Saying goodbye to this little man was definitely the hardest part yet... There were many tears shed, from both him and me, and I'm pretty sure mutually broken hearts. I've always been told that dogs have zero sense of time; I am really hoping that is true. The good part, though, is that he is sleeping over with the two biggest dog lovers I know: Christina and Jan. From there things got a bit easier, however, I must admit, saying goodbye to Rodes and Page was pretty tough as well, reminding me how very lucky I am. All the same, the huge lump in my throat that appeared when I turned the corner and they fell out of sight reminded me how important it is that I continue going on these "adventures;" how important it is that I find myself outside of the beautiful Hart family; how important it is that I keep pushing myself.
It was a long day of travel, but easy. Spent a lot of time in my head, worrying about and imagining all of the worst case scenarios that lie ahead. The woman I sat by on the airplane gave me a similar sermon to the one I have heard from my father many times: keep your eyes open, don't go anywhere alone, make good choices, remember you're immersed in a different culture. As if my nerves weren't already wild enough! Nevertheless, I was encouraged by how friendly she was.
I arrived, was reminded how far from fluent I am by the man at customs drilling me about the purpose of my visit, and immediately embraced by a friendly couple who then took me and another volunteer to my home stay. When the first greeting I received was from this precious angel, I knew my family was going to be a good one. But then, they lugged my two HUGE suitcases up the stairs into a tiny bedroom with two bunk beds and three girls awaiting my arrival (Robin, from Canada...Sophie, from Australia...and Melissa, from Chicago); my spoiled heart sank. I am flooded with privacy at home in an apartment with just me and Coop, and now I was being thrown into a home where I would share a tiny space with three other strangers, and a bathroom with an additional four. Some anxious texts went out, many prayers were said, and I even came to the decision that I was going to ask to change homes, but then when I shut my eyes, and asked God to give me peace and take over from that moment, I, the girl who doesn't ever get a good night's sleep, slept like a baby. If that wasn't a clear enough message that I am in the right place, I don't what could be.
Throughout today, I have become more and more at ease with where I am, and more excited about my upcoming experiences. I have the sweetest house mom ever, Maria Elena Mendez, who walked me to orientation, taught me how to use the bus, and made me a beautiful breakfast, lunch and dinner (fresh squeezed pineapple juice, homemade strawberry jelly, scrambled eggs, rice, spinach tortes...yum)! I learned that I will be working with an organization called "Boy with a ball" that goes into different slums and teaches English to adolescents who can't afford schooling - I can't wait for my first day tomorrow. I have met many volunteers, some of whom I absolutely adore already. I have even found a gym :) Things are looking up!
One of the first things I was told at orientation today is that the answer to every question in Costa Rica is "pura vida." When someone is talking to you and you don't understand, reply with "pura vida;" when someone says thank you, respond with "pura vida;" when talking to a friend on the phone, end your conversation with "pure vida." The literal translation for "pure vida" is "pure life," however, it was compared to the saying "hakuna matata" from the Lion King. It is the life motto here. Things are slow, simple, easy, carefree. Everything is moderate, which is so foreign to a girl that lives in a world of excess. I have a basic understanding of this term, "pura vida," but I can't wait to live it, and really feel it. 
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