Tara Talk: Fall has come

When I was packing for Costa Rica, I didn't think much about the fact that it does, in fact, get cool sometimes here. I didn't bring very many sweatshirts, long "lounging"/pajama pants, and lately I've been wishing I did because the weather has been changing a bit. I'm really pleased with the weather change because I don't have the feeling of constantly being a bit sticky and sweaty, which, let's be honest, no one really likes. As a person who has a tendency to be quick to sweat from certain facial glands, I welcome the breeze, cooler temps and rainy afternoons with open arms. I am going to be searching my cooler weather clothes that are stored away in California to bring back with me in January for sure!

Cool weather and hot coffee are a good match. There's one Starbucks about 30 minutes from my house and I enjoyed visiting it the other day. I still think the local, Costa Rican grown coffee is best, and more affordable. :)

As we are thinking about the end of the year with our work sites here, our team came up with a plan to take a number of students from the majority of our sites to the local amusement park. The date of November 2nd was decided up because it was the last day of the 2 for 1 ticket prices, and we also discovered that the students did not have exams that day at school. Jose, Diego and I went to talk to the administrators of the three schools that are kiddos attend in Los Guido, and it was such a positive experience to meet with them and see that they are thankful for what we are doing with some of their students. They all also gave us "their blessing" to have the students going on a trip with us.

Group shot of (most of the) kids and leaders

We ended up being a group of over 60 people when all was said and done, which included students from my girls' club, the tutoring center, the bike club and Cailah's site. It took a lot of organizing, sandwhich making, permission slip collecting, patience and collaboration, but the kids had a great time and all were safe. I spent most of the day with girls from my girls' club, and it was a blessing to get to see them enjoy the rides and be kids. They live in a neighborhood that is rough at times, and they don't often get out and do special things like this. And I know they will be talking about the trip for a long time to come.