about me.
...smiled at the thought of a nap.
--Hannah
...saw a fire hydrant. It was the first one I've seen; I've been here almost two months now.
...missed the sound of seagulls.
...realized I am going to miss not having a cell phone. It may not be for a while after I get back, but I know that I will get a phone again when I return to the states (I got my first one this last June, just for work during the summer). To be honest, I do miss getting texts and calls -- sorry mother, I know that disappoints you -- but there's a different reason that I don't want a cell phone: I know when I have a cell phone, there will be no reason for me to constantly wear my mother's watch. Never in my life have I had a security blanket, I've never needed a nightlight, but here, that blue fistful of plastic is on my wrist all day and all night.
...learned a lot from the book of John. I've been reading it on the Sundays that I don't understand the sermons (there's one pastor who my sister tells me she doesn't even understand), and I've been getting a lot out of it. As some of you may know, I've been working on re-writing the gospel as if it happened in a modern high school, something that has made the Bible completely different for me. Rather than imagining Jesus about to celebrate the passover, I saw a senior named "J" getting ready for prom, looking at the friends he had grown so close to. Let me show you the scene I see:
There they were, the whole herd of them: J, his pack of twelve close buddies, Lars and his sisters -- Martha and Maria. Some of them had on tuxedos, some of them didn't. The girls were stunning to say the least. Behind them the ocean stretched out its arms to welcome the sighing sun. The slipping warmth reflected on every pore of every face and J saw what he had done, what this love had created; these people weren't servants, they weren't students...they were friends. They had helped him and hurt him, they had fed his love with a love of their own. In a few months they were all going to go separate ways, to separate schools, to separate lives. In a few days he would be gone from this place forever. There would be no welcome home hugs at Christmas, no more bonfires with Ben and Jerry's, no more midnight lake swims for him next summer. This was one of the last moments he had to share.It says later that Jesus asked God to "take this cup from me", so obviously he had no intentions of leaping up onto that cross. So often we imagine Jesus as a shepherd and a savior, but when do we think of him as some one who needs us? It must have been hard for him to celebrate on that Palm Sunday, knowing that his time with the people he had become so close to was about to end abruptly. I think this relationship is summed up well in in this verse:
Just as he thought this, Maria produced an elegant boutonniere for every young man in the group, and an especially exquisite one for J. As they fastened them, J heard Jude grumble, "Stupid expensive roses. Did she not see the homeless man who sleeps in front of the florist shop?"
J grabbed Jude's startled eyes with his own and breathed, "Just leave her alone. She's going to buy these same flowers at my funeral." Jude was perplexed and his eyes dropped like guilt. "Look at me!" J demanded, but his voice broke. Jude thought he could see traces of sobs in J's eyes, but he must have imagined it, for he continued calmly, "The poor will always need you -- right now, I need you."
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you.
When I look back on seeds of friendships, it's always interesting to remember the people that I really wanted to get to know. It's overwhelming to think that Jesus thinks that about me.
...smiled at the thought of a nap.
--Hannah
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Day 52.
Today, I...
...saw a motorcyle store simply called "STD."
...missed indoor plumbing that is what you would call "reliable". In my own home, I can flush the toilet paper down the toilet (which is HIGHLY uncommon in this country -- usually you have to place it in a little garbage can located next to every porcelain throne). None the less, my house has no warm running water (showers are heated by an electric appliance fixated on top of the spout, appropriately called a "widow maker"), and recently the water has been shut off/dirty without warning. Just dandy.
...realized I am going to miss the way people touch here. I think I mentioned that a while ago, in reference to Heather Shainin's sermon from a ways back, but it's true -- people here are just so much closer. The way my tica family interacts is unlike any family I've seen in the States, and the way that young people are constantly in physical contact makes me feel so much more connected. It's like people from the US have an extra barrier in between them that doesn't exist here.
...learned how weird English is. Example: "High School" is phonetically written as "Jaiskul" in Spanish.
...smiled as I was driven home from a late camp meeting, looking out my window and realizing what it means to be alive.
--Hannah
...saw a motorcyle store simply called "STD."
...missed indoor plumbing that is what you would call "reliable". In my own home, I can flush the toilet paper down the toilet (which is HIGHLY uncommon in this country -- usually you have to place it in a little garbage can located next to every porcelain throne). None the less, my house has no warm running water (showers are heated by an electric appliance fixated on top of the spout, appropriately called a "widow maker"), and recently the water has been shut off/dirty without warning. Just dandy.
...realized I am going to miss the way people touch here. I think I mentioned that a while ago, in reference to Heather Shainin's sermon from a ways back, but it's true -- people here are just so much closer. The way my tica family interacts is unlike any family I've seen in the States, and the way that young people are constantly in physical contact makes me feel so much more connected. It's like people from the US have an extra barrier in between them that doesn't exist here.
...learned how weird English is. Example: "High School" is phonetically written as "Jaiskul" in Spanish.
...smiled as I was driven home from a late camp meeting, looking out my window and realizing what it means to be alive.
--Hannah
Friday, October 9, 2009
Day 52.
Today, I...
...saw a woman rocking camo jeans and a cheetah print top. As Alanna would say, it was "quite the concept" (that's what Alanna calls fashion here -- "concepts").
...missed high school, but not terribly. I dreamt about AHS again last night, but my dream didn't distract me from the reality that I'm in a beautiful place that has its own memories to capture. Also, I realized something. Last week while watching the broadcasted football game, I felt as if I was missing out, that broadcast club is over for me and something that I love is done. But today I decided that actually, I'm just closer to the real deal -- before I know it, I'll be broadcasting again, only this time as a proffession (if all goes according to plan). Thus, rather than dwelling on how far behind I left something, I'm focusing on how close I'm reaching to the next big adventure.
...realized I am going to miss pineapple jelly.
...learned that I'd much rather create beauty than be beautiful.
...smiled as I watched Lukey dominate the half time show with his tuba.
--Hannah
...saw a woman rocking camo jeans and a cheetah print top. As Alanna would say, it was "quite the concept" (that's what Alanna calls fashion here -- "concepts").
...missed high school, but not terribly. I dreamt about AHS again last night, but my dream didn't distract me from the reality that I'm in a beautiful place that has its own memories to capture. Also, I realized something. Last week while watching the broadcasted football game, I felt as if I was missing out, that broadcast club is over for me and something that I love is done. But today I decided that actually, I'm just closer to the real deal -- before I know it, I'll be broadcasting again, only this time as a proffession (if all goes according to plan). Thus, rather than dwelling on how far behind I left something, I'm focusing on how close I'm reaching to the next big adventure.
...realized I am going to miss pineapple jelly.
...learned that I'd much rather create beauty than be beautiful.
...smiled as I watched Lukey dominate the half time show with his tuba.
--Hannah
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Day 51.
Today, I...
...saw a Rammstein patch on someone's backpack. Tom Kovach, if you're reading this, I hope you just smiled a little.
...missed peanut butter/chocolate chips/ovens. All three things exist here, but are incredibly expensive to buy and/or use. Have you EVER realized how many desserts use one of those three things? Or all three at once?
...realized I am going to miss having a mom. While all my other friends are out on their own at college, I still have some one who cooks for me, does my laundry, and reminds me that I just need to be myself.
...learned how pointless it is to try and find clothes here that fit.
...smiled as I passed out the first issue of "Primicias Juveniles", our little newspaper! It's not my greatest production, but the girls are proud of it and I can honestly say I didn't do a whole lot (except throw it all together at 12:30 last night...reminded me of the good ol' days of the Sixth Grade Post). Once we get a really solid issue, I'll put it online for you all.
--Hannah
PS I've had some people ask me about care packages...thank you thank you thank you for thinking of me! Here are some things I could use:
- Any kind of peanut butter product. Miss that. Mucho.
- Nesquick anyone?
- PAPERBACK BOOKS. I'm working on a list of certain titles I'm interested in, but feel free to just send me whatever is lying around your house.
- CD mixes. Those things mean a lot to me.
- Nothing that you wouldn't mind me losing...my folks sent me a package a good five weeks ago and it still hasn't shown up. Hopefully it will. Eventually.
...saw a Rammstein patch on someone's backpack. Tom Kovach, if you're reading this, I hope you just smiled a little.
...missed peanut butter/chocolate chips/ovens. All three things exist here, but are incredibly expensive to buy and/or use. Have you EVER realized how many desserts use one of those three things? Or all three at once?
...realized I am going to miss having a mom. While all my other friends are out on their own at college, I still have some one who cooks for me, does my laundry, and reminds me that I just need to be myself.
...learned how pointless it is to try and find clothes here that fit.
...smiled as I passed out the first issue of "Primicias Juveniles", our little newspaper! It's not my greatest production, but the girls are proud of it and I can honestly say I didn't do a whole lot (except throw it all together at 12:30 last night...reminded me of the good ol' days of the Sixth Grade Post). Once we get a really solid issue, I'll put it online for you all.
--Hannah
PS I've had some people ask me about care packages...thank you thank you thank you for thinking of me! Here are some things I could use:
- Any kind of peanut butter product. Miss that. Mucho.
- Nesquick anyone?
- PAPERBACK BOOKS. I'm working on a list of certain titles I'm interested in, but feel free to just send me whatever is lying around your house.
- CD mixes. Those things mean a lot to me.
- Nothing that you wouldn't mind me losing...my folks sent me a package a good five weeks ago and it still hasn't shown up. Hopefully it will. Eventually.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Day 50.
Today, I...
...saw a taxi driver hop out of his cab, squat next to a storm drain, and brush his teeth with water from an old Coke bottle.
...missed singing Paul Baribeau songs with Henry as we would bike home from the six o'clock service.
...realized I am going to miss the bus drivers. Yesterday I was spacing out on my ride and realized that we had stopped for a little longer than usual. I was confused. Looking around, I realized it was MY stop we were waiting at. The bus driver was looking in his mirror at me, surely thinking, "Let's wait until the stupid gringa figures out what a bozo she is." Still, he didn't let me miss my stop.
...learned that if there are three dogs hanging around a PUBLIC entrance, even if it is BLATANTLY open, trying to enter is not not not not not a good idea.
...smiled when I asked my tica mom if I could snack on some raw green beans -- her face looked like I had just grown a third arm.
--Hannah
...saw a taxi driver hop out of his cab, squat next to a storm drain, and brush his teeth with water from an old Coke bottle.
...missed singing Paul Baribeau songs with Henry as we would bike home from the six o'clock service.
...realized I am going to miss the bus drivers. Yesterday I was spacing out on my ride and realized that we had stopped for a little longer than usual. I was confused. Looking around, I realized it was MY stop we were waiting at. The bus driver was looking in his mirror at me, surely thinking, "Let's wait until the stupid gringa figures out what a bozo she is." Still, he didn't let me miss my stop.
...learned that if there are three dogs hanging around a PUBLIC entrance, even if it is BLATANTLY open, trying to enter is not not not not not a good idea.
...smiled when I asked my tica mom if I could snack on some raw green beans -- her face looked like I had just grown a third arm.
--Hannah
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Day 49.
Today, I...
...saw Tatiana on the bus, another young woman who was a care free goofball last time I saw her. Today though, she was holding her waling two-year-old son.
...missed Nik.
...realized I am going to miss the incredibly delicious bakeries here. They are on every block practically and there is not a single thing that doesn't taste like a slice of heaven.
...learned that "carpa" means "tent". That's what my tica family calls my new umbrella.
...smiled when one of my students turned to me and asked, "Why are there some US citizens who don't have blue eyes?" I got to explain to her that the United States is actually a mix of all cultures, how my ancestors are from Holland and Germany. "So you mean that people speak Spanish there?" I told her that yes, some people speak Spanish there, mostly Latinos. "And are there dark-skinned people?" It was a glorious moment when I responded with, "Why yes there are. In fact, our president is dark-skinned."
--Hannah
...saw Tatiana on the bus, another young woman who was a care free goofball last time I saw her. Today though, she was holding her waling two-year-old son.
...missed Nik.
...realized I am going to miss the incredibly delicious bakeries here. They are on every block practically and there is not a single thing that doesn't taste like a slice of heaven.
...learned that "carpa" means "tent". That's what my tica family calls my new umbrella.
...smiled when one of my students turned to me and asked, "Why are there some US citizens who don't have blue eyes?" I got to explain to her that the United States is actually a mix of all cultures, how my ancestors are from Holland and Germany. "So you mean that people speak Spanish there?" I told her that yes, some people speak Spanish there, mostly Latinos. "And are there dark-skinned people?" It was a glorious moment when I responded with, "Why yes there are. In fact, our president is dark-skinned."
--Hannah
Monday, October 5, 2009
Day 48.
Today, I..
...saw a lot of young men in Aeropostle shirts. This is normal.
...missed riding the bus home from a hard-fought volleyball match, stuffing my face full of croissants and fruit snacks.
...realized that I am going to miss the way mother/son relationships are so strong in Latin America. Yes, it can cause for some ugly drama in the family, but in the States you rarely see a twenty-year-old man walking with his mother, her arm in his. Here, you'll see it on nearly every block.
...learned that some of the girls at the Institute are active gang leaders. Initially I was a little frightened by this, but then I realized something: they're the same girls I've known for the last month and a half, the same girls who are reaching out for God's hand, and the same girls I've grown to keep close to my heart. This just makes me want to teach them more, share with them more, and love them more. So I will.
...smiled when little Maria (the 3-year-old sister of one of my students) saw me from a distance, ran into my arms and pieced together "Mah aiba!" which I gathered was "Mas arriba! Higher!" I hoisted her up in the air, letting her touch the ceiling, squealing.
--Hannah
...saw a lot of young men in Aeropostle shirts. This is normal.
...missed riding the bus home from a hard-fought volleyball match, stuffing my face full of croissants and fruit snacks.
...realized that I am going to miss the way mother/son relationships are so strong in Latin America. Yes, it can cause for some ugly drama in the family, but in the States you rarely see a twenty-year-old man walking with his mother, her arm in his. Here, you'll see it on nearly every block.
...learned that some of the girls at the Institute are active gang leaders. Initially I was a little frightened by this, but then I realized something: they're the same girls I've known for the last month and a half, the same girls who are reaching out for God's hand, and the same girls I've grown to keep close to my heart. This just makes me want to teach them more, share with them more, and love them more. So I will.
...smiled when little Maria (the 3-year-old sister of one of my students) saw me from a distance, ran into my arms and pieced together "Mah aiba!" which I gathered was "Mas arriba! Higher!" I hoisted her up in the air, letting her touch the ceiling, squealing.
--Hannah
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 47.
Today, I...
...saw Sponge-Bob in Spanish on MTV. And a lot of my computer screen.
...missed the lake (even though I know that I couldn't go swimming at this time of year anyhow).
...realized I am going to miss the "Chhk Chhk Chhk" of the geckos in my house.
...learned that my tica sister is a huge sucker for any kind of romantic movie. No matter what we watch, she always ends up crying at some point.
...smiled when my tica mom asked if I wanted some "lice", and then realized she was saying "Lays" -- like the potato chips.
--Hannah
PS The reason I was in front of my computer so much was because I was working on my latest project...another blog. Check it: http://ilovemylifebecause.blogspot.com/.
...saw Sponge-Bob in Spanish on MTV. And a lot of my computer screen.
...missed the lake (even though I know that I couldn't go swimming at this time of year anyhow).
...realized I am going to miss the "Chhk Chhk Chhk" of the geckos in my house.
...learned that my tica sister is a huge sucker for any kind of romantic movie. No matter what we watch, she always ends up crying at some point.
...smiled when my tica mom asked if I wanted some "lice", and then realized she was saying "Lays" -- like the potato chips.
--Hannah
PS The reason I was in front of my computer so much was because I was working on my latest project...another blog. Check it: http://ilovemylifebecause.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Day 46.
Today, I...
...saw a look of utter confusion on the girls' faces today when they were asked about who Hitler was.
...missed the library.
...realized I am going to miss the way that some of the girls are like puppies. They look at up at you with big eyes and rest their heads on your shoulder (or if you're me, then on your hip).
...learned that the last line the Arcade Fire's song "Wake Up" is actually "You better look out below!" not "You better look out for love!" I think I like my version better.
...smiled when Marielos (a tica psychiatrist who leads in Carpio) grabbed a chair, stood on top of it, and embraced me, saying "Here's a hug from your dad."
--Hannah
PS I had a dream last night that I was in the Donut House and twenty or so random Anacordians were there. Before we were allowed to purchase a donut, we had to go around and explain how we knew every single person in the room. And state a fact from Harry Potter.
...saw a look of utter confusion on the girls' faces today when they were asked about who Hitler was.
...missed the library.
...realized I am going to miss the way that some of the girls are like puppies. They look at up at you with big eyes and rest their heads on your shoulder (or if you're me, then on your hip).
...learned that the last line the Arcade Fire's song "Wake Up" is actually "You better look out below!" not "You better look out for love!" I think I like my version better.
...smiled when Marielos (a tica psychiatrist who leads in Carpio) grabbed a chair, stood on top of it, and embraced me, saying "Here's a hug from your dad."
--Hannah
PS I had a dream last night that I was in the Donut House and twenty or so random Anacordians were there. Before we were allowed to purchase a donut, we had to go around and explain how we knew every single person in the room. And state a fact from Harry Potter.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Day 45.
Today, I...
...saw five preteen boys parade around the Carpio streets on a Barbie jeep. Ballers.
...missed high school. I was looking at some graduation pictures that my dear friend Jaci Fisher just posted on facebook while listening to a song Patrick Lyons gave me called "Hometown" by Adelle. Not a good idea.
...realized I am going to miss street musicians. Especially blind ones.
...learned that any English paperback book here costs $10...at least.
...smiled when I told my host family that Chicago did not get the Olympics (it's been my life long dream to help broadcast the Olympics and I'll be going to school in Chicago), and my tico dad said, "Well that just means you'll have to come meet up with us in Brazil when we go to watch and you broadcast them there!"
--Hannah
...saw five preteen boys parade around the Carpio streets on a Barbie jeep. Ballers.
...missed high school. I was looking at some graduation pictures that my dear friend Jaci Fisher just posted on facebook while listening to a song Patrick Lyons gave me called "Hometown" by Adelle. Not a good idea.
...realized I am going to miss street musicians. Especially blind ones.
...learned that any English paperback book here costs $10...at least.
...smiled when I told my host family that Chicago did not get the Olympics (it's been my life long dream to help broadcast the Olympics and I'll be going to school in Chicago), and my tico dad said, "Well that just means you'll have to come meet up with us in Brazil when we go to watch and you broadcast them there!"
--Hannah
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Day 44.
So I've given it some thought, and I've decided to shake things up a bit with this here blog. Rather than including a list of wandering observations, I am going to narrow down my blog entries to include the following:
One thing I saw.
One thing I miss.
One thing I realized I am going to miss.
One thing I learned.
One thing that made me smile.
So. Here it goes.
Today, I...
...saw a man holding a baby. While driving a motorcycle.
...missed fall.
...realized I am going to miss my tica mom's cooking -- she just cranked out a huge helping of "Arroz con Pollo" (Rice with chicken) that is absolutely to die for.
...learned that eating incredibly unripe fruit with vast quantities of salt can make your tongue bleed -- learned that the hard way.
...smiled at this:
One thing I saw.
One thing I miss.
One thing I realized I am going to miss.
One thing I learned.
One thing that made me smile.
So. Here it goes.
Today, I...
...saw a man holding a baby. While driving a motorcycle.
...missed fall.
...realized I am going to miss my tica mom's cooking -- she just cranked out a huge helping of "Arroz con Pollo" (Rice with chicken) that is absolutely to die for.
...learned that eating incredibly unripe fruit with vast quantities of salt can make your tongue bleed -- learned that the hard way.
...smiled at this:
"Just as Voldemort had not been able to possess Harry while Harry was consumed with grief for Sirius, so his thoughts could not penetrate Harry now, while he mourned for Dobby. Grief, it seemed, drove Voldemort out...though Dumbledore, of course, would have said that it was love."-Hannah
-- J. K. Rowling
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