My Wonderful Men
It was hard today teaching my last class yesterday with these men. I have seen some come and go, but have also had the priveledge of getting to know some of these incredible individuals.
02 Jun 2011
31 May 2011
The Rainy Season
Some people hate this time in Costa Rica (May and October are the rainy months), but I absolutely love it. The morning is beautiful, sunny, green, and fresh. The afternoons, a variant of sprinkle, downpour, or rivers in the streets.
31 May 2011
Yesy – A Beautiful Soul with Difficult News
I only recently realized that Yesy doesn’t work at the women’s center…she is herself, rehabilitating.
But it is so evident that this woman’s primary concern is not herself, but others. She came over to the house, and told story after story of times when she cleaned wounds, pulled lice, and washed feet of other women coming into the center…
30 May 2011
Feeding the Hungry (Me) and Lessons in Love
I was so undeservedly blessed today. I have this problem with locking myself out of the house, and today was not a good day for this. I stood outside Sally’s condo, and wanted to cry…The next thing I knew, he was waiting for me at the gate, and I was escorted to his house, complete with a family, warm gallo pinto, and coffee.
28 May 2011
What the U.S. is Missing
I have been warned about reverse culture shock. I know that after five months in Costa Rica, returning to “normal” life in Seattle will be anything but normal. I’m trying to understand clearly the good in both cultures…But for now I want to focus on some things I see that are lacking in the United States.
26 May 2011
Tiny World
Have you ever heard that theory that about six degrees between every person on the earth? I think I really do believe it.
Today was further proof…
24 May 2011
23 May 2011
Ah To Be Young
What is it like to be young in Alajuelita?
I wanted to go for sushi with some of my Alajuelita friends. I got a pained look, as that involved a bus, taxi, expensive restaurant and server. Instead we bought an empanada at the park, which was actually very good, and only 700 colones.
23 May 2011
Royer
My bus expert, local guide, Spanish teacher, and friend. He is the person that corrects me when I say something wrong or awkward. I appreciate it so much; I would say he is mainly to blame for my Spanish getting better in Alajuelita. I have also learned pachuco (which perhaps being oblivious was a little better…), Spanish rap songs, and how to take the bus to San Pedro—surprisingly tricky.
11 May 2011
A Taste of Normal in Alajuelita
I have a new normal. Goodbye iPod while running, fake diamond earrings, and exposed phone. Most of the time, when I walk down the street, I assume that my purse will be stolen…I keep money in two different places, and never have real documents or unnecessary cards on me. These are the sacrifices of living in the most dangerous community in San Jose.
A foreign perspective highlighting the local work and people in Alajuelita, Costa Rica (pop. 200,000), a district just minutes from the downtown San Jose, and largely unknown. Alajuelita is a hub for drug trade and abuse, but also a transformative place that houses inspiring people and their stories.
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Friends
- Centro Cristiano de Alabanza
- Fundacion Genesis Alajuelita
- loveatworkministries.com
- northshoremissions.org
- east91st.org
- 68ministries.org
- Sally’s Jubilee
