Slow Days

This was the first weekend I haven't traveled since I have been here, and it was very nice. It was a much needed break and time to rejuvenate, re-energize, and reconnect with myself. As I have said many times, I rarely have time alone here; the only real quiet time I get is when I am running. This weekend, however, was different because my sweet friends Robin and Natasha left. Now I am the only volunteer at my home stay, which is pretty bitter sweet. It is good because I have more space, more quiet time, can go to sleep or wake up whenever I want, and am forced to speak Spanish the whole time. But it is also very sad not to have Robin sitting on the floor dipping cookies into a jar of peanut butter, giggling at my stupid jokes, waiting for me to vent about my frustrations, and just as passionate as I am about what I am here to do. This weekend was a little bit lonely.

Saturday, after making our final trip together to the artisan market together, I told Robin goodbye, then went to one of the slums I teach in to help out with a teenage girls group. Two of the girls in my English class at this location lead the group, and asked me to come help them. I am thrilled that I did. Though I made some bad decisions on my way there and felt as though my safety was actually threatened for the first time since I have been here, I made it there and had an amazing time. Every Saturday they have a different activity for these girls, in an attempt to keep them busy, give them support,  provide them somewhere safe and healthy to spend there time... This Saturday was a hip hop class. We had an amazing time. When I told them how old I was, many of the girls asked how many children I have, and when I told them none, they were in shock and asked "why not?!?" If nothing else, I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to share with these girls a different path that is available to them besides getting pregnant young, getting married, and being nothing more than a mother and wife. 

After the class, the two older girls walked me to the bus stop and waited with me until it arrived. I insisted I could wait alone for the bus, but apparently that is not an option in this area, therefore they waited with me. I spoke in Spanish to them, and they spoke to me in English. It was such a beautiful opportunity for us to be 21,22, and 23 year old girls, becoming friends, and learning together. I am looking forward to taking them to see Fast and Furious 5 next Sunday! 

When I finally got home, the house was empty. Mom, dad and the brother were at church - should've gone with them - and Karen, my sister was at a friends. Already a little lonely, when I found the note Robin left me, I burst into tears. What a beautiful gift she was. After being sad for a bit, I watched a movie, painted my nails and enjoyed a nice quiet night alone.

Sunday was another quiet day. I ate a late breakfast just with my mom, and talked to her (in Spanish) for a good 1.5 hours. She has without a doubt become another one of my long lost mothers. Already, I have learned so much from her about working hard, being a beautiful mother, having an amazing marriage, and being a kind, loving, giving person in general. She is a true miracle. The rest of the day I just studied, made friends with/fed a stray dog, read a lot, helped mom cook dinner, and then ate dinner with the fam and some family friends. It actually reminded me a lot of home... Just sitting at the dinner table, together, laughing, joking, loving. It's such an awesome experience to get to be a part of a family in a culture so extremely different from my own. 

The biggest thing about this weekend, however, was a big decision that I made about my plans for the near future. I have decided to stay in Costa Rica for the rest of the summer. As of now, I am not exactly sure what kind of project I will be a part of - I have several different options - but I do know that I'll continue taking Spanish classes and volunteering. The volunteering may continue as it is now, teaching English, may change to a more psychological project where I will work at a shelter for transvestite prostitutes, or best of all, may turn into a more hands on position with Boy With a Ball... The foundation I'm currently teaching with. Sergio, the site manager of Los Cuadros, is trying to start a counseling/group support program for the women and the young ladies in this area. His hope is to help the girls see that there is more to life than being a young mother and wife, but because he's a male, and these women don't really trust males, he needs the help of a female, who has a counseling background. My hope is that I can be this person. Only time will tell :) All I know for sure is that right now, I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing. The future is in His hands.