It is a beautiful thing to travel with our kids. They are warm; they are open; they are curious; they are true. Last night I fell asleep to the sounds of the three boys next door laughing uproariously with their new Costa Rican family, including the two young boys who follow our guys around like puppies. I could hear the girls two houses up, giggling and chatting into the night with their hosts. All of it developed in 6 short hours.
It is a rare thing in this world to be surrounded by individuals who make such authentic connections to the world and the people around them so quickly. We hear so much about the sense of isolation and self-interest that has weakened our sense of community and our ability to work toward a common good.
Those challenges are nowhere in sight here in Sitio de Mata, our corner of Costa Rica. Our casa mamis are working (very patiently with the adults, I might add) to teach us Spanish and feeding us as if we may never eat again. And our kids--they are a wonder to watch. They've dived in with household chores, taken the little ones under their wings, and worked in the dirt like they've done it all their lives. All in two short days.
This morning, as we struggled to clear and level and overgrown patch of earth (more on that later), I stopped for a brief break with Austen and Liz. It was their two houses I'd heard laughing and playing the night before. I'll treat you to just two of the thoughts they shared, but be warned: either one alone might bring you to your knees:
Of the views of the valley below and the volcanoes and mountains around us: "Ms Connie, I can't believe what I'm seeing--it's almost like it's not real. I can't stop looking."
Of the relationships they're forming with their Costa Rican families: "I feel lke we've been here two weeks and like I've known them forever."
It's beautiful thing, traveling with our kids.
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