Check

This past weekend I visited Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna, Costa Rica.  The initial draw was my mental checklist of sites that I knew I should see while in the country.  However, the views, sounds, and resulting peace checked more than my list.

My heart was checked.img_3055

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning in order to hike up the mountain to watch the Sun rise.  Howling monkeys in the trees, horses scattered among the hills, and countless birds orchestrated a concert introducing the Sun, and an inevitable sense of awe followed.  As I sat aware of the utter greatness and creativity of our Lord, a subtle reminder persisted deep within me.

Every morning the Sun rises with brilliant colors.
Every morning the monkeys

Studying in Costa Rica Rule #2: Type A’s will be Confiscated at Customs

In order to be a good student and glean everything from an immersion program, the rules of the institute encourage flexibility and cooperation.  Two such qualities are given a new definition in Costa Rica.  Rather than “go with the flow,” they translate into “let the flow carry you wherever it chooses.”

A bystander could watch me for 15 minutes and observe that I’m a planner.  I prefer to be on time, and despite my lack of direction, I like to know where I’m going, and I like to plan ahead.  As I’m learning, this Type A nature is not conducive for Costa Rica, and in reality, it is not even an option.

Checked in at customs, such tendencies are banned.

No Being on Time
clockI