More Than A Historical Overview

The problem with writing a blog, for me personally, is that I don't simply want to give a chronological overview of what happens each day or each week, but would rather discuss insights and quirks, with scattered stories along the way.  However, insights, while for some they come in a flash, for me they may take a few...weeks? perhaps to find their way into the conscious sections of my brain.  This is me letting you know at the outset (mom, since you are 1 of 2 people reading this so far) that I won't be filling this blog up with daily updates, for what would we skype about then?

Additionally, I also, as my first post so clearly states, am new to blogs.  I have read others blogs and have been either bored by their lack of personal touch or moved by their brandishing of personal affections and the publication of private matters.  I'll try to find a middle ground.  But let me know if this is too superficial or too much of the other extreme.

I left Minnesota nearly 5 days ago.  It seems so much shorter than that.  My time with Lauren was well spent as she showed me around her new location, listened to Christmas music, discussed our failings and triumphs of our previous dating relationship, as well as future prospects.  We also met up with brother Eric and his gf Kristi, and those Peffley's, they never cease to amaze.  They are writing books, moving to Afghanistan and giving speeches about human trafficking to audiences around the state.  I hope they will let me into their life for many years to come.

Lauren brought me to the airport, I had to check my guitar (thankfully arrived in 1 piece) and met up with Kyle early Thursday morning.  Now that I am in Ecuador my plans are to teach math class once a day, and maybe eventually add some language arts to that as well, and I guess, we should try to think of an awesome demo to do for the kiddos as well to keep up the reputation.

Costa Rica is greener and much rainier than when I visited last March.  It is the coldest tropical place that I have ever been and this time have prepared by bringing multiple sweaters, fleece pants and long sleeve shirts.  Don't misunderstand though, during the day it can be quite warm, but when the clouds commandeer the sky and the rain begins to fall the temperature seems to drop quickly, though it still is most likely in the 60s or 70s.  Suffice it to say, I'm prepared.

I am most thankful for the friends I have here, and the simple fact that even though I was gone for a few months they still are my friends.  Let me give you a social roadmap: Kyle and I live in south Escazu, Brittany and Kristen, live in the north end.  All three of them teach at the same school.  There are 3 other friends I have met of theirs.  Lesli, Jessie and Lynn.  Lesli and Lynn live 30 minutes away, and teach at another private christian school while Jessie lives in between Kyle and Britanny, though she works for Young Life.  Everyone is in the 20s.

While at church on Sunday, the four of us (Kyle, Brittany, Kristen and I) ran into the other 3 in a surprise gathering.  We caught up over dinner, and embittered a waitress who thought we ordered too slow, ate too slow and thought we should have left much much earlier than we did, though only because she eventually kicked us out.  With the 7 of us, it feels already like I have a solid group of people with which to socialize and learn from.  They are all teaching English or teaching non-native English speakers in one format or another so they have much to offer.  They are also better at Spanish than I am, so again, I have much to learn.  While in Arkansas, we did not often see other teachers of other schools.  The towns were so far apart.  But here, things may be different.  Our group will be larger and the gathering more frequent.  Which, since I don't have many classes to prepare for, on the whole, is exciting.  A mis amigos, mucho gusto.

Humble Beginnings

This is my first post. It feels good and now you can follow along with me as I romp.  Peace.