Well, I'm back!

This past week as I was preparing to come back here to Costa Rica, I was feeling like maybe I actually didn't want to come back... it was strange, and I realized how much I missed my family and friends at home and how little time I had actually gotten to spend with them. So, while packing to come back I wasn't sure how to feel! But now, sitting in my new room, (but the same house as before), I know that this is definitely where I'm supposed to be this semester. It's harder this time, but so worth it!

~*~

So - the surprise could not have gone better. When I say it was perfect, it was exactly that!! I was afraid at first that it would be anti-climatic. But no. It was epic. And it was definitely a conspiracy of the entire house... except Andres of course! Our friend Margie, my room mate Meagan, Santiago (the 8 year old grandson of Kathleen, my Costa Rican mom), and I were all hiding in the trees and bushes right inside the gate of the house waiting for Andres to get back from his last class of the day. The original plan was very similar to our last epic scaring attempt. Santiago had even drawn a big "X" with sidewalk chalk on the driveway to mark the place Andres would be when we jumped out at him. Whether or not that was a good idea I don't really know. But then, as we were waiting, we saw this huge tow truck with Don Victor's car on top of it, pulling in through the gate and into our driveway! We all just looked at each other and decided that if Andres came home while the truck was there, there was no way he would be scared because of all the commotion. And then, we saw one of his friends' cars pulling up outside the gate! So, we bolted back down the driveway, and I fumbled through the key ring to unlock his apartment door, finally finding the right key, and we all ran into his apartment as he was getting out of his friend's car. Then, after maybe 2 minutes of ridiculous suspense, there he was outside the door!! He unlocked it, and walked in, and we pounced. He shouted and stepped back about 7 or 8 feet and just stared.... he didn't even recognize us at first he was so shocked!! And of course we scared him to death so that added to the shock. Hahahahaha I will never ever forget his face! When he realized it was us he just freaked out more and after hugs and explanations, we were all just so excited! He didn't have ANY idea that we were coming back. It was a complete and total success.

It's great to be back. :)

~*~

My Spanish classes start tomorrow morning. I'm excited! I have a lot of work from my three online classes for UA, but I think I'll be able to do it. It's just lots of reading, writing, and of course thinking! ;) Also, Meagan and I have started walking in the mornings really early. It has been great! We're starting to get back into a routine.

Being here is still so unreal....

I'll give a better, less all-over-the-place update as soon as I can!

Much love,

Courtney