Girls Adjusting to Costa Rican Life

      The girls have overwhelmed us with how well they have adjusted through all these changes. From having over 13 missionary kids here from last semester, to being the only 2 students here in CINCEL, they have shown that they can thrive in various situations. The girls miss their buddies from last semester, but they have been doing well adjusting to the change since they constantly receive so much love from the entire student body. They have gained spiritual aunts, uncles, and grandparents here at CINCEL.

      In the last 6 months, we have learned how to go to church, stores, and various places using the public transporation systems (bus and taxi),  we have learned to  interact with the locals here in Costa Rica using the Spanish that we learned so far, and we have also learned to adapt to the customs and traditions of Costa Rican life..

For instance:

1. When riding a taxi, you do not slam the door when entering and leaving the taxi because it shows disrespect.  You have to gently close the door.

2. When entering a room, it is mandatory to greet every single person in the room to show that you appreciate each person. This is sometimes hard for most Northern Americans since we are accustomed to entering a room quietly making sure we don't disturb others if they are in a middle of a conversation. 

3. Never yell at someone from across the room/street. You must always walk closer to the person that you want to speak with so that you can talk to them using a normal tone of voice.

4. Never speak to someone in English if you are in a room with other people who speak in Spanish.

5. The hardest thing was to make sure you throw all toilet paper in the trash can, and never inside the toilet to avoid having any plumbing issues.

     It takes a while to get used to all the changes, but after six months, everything becomes part of your routine. These are just a few things we all learned to adjust to living here in Central America. The kids are learning values and concepts that we would have never had a chance to teach them if we did not come here to Costa Rica, and we are so grateful for this privilege. Thank you for your prayers for smooth transitions and supernatural peace and acceptance through all the changes!

           Here are some photos of the girls :)