7-9-12 A Note From Lauren (:

7-9-12

Although Costa Rica is quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting, the most extraordinariny thing about it isn't the awesome cloud forrests that surround the mountains; it isn't lushiousness or the biodiversity. The best thing about Costa Rica is the kind and simple spirit of the Ticos. Last night, I had the opportunity to encounter our Homestay Families in an inspiring and authentic way that, probably, 95% of people will never get. They shared with us the journey they took to get to where they are today, and I was inspired beyond belief by not only their willingness to share their stories with strangers from North Carolina, but by their thankfulness through the hardships they've faced during their life.

Most of these ladies and gentlemen never had the chance to finish school. At the age of around 13 or 14, they were asked to begin working to provide money for their families. There was only one woman who was given the opportunity to continue school, but she didn't take it because she felt she needed to start working right away. Everyday of her life, she says, she regrets that decision. As a single mother, she always tells her son to take advantage of the opportunities he is given and to learn from his mistakes. Instead of living in the past, she advised us to move on and live our lives to the fullest, as she hopes to do when her son grows up to graduate from a university and can buy a house of his own.

One couple told us that when they got married, they were given two plates by one sibling and two forks by another. They slept on the floor until they were eventually able to buy little pieces of land to sell crops and build a house. It was so cool to see that they created so much by starting with so little. It seems that so often in this life the happiest people started with little to no material items. It makes me extremely thankful for everything I have back at home. Something they said was that now, they have the money to move up to San Jose for a "better life," but that isn't important to them. Their family is happy here, and that's what makes a difference. They love to see their children run around with frisbies and bubbles and little chocolates, and to know that they are in a safe and loving community.

It really is a safe and loving community here. I feel so loved by my family. Last night, right before bed, I hugged my homestay mom, and she said, "Eres mi hija. Te quiero y buenas noches mi amor." It is so beautiful to be loved by so many new families and to truly see the spirit of Ticos in action. I truly hope to stay in touch with these families through skype and continue to play Go Fish with my hermana y prima! I love the fact that I am truly learning Spanish in such an amazing place filled with hearts of love.

-Lauren Morris

P.S. Tell Jack I miss him!