Postponing the Inevitable

On Friday, I skipped out of student teaching a bit early (shhh) and headed back to Cougar Town. My purpose: to apply for graduation. As I was standing in the long line in the ASB (okay, I admit it, Friday was the final deadline) I looked down at the "Application for Baccalaureate Degree" I held in my hands, and realized I was a year late! The signatures (mine, the Spanish Advisor's and the Education Advisor's) were all dated sometime back in 2006. Oops.

To be honest, I was only a little surprised. The past year has been full and productive, and I can't be made to regret my decision to postpone graduation (again...and again). Is getting an education about getting that degree as fast as possible or is it really about having experiences? In my heart, I believe it is the latter, though every once in awhile I am seduced to believe otherwise (like when I realize that people who were still in middle school when I graduated from high school already have those highly coveted degrees...and, "real jobs"). In any case, I don't feel the need to justify myself, but I would like to mention a few of the experiences that have contributed to the postponing of my original graduation date (April, 2004) to my current one (ahem, April, 2008)...

FRESHMAN BOYFRIEND: After a semester of staying out till (I won't say how late, in case mom's reading) and repeatedly sleeping through 9am (and sometimes 10am) classes, I decided that 15 credits were WAY too many for anyone to take in a single semester, and opted for 12. Foolish? Perhaps. But I learned more about myself from dating ( and breaking up with) Freshman Boyfriend than I could have in any class. So, no regrets.
LONDON: Most Theatre majors don't really plan to do it in four years. The program's not really designed that way- it's way too long, and there are too many extra-curricular projects expected of everyone. To remedy those issues, I really SHOULD have spent my Springs and Summers grinding away. But the summer after my Sophomore year I decided to escape Provo, and I headed to London for two months. I saw over thirty shows, West End and otherwise, made life-long friends (shout out to Josh, Rachel and Janine), and learned that I was more than who I thought I was.
MISSIÓN ESPAÑA BILBAO: A month after I returned home from London, I turned in papers to serve an LDS mission. I had realized that every blessing I enjoyed in my life (including my education at Brigham Young University) were bi-products of my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and my knowledge and acceptance of the Gospel. Somewhere along the line, I found that sharing that with others might, somehow, be important. I was called to serve in Spain, and loved every minute of it. Leaving in November meant missing two full school years, but it was worth it. I learned patience, charity, Spanish...and much more (see Mission Journal Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4).

PUEBLA: After a year back at BYU I got the travel itch. I was registered for Fall classes and all, but somehow, felt a bit unsettled. So when I randomly checked my "Junk Mail" one day, and found an email from an acquaintance asking for "one more Spanish-speaking female to volunteer in Latin America" I felt butterflies in my tummy, flipped my life around, and headed to Puebla, Mexico as an intern with the Church's Employment Resource Services (see http://fourmonthsinmexico.blogspot.com). Adventures there included an emergency appendectomy, learning to cumbia and salsa, and climbing to the top of many a pyramid. Who needs school when you can be that hands-on?
NARCISO: I settled back in for a year and a half of school (only leaving the country once during that whole time...if you count a visit to Tijuana as "leaving the country", that is), and was set for graduation. I even filled out my "Application for Baccalaureate Degree", and got it signed by the appropriate faculty and staff and everything (see above). However, one day while sitting in my Methods of Spanish Teaching class, a dashing, intelligent young graduate student walked in and changed my life. (Not like that!) He made an announcement about a block class that introduced Spanish Golden Age theatre and was a prep course to participate in a full production from the Spanish Golden Age (in Spanish!), an outreach program to local schools, and a tour to El Paso TX, Ciudad Juárez MX, and Boulder CO the following semester. I thought, "Student teaching? What's that?", and signed up. I then participated in said production, outreach program, and tour. And fell in love with the Spanish Golden Age to boot!
COSTA RICA: I couldn't really student teach until fall, and I had to find something to do with myself over the summer. I talked to one of the directors of the Employment Resource Services Internship, and, realizing that he had a high enough opinion of me to deal with me for another semester (I'm not sure if it was the appendicitis or the pyramid hiking skills that did it...either way though) thought "I could use a summer in Costa Rica!" So I signed on once again, and, as previous entries on this very blog can attest, both had a blast, and learned more than any class could teach me.
And so here I am...student teaching during Fall 2007. And WHY, you ask, am I not graduating next month? WHY have I postponed yet again, and WHY did I find myself in line to apply for graduation on the final deadline for APRIL 2008 commencement? Well...true to form, I've found another great reason! I'm directing one of the Spanish Golden Age plays next semester, and taking a few graduate courses to get ahead in the graduate program I'm applying for (Spanish Pedagogy)...and paying undergraduate tuition all the while. In the end, maybe I've just been an undergraduate for so long that I don't know what else to be. But despite being a year (or three or four) late, I think it's been well worth the wait. And though I've tried my hardest to avoid it, it seems that come April, I'll finally be a real college graduate.

Student Teaching

I go to high school. Every day I wake up at 6am, scramble to find something to wear, throw whatever I can find for lunch into a brown paper bag (or face the ordeal of the school cafeteria), grab some breakfast to eat on the way, and dash to my car. I haven't done this for awhile, and now, on the other side of the equation, I have realized a few things about high school that I never knew about it while I was in it...
1. It starts WAY too early...I don't know how I did it! And I had early morning seminary to boot!
2. High School students are second-rate citizens...they yelled at for talking, have to ask permission to use the restroom, and are generally not considered trustworthy...just because they're in high school.
3. High School is a dictatorship. The teacher rules...and this generally means that the students (at least the "good" ones) ask the teacher just about everything ("If we write on a whole sheet of paper instead of half, will you throw it away?", "What is my design supposed to look like?", "Miss Haynie, do we have to write our names in the right-hand corner, or the left-hand corner?") Way to develop young minds!
4. High School in Utah Valley is MUCH Much much different than in my mid-west small-town America. (i.e. here, it's "cool" to gather around the piano to sing primary songs during lunch...hmm...)
5. Most of the teachers are on power trips. Why do they care if the kids whisper to each other during Channel One?

That's it for now...I'm about to force a group of young ladies to draw how they think their faces would look if they were middle-aged...and probably be questioned about 15 times if it's okay if they use the peach colored pencil even though their skin is more cream colored...

News from the North Shore

It's a cloudy morning on Oahu, and thus, we are hanging out in our beach house on the North Shore taking advantage of the high speed wireless. I was wrong about Hawaii. It is still breathtaking after Costa Rica. And we are having a fantastic time here. There is something about vacationing with family that is so comfortable. For example, all of us are still in our pj's. Very nice. I am, however, experiencing a few struggles. Flushing toilet paper down the toilet is difficult. And I have a tendency to respond to people in Spanish at random times. It's like...a reverse language barrier. Kind of.

We spent the day on Wednesday at the Poylynesian Cultural Center. I haven't been there since I was seven, and I loved it. We had a great time, ate tons of good food, and tried our best to not sleep through the night show. Not that it wasn't extremely exciting...we were just extremely jet lagged. We all got some leis and snapped some shots at sunset. I think we are rather good looking. :)

Thursday we spent the day snorkeling, which was amazing. About half the family saw a sea turtle. Unfortunatley I wasn't part of that half. But it was a ton of fun, and I did see plenty of tropical fish. And also got plenty sunburned. Later we headed to Waimea and jumped off a big rock into the ocean. Actually, I guarded the stuff while everyone else jumped off the rock. Turns out I have a hidden fear of jumping off rocks. And there was a crowd, so I didn't feel like standing there talking myself into actually jumping for 30 minutes. Maybe next time.

Last night's adventure was going to buy fresh (I mean, they were swimming around that morning fresh) shrimp. Maria and Shane took initiative and made us a feast of coconut shrimp...mmmmm...I could live off of those. If they have to float me back the mainland because I don't fit on the plane, I hope you'll all still be my friends.

The end of the road

Here I am in the airport waiting for my flight, and this is my last chance to post from Costa Rica. What an adventure. I feel so grateful for the amazing experiences I have had in the time that I have been here. Today I got an email from a workshop participant thanking me for what we taught him. He told us that he just got a great job and that he used the techniques we taught him. He is ecstatic about his job, and it was one of the best emails I have received in a long time. It's great to find out that what you do really helps people.

Last Friday my sister Diana arrived here in CR. We have had all kinds of adventures together since then. The following Monday, Nikki and Laura, fellow interns who have been working in Puebla, Mexico, came to visit. We spent the day walking around San José, seeing the sights, and spending way too much money. Jonathan and Ezra were nice enough to accompany us as all five of us girls shopped and talked. They are saints. That night we had a FHE with our friends that doubled as a going away limbo party. It was a lot of fun, and it was so good to be able to see people again. Franklin came as well, and he got to meet some of the young adults from around here, which was great.

Tuesday Allie and I taught our last workshop, which was really special. We had a couple of special education students, who really needed some extra help, but seeing their confidence increase as we worked with them made it all worthwhile. While we taught, Diana, Nikki and Laura took off to the Pacuare river rafting trip that Allie and I did awhile back, and they totally loved it. That evening, the young men from the ward came over and threw us another going away party. We worked with them a few weeks ago on a skit from the Book of Mormon for camp, and we all really hit it off. It was so much fun to hang out with them and say goodbye.

In the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday the five girls took off to the bus stop hoping to find a bus that would take us to Quepos. We were lucky to find one that was leaving a few minutes after we arrived. The four hour ride was long and hot, but the views were breathtaking. We found a hotel (turned out to be a bit seedy, but it was VERY cheap...less than $5 per person!) that was in Manuel Antonio, right outside the national park, and we booked a canopy tour for that afternoon (huge zip lines that go through the rain forest). It was an amazing adventure. I did canopy in the park in San José, but, as they say here, "nada que ver". The views were totally amazing, and the rush of speeding over the rain forest was unforgettable.

The next day we headed to the park, which was another absolutely incredible experience. It is all protected land, and there are miles of gorgeous beached, walks through the jungle and animals everywhere! We had multiple run-ins with monkeys, including one where a monkey stole the bag of garbage we had, ran up a tree, and drank the remains of the three drinkable yogurts that were in there. After Allie wrestled the bag with the real food away from him. She made off with only a few scratches that hopefully aren't enough for her to contract some serious tropical disease. We visited three beaches in one day and didn't get as sunburned as you might imagine for a day like that. On the way back to the hotel, we walked through a torrential tropical storm, which was okay since we were already wet, but I did feel badly that Diana's copy of Harry Potter is now scarier outside than inside, with the destroyed cover and all.

We caught a bus back to San José and hit our pillows as soon as we could. Friday was dedicated to packing, cleaning and saying goodbye one last time. We went roller skating with Jonathan, Ezra and Luís Carlos, and went to lunch with Edwin and Rodrigo and their families. It was a good day.

This morning Allie left at 4am. I went for one last stroll through San José and bought a few final items. Then I met up with the missionaries and Franklin for a last meeting before leaving. Then Diana finished up the last of the packing and Jonathan and Pamela drove us to the airport, which was so wonderful of them. And here I am. I don't think that it has really hit me yet, but in a few short hours I will be back in Provo. Fortunately, a few short days after that, I'll be hitting up the beaches of Hawaii. Not that they are going to do anything for me after this. But it will be so good to spend time with my family and catch up on life in the USA.

Until the next adventure...

Sarah, honorary Tica.

A few recent events, in no particular order

1.
Where? Arenal volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Who? The twins, Allie and I, and Ashley and Katy, Allie's friends from CA.

What? Hiking halfway up a volcano through the jungle, in the rain, in the dark...and watching lava roll down the sides. Driving to natural hot springs, and having our guide tell us to "take off our clothes" at the side of the river, and then hiking along it in our bathing suits, ducking under barbed wire (apparently we only paid for the ghetto tour that evening) and swimming under the stars in a natural jacuzzi. Riding horses the next morning to a waterfall, and swimming in the pool at the bottom. Amazing.

2.
Where? The fruit market, Romoset, Costa Rica

Who? Pamela, Ashley, Katy, Allie and I.

What? Trying and buying all kinds of amazing fruits. It was a delicious, and beautiful adventure.

3.
Where? Irazú volcano, Tierra Blanca, Costa Rica

Who? Allie, Ashley and I. And the kind couple who drove us from Tierra Blanca up the Volcano for only 15 dollars.

What? We headed out on an adventure on our own, and caught a bus to Cartago, and then found another bus to Tierra Blanca, and then hitched a ride with aforementioned couple. This is the third volcano we have visited. No lava, or even smoke this time. But we felt like we were on the moon. Hence, the alien shots. It was really cool. Literally. I think it was the first time I've been cold since I've been here! Like, ear-hurting cold!

4.
Where? The employment center, San José, Costa Rica and Los Yoses chaple

Who? Franklin, Allie and I, and Elder Hills and Elder Milhoun

What? Being present at the missionary lessons of Franklin Campos. He is incredible. He's like a sponge. I was walking home from Church with him last Sunday, and he turned to me and said (in English, and pointing to his Book of Mormon) "This is exactly what I've been looking for!" Franklin was baptized Saturday, July 28. He has great faith, and I am so excited for him to continue to progress in the Church! When the Elders taught him about the Word of Wisdom, he said, that coffee was the only thing he ever used. The Elders were getting ready to talk with him more about it, when he said "...but, I saw online that you don't drink coffee, so two days ago, I told my sister that I'm not going to drink coffee anymore." He was way ahead of all of us.

5.
Where? The "Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica"

Who? Allie and I. And a few hundred other people.

What? Falstaff, Giusepi Verdi's opera. We were running late, from a meeting with Franklin and the elders. There was TONS of traffic, and the taxi wasn't getting anywhere. So we got out and ran through downtown Costa Rica. In heels. I feel lucky that my ankles are in tact. But the opera was beautiful, if a little artsy, even for me. We even ran into some friends there!!
6.
Where? The employment center, San José, Costa Rica.

Who? Allie and I. And TONS of participants.

What? We have taught as many workshops in the last two weeks as we taught during the rest of our time here. Or at least close. One of our favorites was one that we taught in English to a group that is about to graduate from an intensive English program, and is preparing to go out into the job market. They were a ton of fun.

A Wild Week

We have been so busy working and having a great time that I haven't stopped to tell you how much we're working and having a great time! July 5th we went on a business trip to the Caribbean coast. Too bad all business trips can't be like that. We got there and rushed to the local chapel to teach the first part of the workshop. We had a great turnout and we really enjoyed teaching. The majority of the participants are PEF candidates who haven't had the chance to take the workshop yet, which is a required part of the application process, so it was really rewarding to be there. There are no stakes in Limón, the province where we were teaching, so we were in a district of the church there. The next day, we didn't have the second part of the workshop until 6pm, so we headed to the beach with Rodrigo and his family. The beach was called Manzanillo, and it was absolutely gorgeous! I thought I had already seen beautiful, but...wow! We saw more wildlife, and I chased down some really cool crabs with my camera.
That evening we finished teaching the workshop with fantastic results! The people were wonderful, and humble, and gave really powerful interviews. I loved it!
We got back and the next week started working like crazy! On Tuesday we taught a workshop in the office and were filmed by Jan VanOrman, who works for the International Vice President of BYU, and his crew, the producer of a film they are making about the ERS program, and the director of the Kennedy Center. We taught another workshop in the evening especially for PEF candidates, and were filmed again. Wednesday it was a repeat, but teaching the second part of the workshop. We were exhausted by the time we finished at 9pm Wednesday. We didn't get much of a chance to rest though, because at 6:30 the next morning, our managers and Brother VanOrman and the crew picked us up to go on a "trip" to the coast. We drove, and drove, and drove, and then ended up at Los Sueños, an amazing resort owned by Marriott hotels, where we set up the cameras outside the spa (we were sorely tempted to ditch the interviewing and get a facial and a massage) and then Allie and I were interviewed about the experience we're having here. I guess they were impressed, because when we were done, Jan VanOrman (probably in his 60's, white hair and all) said "You two kick butt, man!" We thought that was great.
The next day, Rodrigo picked us up at 6am, and we headed back to the coast to teach another PEF workshop in Puntarenas. So to all of you who think we're not working here, let this be a lesson to you. It was a great workshop, and we fell in love with the people there. Again, they live in a district, and don't have a lot of contact with other members of the Church, and it was so fun to get to know them.
We got back to San José around 7pm, and the Roldan's picked us up to go see...Harry Potter! Despite not being an official Harry Potter fan, I must admit that I really liked it. And it kept me awake. Which says a lot, considering my state at that moment.
Sunday was great. Franklin, a young man we taught in the workshop came to church with us. He had so many questions and was really open to learning about the gospel. We had a great experience there with him, and he came over for lunch afterwards so we could continue to answer his questions. It was amazing. He is so excited to learn more. He has been reading the Book of Mormon since, and told me that he knows that it is true and that this is the true Church. We are meeting with him and the missionaries this evening. He is an amazing person, and has so much light! His family is already telling him not to investigate the Church or read the Book of Mormon, but he feels that it is the right thing to do, and says that he will do it anyway. Wow. We love missionary work! As a bonus, he applied the principles he learned in the workshop and already negotiated a better schedule and a higher salary. We are proud of him!
On Monday Allie's friend Ashley flew in and Tuesday Katy, another friend arrived. We have been balancing having fun with them with our work schedule, but tomorrow we are taking off to Arenal, the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. The twins are coming with us, and we're excited! Natural hot springs...lava flowing from the volcano at night...waterfalls...cloud forests with hanging bridges...Costa Rica's largest lake...as long as you promise not to get too jealous, I'll let you know all about it.

The 4th, Tico Style...

Happy 4th of July! So, today's the 5th, but I just thought I'd send my festive spirit out there anyway. Yesterday was a great day. I think a classic movie, and one of my favorites, says it best...

-"Christmas tree through window....how am I going to file that on my insurance claim?? They're still pissed about the fire we had when Joe Jr. barbecued in the stairwell!"

-"Hmm...missed that one..."

-"Too bad...Great sausage!"

So, it wasn't the stairwell, it was the fire escape, and it wasn't actually sausage...it was hot dogs. But we managed to have a relatively authentic 4th of July celebration right here in San José, centro (think, no front yard, no back yard...just a curb that is usually occupied by a few homeless friends picking through the trash). It was pretty much amazing. We invited a bunch of friends over, made baked beans and corn on the cob, and...loved every minute of it! We even added s'mores to the menu to make it really authentic, and our friends loved them! We were a little nervous that we would get kicked out of the building, but the only person who discovered our indoor bbq was our Spanish neighbor Pepe, who just gave us some grilling advice and asked if we wanted some "drinks". And he didn't mean soda. It took awhile to convince him that we really don't drink alcohol, but in the end, we got away with the whole thing without a hitch!

We played some crazy games, and Allie entertained with the guitar (which we borrowed from Pepe. It can come in handy to have overly-generous Spanish neighbors around.) and I think the party was a hit!

Today we are headed off on another "business trip" to Limón, on the Carribbean coast. We'll be teaching the workshop out there, and the trip is doubling as a vacation, so we plan to hit the beach as much as possible. Should be a good time, and definitely interesting with Rodrigo at the wheel. Carribbean climate report coming right up!