Giving thanks

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, Accion de Gracias, and it is the first time that I have ever spent Thanksgiving away from home. But it's also the first time that I get to share Thanksgiving with people from other countries!

I've been a bit melancholy this week as we're nearing the end of our time here and as this is usually my favorite week of the year - break from school, Thanksgiving with family, Black Friday ;), the Iron Bowl, and decorating the house for Christmas! So many memories and traditions... boy will I miss it. But it makes me really look forward to being home for Christmas. :)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:15,16)

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Tunnel made out of bottle caps at Antigua Aduana

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My photography bud, Breanna!

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It is SUCH a beautiful day today!! The sun is out, the sky is clear, and the air is crisp and cool. I absolutely love it!

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones and grateful hearts! We have so very much to be thankful for!!

I could list off so many things that I'm so grateful for - but there's no way I could name them all! Each day, each interaction, and each hope is an opportunity to give thanks to God. His compassions never fail, they are new every morning. His plans are good and perfect. His love never ends. We have been given the ultimate gift, and everything good in this life from God is just an addition to the amazing things He has already done for us.

To the people in my life who have been there for me, loved me, and challenged me at whatever point in my life - I can't ever express how much I love you and appreciate you!

Por todo lo que tengo, gracias a Dios!!

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Also ...

I'm an Alabama fan, what can I say? ;)

Just trying to represent. In case you didn't get what I was trying to say....

:D

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Okay, final thought:

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28,29)

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-Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)

Panama?

As I'm beginning this blog, I honestly have no idea where to start or what to say from this weekend...I went to Panama! So here's my thoughts on the trip...

Observation number 1: There were 23 students when originally there had been 6.

Observation number 2: The hostel in which we were staying only had one room for us because they weren't expecting so many people. So, we split 5 bunk beds between 17 people, and managed to get another room for the others to share another bed. In the hostel, there was one shower. One shower, for the entire hostel. Meaning that random people would come in our room to take a shower. And that was the only bathroom for the 17 people in our room. hahaha. The adventures continue!

Observation number 3: To get to the main island (to eat, hang out, or go dancing) we had to pay a dollar a person each way to take a water taxi there. Doesn't sound too bad, no, but it added up!

Observation number 4: It rained a lot - and it was cold and rainy during our "Dolphin tour" which consisted of seeing the fins of three Dolphins. Disappointing.

Observation number 5: The free breakfast that was included at the hostel went like this - there was a huge bowl of pancake batter, two pans (with caked on burned pancake stuck to them), one spatula, bread, and a toaster. So, making your own breakfast sounds kind of fun - an experience at least, right? Well, at 8am with a line of 23 people and pancakes that turned out like scrambled eggs, it didn't really count as breakfast.

Observation number 6: The hostel was also a bar - meaning that alcohol was about ten feet from the door of our room. And Saturday night, there was some kind of pool party at the bar, and it lasted until 5am. No sleep!

Observation number 7: Bug spray or not, you will get eaten alive by the bugs.

Observation number 8: Laughter is a wonderful remedy, and complaining doesn't do any good...We were able to just laugh at how ridiculous some of the things were, and wow - do we have some great stories from the trip!

The Aqua Lounge. Hostel and bar. extravaganza. Note the flyers for the Full Moon Party.

God is such an incredible artist.

Can't have a rainbow without rain, right?

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Other observations: Panama is a beautiful country, and there were definitely some great moments - playing cards, dancing, and relaxing on this beach that we went to called Red Frog beach... it was probably the most gorgeous and relaxing beach that I've ever been to! We definitely enjoyed our time there, and we also got to go dancing at night! So much fun.

Overall, all I can say is that the trip was an adventure! Although there are many more stories I could tell, that's all the info on Panama that I'm going to write for now. I'm glad I went - and I'm not being sarcastic. It was rather rough, but I'm glad I had the experience!

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In other news, I'm glad to be back here at my Costa Rican home, and I'm just trying to soak in these last few weeks here in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people.

Much love,

-Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)

Dios nunca te deja

What a great weekend - Friday night Meagan and I went out with our house sister Diana, who is just great company:) And it was so fun! Great stories. haha. Then Saturday morning Meagan and I ran errands with Kathleen and Diana, including lunch at good old Taco Bell (can't get away from good old fast food)

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Sunday, Andres, Meagan, and I all went to church together. It was wonderful. :) The pastor talked about Mary and Martha, and how we worry ourselves so much about running around and doing this and that, that we don't take advantage of the many opportunities that God gives us. He made me think about a lot of things - about opportunities, and about what I spend my time worrying about.

Afterwards, we walked around San Jose, went to this amazing recyclable art gallery with a tunnel made out of bottle caps - yes, and we got lunch together and just spent time in each other's company. What a beautiful day!!

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Working and studying together. Oh the life of a student.

hehe.

My precious brother and sister!

Andres & Jose Mario

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"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38)

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Oh - and of course, we played basketball this weekend too... ;)

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How awesome is our God?? I am constantly in awe of the Creation around me, of the privilege of being here, and of the conversations I am able to participate in - what an amazing amount of opportunities we have here to learn and grow! God is so faithful. Investing in the people here has honestly been a mixture of joy and grief, as I see people here who I love, who don't know where to find hope, or are just looking to things that won't satisfy. But I know with all my heart that God has a plan for these wonderful people in my life, and that He has a purpose in my being here that I may or may not ever see.

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Being here is hard and wonderful and exciting - I'm learning a lot and I love it, but it's very bittersweet.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:12,13)

Much love,

Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)

Enamorada

Sorry it has been a while since I've written - this has been quite a week! And even when I've had a few minutes I just haven't known what to write. It's been hard knowing that we only have a little over a month left to be here! Not much has changed since the last time I wrote, except the rain isn't nearly as bad - it's pretty normal weather now. It's kind of cool, actually! I love it. Still though, there is a lot of damage that has been left behind by the storms...there are a lot of people in need here. And, the storm is headed towards Haiti.

So - for Thanksgiving, I am going to be helping a group from my program, CEA, build a house for a family that lost everything during the floods. I'm so excited! We are trying to raise the money to buy a pre-fabricated house: about 5 thousand dollars. If any of you want to donate money, please don't hesitate to let me know!! Anything would be a huge help! I'll be posting pictures of the family and of the house as soon as I can!

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:) My brother.

The people here have touched my life in ways that they won't ever be able to imagine. And this country has just captured me with its mountains and its culture. I thought I would love it here, and I knew it would be hard to leave from the beginning, but something so deep inside me is just moved by the incredible privilege of being here. I can't describe it any other way. I know that God is at work - and I know that where I am right now is part of my calling. More than anything, I want to come back. I want to live here and work here and be used by God here - and up until today I was pursuing trying to come back right after Christmas to study here next semester. But, that door has been closed, and I know that I just have to live to the fullest the time I do have left. I am hoping to come back before I graduate, but if not, I know I won't be able to stay away for long. More than anything I want to be doing what God is calling me to... and that might not be here. It might be in the states, or in another country, I don't know. All I know is that this experience has touched me to the very core of who I am, and I miss it already.

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Santiago:)

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Cards! One of our favorite pastimes.

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Kathleen, Diana, and precious Ariana

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Santiago and Mariana

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We have fun while helping our architect friends with their projects:)

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Okay - well, let me know if you'd like to give money for our project to help the family build their house! I hope all of you are having a good week. And Thanksgiving isn't too far away!

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

Much love,

Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)

El agua

Well, Costa Rica is in an official state of emergency - with the tropical storm passing through and the ridiculous amount of rain we've been getting, (for example: one night of rain this week was equal to what Costa Rica usually gets during the entire month), there have been floods, mudslides, bridges collapsing...you can't really travel anywhere, and a lot of people have lost power, and ironically, water because of all the erosion. In the region of Escazu, people have died in the mudslides and flooding. It's a tragedy, and it's surreal - I can't believe it's happening not too far from where I'm living.

I don't want to worry anyone...I'm safe here, it's just realllly wet and it hasn't stopped raining in days. The most serious problems are happening in the unstable regions in the mountains with the mudslides. We may lose power occasionally and the water is a little unreliable, but that's about it. Tomorrow, Meagan and I are going to help out with a food drive close by for the families who are being affected the most by the mudslides and floods. I wish I could do more! I feel useless, but I hope that every little bit really does count.

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A happier piece of news is that I bought a sweatshirt today from Veritas! It's the comfiest most amazing sweatshirt ever. And it's red. Bonus.

This week my photography project is on my Tica (Costa Rican) family. So far, it's been harder than I thought it would be, but I'm enjoying the challenge.

Something not so fun is that I have some sort of infection in my right ankle - I cut it on a rock last weekend when we were at the beach, and that hurt, but it seemed to be better the next day so i didn't worry about it. Last night though, it was prettyyy swollen and unhappy. So I've been soaking it every couple of hours in salt water and putting some antibiotics on it. It's getting better! I swear though - one thing after another. That's how life is I guess! But I'm just grateful for a safe, dry place inside where I can be with people who take good care of me. =) I know I say it every other time I write, but I love my Tica family quite a lot.

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Now Meagan and I are going to watch a Latin American film called La Boca Del Lobo - it's about "La Guerra Sucia" (The Dirty War) in Central America. Kind of a rough, confusing topic, but it's good to practice listening and interpreting Spanish!

Ciao, amigos!

love,

Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)

Pensar y soñar

There's just something inherently inspiring about living near the mountains. When I'm walking to school, and there are mountains not too far away that disappear into the clouds, I can't help but smile and think about the glorious beauty that exists in the world. But also this week, I've been reminded of the suffering in the world as well. Yesterday in photography class, we were studying war photographers - and how they take beautiful pictures amidst the unthinkable things and misery that goes on during war - taking photographs that have more to say about what people in war zones experience than any essay or article. Capturing chaos, death, and pain - but seeing beauty in it - I just couldn't wrap my head around it. The brutal honesty of the photos we looked at made me want to grieve with those people...the photography moved me. And, the photographer we were studying, James Nachtwey, took the photos with respect but without fear, and I can't imagine how he does it.

photography class:)

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Well, this week marks the halfway point of the program here in Costa Rica... I'm not sure what to say about it. All I know is that when I leave, I'll be leaving part of my heart here in Central America. And I'm okay with that - it's just harder than I thought it would be to start a new life somewhere and then have to leave it. I miss all you wonderful people though, so I am excited to be coming home the week of Christmas. :)

School is going well, I'm really enjoying my new Spanish class (Spanish for Business), because we're really learning about the culture of business in Latin America, plus the discussions are interesting and I enjoy the readings! I feel like I'm learning. And although my Spanish is still very lacking, I know that being fluent is possible!

Just saying - Something that has been such a blessing while I have been here is the home and the family that I have been living with! Now they are truly a second family to me, and I love them so much!

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"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up... I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another." (from Romans 15)

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"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

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Something I love about the culture here is the way they greet each other! It's just great. And apparently, it's Biblical, too! Obviously it's not a commandment, but I love this idea -

"All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." (from 1 Cor 16)

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Tomorrow I'm visiting a coffee plantation with my Spanish business class to learn more about coffee production here in Costa Rica. Getting free coffee? Yess. Waking up extra early? Meh.

ttfn!

-Courtney

(World Traveler in Training)