Monday, February 7, 2011

Happiness hit her like a train on a track.

This is becoming my home, more and more everyday.  And all the students are becoming like an extension of my family.

We played a pretty intense game of capture the flag the other night. And for the record?  Team 1 totally won.  Team 2 are all tramposos. (Which, by the way, does NOT mean tramps.  It means cheaters.)



                                                                 Those crazy Canadians.

And as much as this is becoming home, I really do miss my home. It still haven't quite realized that I'll be here for the next 10 months. I feel like any day, I'll be heading back. But I'm not.  It's such a strange feeling.

Sometimes, life isn't the color you want it to be.

I'm so thankful to my Father for bringing me. It's such a challenge.  The language (which, thanks to my wonderful Spanish teacher, Sr. Campbell, I've already had a pretty solid base in), the culture, and the people are so different.  The same, but different.  How's that for contradictory?

For one thing, you would not  believe how much these Ticos love their shoes.  There's a shoe store within every mile in the cities.  And the women wear high heels EVERYWHERE.  It's crazy.  I would die.  I'll stick to my converse, thank you very much.

And Ticos are much more open with their affection (which is very obvious with their PDA...), but it's also a good thing. Costa Ricans kiss each other on the cheek as a greeting.

There's something so like Jesus in that tradition. It's such an invitation into intimacy with others, a closeness that we as North Americans are sometimes very uncomfortable with. And I  feel when we go to God in prayer, He greets us with a kiss.  He invites us to be vulnerable, and maybe be a bit uncomfortable.  But once we accept His offer, we're rewarded beyond what we deserve. 





 So, I hope your world view changes this week.
And I hope you have the courage to live life differently than you did yesterday.
Grace and peace,
Kels

8 comments:

  1. What a joy to read my darling daughter. I'm glad C.R. feels like home to you. We miss you but I don't worry about you because I know your having the time of your life. Each new day is a gift, don't take it lightly. I love you so much and I'm so proud of you!!!! Happy your Happy Mom

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm going to pretend that this is Facebook and I'm going to "like" this :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome blog! Kelsey you have so much oportunity to grow. Loved your introspections and observations this blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't get over how impressed I am by you, kid! God is doing a great work in you. =)

    <3

    ReplyDelete
  5. how exciting!
    so happy that you are finding our "home"
    wonderful blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Kelsey, I stumbled upon your blog (trust me...I'm not stalking you!), and I just read every entry. I love reading blogs and think I'll start my own, but I just wanted to let you know that I think it's amazing what you're doing, and I will be praying for you in your journey. You are a fabulous writer and an encouraging, inspiring girl of faith and joy! I'm going to keep reading. And say hi to Beth for me next time you see her!

    Kimberly [Phillips] Wilder

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are a beautiful young woman of faith, and on such an incredible journy with Jesus. It's wonderful to read your blogs, I love the thought that Jesus greets us with a kiss as we go to Him in prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks everyone, for all the sweet and encouraging comments! I really appreciate them. :)

    ReplyDelete