El fin... the end.

So it may be the end of my international experience, but there will never be an end to the relationships, memories, and growth that I have experienced this summer at EARTH University in Costa Rica.

Here I am, home again, after arriving at 1:30 AM yesterday morning (mom picked me up at the Dulles airport since my State College flight was canceled) and relaxing yesterday (during my 22nd birthday!).

And today? The FIRST DAY of my LAST SEMESTER at UNIVERSITY PARK. Crazy. But before I start to discuss the complex thought processes of this aspect of my life, let's reflect on my amazing summer.

If you've been following along, you may have noticed that my summer has involved a beautiful array of opportunities, people, and blessings, as I was studying abroad at EARTH University. 4 months and 4,000 miles away from home, I've learned to be challenged, grow, and seek God in new ways.

Reflecting on my travel journal, I identified several goals early on in the summer:
1) Increase fluency in Spanish with an emphasis on agriculture topics
2) Make friends from around the world and keep in touch with them
3) Be challenged/pushed outside my comfort zone with things I do not know or have complete control over
4) To enjoy the opportunity to be in CR again, to see my families here, and see more of the country
5) Develop an understanding of what I desire to do, career-wise
6) Continue to build global competency

Now to reflect on the major aspects of this experience, which I believe reflect meeting the goals above:

• Spanish - coming in from sort of "proficient" to leaving with almost "perfect" (according to native speaking sources). 
• Academic challenge - courses were not as intensive academically, but I was given enough challenges with Spanish use and practical applications. 
• Career interests - narrowing in, emphasized in international/cultural immersion with agricultural development
• Practical experiences - machete + planting/managing 36 M2 forage plot. Enough said.
• Travel - from the gorgeous Pacific coast (north and southern side of the country) to the Panama border - with the opportunity to drive in another country! 
• Family - from visiting my Turrialba families 3 times to spending almost every day with my international EARTH Christ community family, I would say this was the most successful aspect of my experience. 

Me and my forages plot! It isn't that pretty, but I was still proud.

So how can I conclude this incredible, life-changing experience? Well I don’t think I can ever conclude the friendships made, but I will leave you with some interesting numbers to ponder:

• 17 weeks away from home (or 4 months)
• 29 hours a week of classes and work experience
• 36 square meters of forages to plant and maintain
• 14 cockroaches killed in my dorm room
• 10 hand blisters
• 1 parrot bite, 1 unknown rash, 1 bamboo splinter rash, 1 case of cold/bronchitis
• 3 weekend trips to my Turrialba home
• 2 weekend trips to the other side of the country (Guanacaste)
• 1 semi-complicated trip to the Panama border
• 2 overnight camping trips
• 10 visits to our rural agricultural community (El Triunfo)
• 900 photos on my PHONE... 
• 3,900 camera photos :)
• Countless mosquito bites and never-heard-of-before tropical fruits
• Numerous friendships
• A lifetime of memories

If I were to select one thing that has benefited me the most, it would definitely have to be the realization of how God can bless us with community wherever we are - we just need to find His love in it and invest in relationships. That may just be my "extrovert" talking, but I know that these friendships have made my time the most memorable ever - and have made me realize that we are to experience God's love and blessings in PEOPLE wherever we are. The meaning of this life is to bring Him glory by loving PEOPLE with His love - it's not about the grades we get or the job we have or the places we've been or the languages we learn. It's about using all of those things to relate to God's children - love them, fellowship with them, learn from them, praise with them.

Some of my beautiful friends; Thiago, Timothy, Gaby, and Uziel to wish me off at the airport!

So now what? Well, after surviving this coming semester of intensive student teacher preparations, I plan to continue with my passion for traveling and seeing people, as I will be going back to Costa Rica in the spring for part of my student teaching experience in a technical agriculture high school there! So I get to see my EARTH family again, God-willing!! And after that? Seeking more opportunities for travel, being immersed in agriculture, pursing work in education or agricultural development, and God knows what!

I have a beautiful and blessed community here, but God has proven faithfulness in whatever situation we are moved in, as long as we are willing to love in those situations. I am glad to be home, but excited for the next time God calls me to an incredible international experience. After all, who says you cannot have roots and wings? "Let us be rooted in the love of Christ where we are yet willing to fly with Him where He desires to take us." 

Mi familia - friend profiles

There are many things that I will remember from this experience, but one of the most important is definitely the people. I am an extrovert, meaning I like being in groups of people, but more importantly, I just enjoy experiencing other lives (no matter how few or many).
One of my favorite parts about EARTH is the diversity (33 countries represented in the student body from Africa and all the Americas) - diversity not only of nationalities, but interests, personalities, and languages.

What better way to show diversity than to introduce you to a few of my close friends. I wish I could present you to all of them (friends, do not be offended that I am not including all of you) but the post would be too long and I would probably bore you with my love for them.

North American representative - Gaby
What a beautiful woman of Christ this friend has been - I met her first in the christian group that I attend here (JOCREER - I will refer to it often, as all of these friends are involved) and then was randomly (AKA divinely) paired with her for our community experience class. From our first long hike through the campus forest reserve to our talks about Jesus and boys, I have come to appreciate our friendship and will cherish it, no matter over how many countries it spans.

What a lovely lady. 

Where from: Mexico, Mexico
Year/age: 2nd year student, 20 years
Favorite hobbies: Badminton, hang out with friends
Why are you here/why did you want to come to EARTH: I initially wanted to study food processing, then realized that studying agriculture/agronomy would be beneficial to understand the entire food processing chain. I started at my state university in agronomy, but then heard about EARTH and applied.
What is your favorite part about EARTH: I love that, in such a small place, we can learn so much about so many cultures and people.
Best experience thus far: Coming to know Christ while I have been here.

Central American rep - Vanesa
Vanesa is a different case than the rest, but one that I nonetheless need to share. She is the only other student here this summer (semester) studying abroad. She is from Guatemala (but her parents are from China), and her home university is UBC (University of British Columbia). Her undergrad program is Global Resource Systems with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture. For the program, she must select a region of the world to study abroad at for 2 semesters... and considering she is FROM central America, she felt called to focus on the Latin America region and decided to come to EARTH. She is now finishing her second semester here (she was here last fall as well) and will be heading back to Canada soon to finish her last year. Vanesa has taught me a lot about dedication - she is dedicated to all that she does: friends, school work, being a light to others... She has also helped me realize the importance of education (see earlier blog post). I am glad we have become friends while she has been here. She is certainly a light to those around her and a motivational sister in Christ.

From a walk we went on early in the summer - we found a swing set :)

Where from: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Year/age: 3rd year @ UBC, 22 years
Favorite hobbies: Soccer, hanging out with friends
Why are you here/why did you want to come to EARTH: I really love the vision of EARTH - the systems of hands-on learning. I also wanted to be part of what EARTH students are known for as"agents of change" - it pairs well with my personal life vision. Latin America, of course, is another reason, because of the people. Its very similar in the countries and I love the people.
What is your favorite part about EARTH: Knowing people here, their stories and lives, is wonderful. I have really appreciated the relationships and friendships I have made here. All of the people are just fantastic.
Best experience thus far: We were working on a project until 1 or 2 AM on my birthday and some of these amazing people came and surprised me... then we danced to a hilarious Brazilian song. Then, when I thought the day was over (the following evening), I was caked in the face... which was then followed by a cake fight. I love these people and the experiences they've brought.

South American rep - Thiago
"Oh Thiago" is usually how people address this crazy kid. Although I didn't know him well before he left in the 1st week of classes for his 7-week term at La Flor, I got to know him real well the weekend I went to Guanacaste (see earlier blog post) and of course now that he is back here and a regular in our group of friends. Thiago is like the younger brother I never had to pick on. We share the "bularse" (teasing/bothering) and often result to semi-physical manners of communication (he messes with my hair, I bit his hand, etc.). He may be forgetful with things, but isn't forgetful in loving his friends. I am thankful for his patient heart, as we constantly tease him, and his willingness to approach someone if they look like they are having a bad day and do something stupid or crazy to make them laugh. This Brazilian will certainly be one I will miss (to pick on).

With his medal - his team won the campus indoor soccer championship! 2 years in a row :)

Where from: Ceará, Brazil
Year/age: 3rd year, 23 years
Favorite hobbies: Soccer (Thiago is said to be the best goalie on campus), hang out with friends
Why are you here/why did you want to come to EARTH: I have always had an interest in agronomy and agriculture. I assisted a technical agriculture high school and then worked at a banana plantation for a year and a half before applying to EARTH.
What is your favorite part about EARTH: I love that I have learned a lot about culture, language, and people... and that I will have these friends for my entire life.
Best experience thus far: Just being involved with the christian group (JOCREER) and meetings has been one of the best things - when we leave our meetings and just hang out in the student commons area, fellow-shipping and talking, I really enjoy it.

African rep - Timothy
Timothy is one of those people that simply exudes the love of Christ for those around him. As Gaby once said, when he smiles, it's like he is smiling with his whole face, and you can't help but catch whatever joy is on his heart. His genuine friendship is felt by many many people on this campus and I know God has a plan for him and his spiritual leadership here. I find his strength to be inspiring as well - for him and almost all of the 50-something African students here at EARTH - as they do not get to go home to be with their families for the entire 4 years here. Furthermore, due to some visa problems, Timothy was not able to come to CR a few months earlier (as the African students usually do) to learn Spanish before starting classes in their first year, so he arrived 1 day before classes started, not knowing any of the language. It is definitely by his persistence and passion for being here that he got through to be a wonderful communicator in Spanish today (not to mention in English, his native tongue, and another Nigerian common language). Timothy gets to do his "pasantia" internship this fall in Florida, working with the University of Florida, so he will get to come and experience the U.S. (and all its diverse, unhealthy food) soon enough!

Taking a few professional shots at the Panama border - note bridge in background :)

Where from: Oyo, Nigeria
Year/age: 3rd year, 26 years
Favorite hobbies: Soccer, listen to music and sing, hang out with friends
Why are you here/why did you want to come to EARTH: I have a strong interest in agriculture and I feel that God's calling in my life includes agriculture, so I want to learn as much as I can to be prepared to fulfill that calling. I had previously studied in a technical agricultural high school and was studying agronomy for a year at a local university before applying.
What is your favorite part about EARTH: I love the multi-cultural aspect of EARTH, that we are like a mini-globe with many people and cultures. I also really appreciate the hands-on approach to the university's academic model.
Best experience thus far: Being a part of the christian community here (JOCREER) has been extremely beneficial to my spiritual growth - I do not know where I would be today in my faith without it.


I hope you enjoyed meeting some of the many wonderful friends I have made here. I will say it over and over - God has been outstandingly faithful in blessing me with a community here... one that I feel I belong to and one that I believe won't end when I leave in 9 days.

I love these people! Learn to love those who are around you and you will have the best time of your life. 

No puede ser...

No puede ser = it cannot be.
AKA - WHAT?! I leave the country in 18 days?! That doesn't make sense. It seems too short. There seems to be too much to do, too many people to see and bond with, too many memories to have to leave behind.
Okay, let's not get started on the sentimental stage just yet, I think I can hold it together for a bit longer. But praise the Lord for what He has blessed me with this summer and what He has been doing here on this campus. I especially sing His praises for this past weekend of fellowship and for the peace He has given me right now as the end of semester projects and assignments come - I am not worried at all!

"Nevertheless I am continually with You, You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards You will receive me into glory." Psalm 73:23-24

So other than God being amazing and faithful, I have been doing pretty well. 2 weeks ago I had to take a trip to Panama to renew my temporary visa/passport stamp. So, along with some friends and another Thrifty rental car, we headed to the border. We did not really anticipate the complicated and slightly convoluted system that I had to go through to get "stamped" into and out of Panama in order to be "restamped" in Costa Rica, but with much patience from my friends and a few hours over the border, I became legal again in Costa Rica (I wasn't previously, but my visa would have expired the following day). 

A few photos of the verrrryy sketchy bridge to cross the border

Bienvenidos = "welcome." I wouldn't say we were 100% welcomed by migration, but all went well

Stopped at Cauhita beach/park for a little break on the way back from the border

So after that fun time in Panama, I have been catching up on projects and assignments, as well as preparing to come back to Penn State this fall and dive into PSU Ag Ed student teaching preparation!! 

This past week, we had two days off class, on account of the Ecoromeria that the University participates in. The Romeria is the national event in Costa Rica where Ticos make a pilgrimage (on foot) to the city of Cartago, where the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels is located. There is a story of how God used the appearance of a small stone figure of the Virgin Mary to declare this location as sacred, so Ticos are faithful to the Virgin and travel from all parts of the country to come to the Basilica on August 2nd. EARTH has started participating in this event by placing recycling sorters all along the major routes so that those carrying waste can easily sort and recycle rather than just throw away bottles/trash/etc. Students are obligated to participate in a turn of the "Ecoromeria" which is from 4-6 hours. While I was not obligated to participate, I did visit San Jose during the crazy event and helped at the central office as students were coming and going. 

I also was found at this central office late Thursday night to pick up some friends and take them to Guanacaste for a relaxing weekend. We got lost a few times in San Jose on Thursday night, finding our way to the house of an employee in the international relations office at EARTH and then lost a bit on Friday morning as we left for the Pacific coast, but didn't have problems asking people to guide us out of the city. Ticos are very friendly :) 

From left to right: Me, Gaby, Uziel, Timothy, Fernanda, Thiago.
What a team... and no, there are not 6 people in the 5 seated car. 

Ready to go in our Thrifty car (I am a regular with them)

A view of the La Flor entrance drive - pretty different from the campus drive here

Friday we arrived in Liberia (the town I visited last month) to pick up a friend who is doing his time at La Flor campus. We visited the campus again, had a dip in the pool (see photos), and headed to the beaches of Guanacaste (said to be the most beautiful in the country). 

The best capture of the weekend... planned ahead of time, executed perfectly.
Everyone enjoyed it, even though Thiago was a bit angry at first ;) 

While I didn't take many photos this weekend, it was a trip to remember. We arrived at the beaches Friday evening and, with the generosity of another friend in the area, left our stuff in a nearby house and camped on the sands of Cuenca beach. We even had a lovely campfire on the beach - my first time camping on the beach may have been a little uncomfortable sleeping wise, but the morning view was priceless. There were a few whales out in the bay!!! Then on Saturday we went to another beach for the afternoon, got rained on, I cut my foot and hand on some coral reef (arrecife in Spanish) but got to swim with fishes and enjoy the gorgeous aqua colors of the pacific. 

Saturday night brought some home-cooked food at the house we were at. I am proud to say that I prepared most of the meal while the others were napping - marinated the beef and fish for the grill (Uziel and Fernanda grilled), made a fresh vegetable salad complete with homemade lemon/oil dressing, and cut the cheese and bread. Okay so maybe there wasn't that much to do, but it was still fun to have some time preparing food and enjoying it family-style.

Sunday morning we got up early and, thank goodness, did not get lost in San Jose passing back through. With a stop for some Pizza Hut pizza and to pick up a birthday cake, we headed back to campus. Yesterday was Isahi's birthday, so we surprised him at midnight (Sunday/Monday) with this lovely cake. Again, I am reminded how much I am going to miss this EARTH family... what good memories they have brought. I feel so blessed!! Okay friends, keep in touch. We will talk soon. And if you are back in the states, patiently waiting my return, we will see each other soon (or, in Spanish, nos vemos pronto)!!! Con amor, Allison.

What love we have for him...

I started it... I think I put it on Thiago's face.. then he took revenge on everyone within reach.

The icing dye was a bit strong...