Day by Day

Its been a while since Ive last updated this blog so I think its time for a update. Life in Costa Rica has been beautiful! I enjoy waking up every morning to the sounds of my Tica mom screaming at everyone telling them to get ready for their day! haha. Life starts at 5:30am! So Ive become used to waking up early and going to be early. I usually wake up, take a shower with a bucket! haha yes a bucket..there is no HOT water and so my Tica mom heats it up and throws it in a bucket. At first I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh! I can NOT get used to this" but honestly its not that bad although I do crave a nice hot shower from time to time. I then quickly gather my materials and I head out to catch the bus. I take 2 buses to La Carpio. It takes me about 1 hour to get to La Carpio from Pavas (my home). Once I get there I usually have to quickly rush to my location because La Carpio is not exactly a safe place to be. As Im walking through La Carpio, I can hear people laughing, music playing at him volume, people playing soccer, buses passing by through dirt roads...its very chaotic. But honestly, Ive learned to love La Carpio. There is so much need here!! Once I arrive I set up the classroom and wait for my 4 students to come in...I teach English everyday of the week. I have 4 amazing girls that are between the ages of 14-17 and Im preparing them for a test they have to pass! During class time I try to incorporate the bible as much as I can or Ill open up a little with these girls. I love them so much and I can see that they are in need of a role model. Once Im done with class I usually walk with them to their homes, because they are afraid of walking alone. I then hang out a bit in La Carpio, talk to a few of the people that live there and then jump on the bus and head home. I usually get home around 4pm and by that point Im tired. I come home, eat a typical Costa Rican meal that is sure to have rice and beans (pinto), haha I watch my telenovela (yes yes I know soo lame but I love this show that is very similar to Ugly Betty). And then I debrief, spend time with God and recharge for the next day.
My time spent here has been very rewarding...although I have not had the opportunity to speak out about God as much as I would like to. I know that God has me here for this time. I am very happy in Costa Rica and I think Im going to stay another month working with Christ for the City. So for the month of October Ill still be here serving any way that I can. Honestly, Ive fallen in love with the people here and I cant imagine leaving them anytime soon!

Yesterday was Dia de la Patria (Independence Day) for Costa Rica. It was so beautiful to see all the national pride and see the typical dances. But for the first time since Ive been here it made me miss home! I dont miss the states, but I do miss my family, friends and of course Luis. I miss the little things like my own car, my own room, a hot shower, getting lost in LA, I miss the biola students, my girls, and most importantly...my MAC makeup!!! AAAHHH! I have to go to Panama to buy MAC makeup! Anyway, in October I have to leave the country for 72hours to renew my Visa. I have no idea where Im going to go. I would like to go to Argentina or Cuba, but since my time with Christ for the City is not over yet, I might just head over to Panama for a few days and then come back. I miss you all and I would love to hear from you! Please email me at: Brownskinlady82@yahoo.com

Serving Him the Best I can!
Dianna Rodriguez

Life as a Missionary

Family and Friends!!

So here I am in Pavas Costa Rica! I am going to be living here for the next 2 months or so. I´m still not sure what God wants me to do after that, but I am trying to be flexible. I live about 30 minutes outside of San Jose (which is the Capital). Pavas is a very simple city, there are no luxuries out here. I live in a small house with a family of 4. They are all so amazing and truly love the Lord! When I asked them how would I tell people where I leave, they said to simply say "Tu vives en el Barrio" and oh my goodness is it ever true! It is so difficult to go to sleep at night because of all the people gathering around talking or drunken arguments outside my little Tico home. Although the environment that I´m in is a bit dangerous (trying not to exagerate), I feel totally safe and I know that the Lord is protecting me.

Every day I take the bus to a town that looks like TJ Mexico! This is La Carpio, there are tin roofs, trash everywhere and kids running around without a jacket (it rains everyday). It breaks my heart to see such poverty but I feel very blessed to be here. I am currently working with the Kindergarten class of Carpio. These kids are so beautiful and innocent although sometimes you can see the harsh reality of life through their 5 year old eyes. After my days are spent in Carpio I then head back home to Pavas, which is a 1hour bus ride. I then assist the Christ for the City Center (that is just like Kidworks in the states!!). I go in there and I help with the after school programs. The goal of Christ for the City is to keep kids off the streets and show them the love of God! Its so beautiful to witness. My time spent here so far, has been full of joy. I live a very simple life (taking cold showers in the morning), but I´ve never been happier! All I ask is that you please keep me in prayer because there are many ministries to choose from and since I´m here alone I have to build my own schedule. I apologize for not posting pictures up, but I will once I get a chance!!

Much love to you all!!
Dianna Rodriguez

P.S. If you would like to get more information on Christ for the City (they need a ton of help!!) or would like to send me a donation please go to www.cfci.org

In Costa Rica backpacking through the Country!

I´m here in Costa Rica! I´ve been here for about 11 days now and I´ve done a lot of traveling. I wanted to explore more of Costa Rica before I committed to Christ for the City. My friend, Raquel has been my traveling partner and we have made some amazing memories!

So let me update you all on whats being going on. After the first day in San Jose we decided to head to the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo) of Costa Rica and let me tell you it is amazing!! The beach is so warm, there are wild horses just chilling by the ocean and everyone is very kind! We got to rent bikes and ride them to Punta Uva, which was about a 8-10mile bike ride..yup we were exhausted. Punta Uva is a small little town not too far away from Puerto Viejo, its a cute little beach town. And indeed the beach was amazing and the water was very warm and crystal blue! After a day in Puerto Viejo, I was so tempted to take a bus to Panama and enjoy the beautiful islands out there, but I decided that that adventure can wait. From Puerto Viejo, Panama is about 2 hours away or so.

After our adventures in Puerto Viejo we took a bus all the way to the other side of Costa Rica!! Yup close to Nicaragua. Monteverde is a beautiful little town tucked away in the mountains it took us 12hours to get there from Puerto Viejo! Once we got there we stayed in a adorable little hostel that was only $5.00 per person! Which included HOT showers, which is a must in Monteverde cause its always cold out there. The next day we went on the canopy tour...this adventure is a must if you are coming to Costa Rica! You hike up the forest where you are quickly connected to a zipline and you just glide across the mountains literally hanging on a string!! Its amazing!

From Monteverde we took a bus, a ferry and another bus to get to Montezuma. My favorite city in the whole world!! Once we got there I quickly ran into the ocean and cooled off from the crazy heat! It is soo hot out here! In Montezuma we got to ride horses on the beach, go see waterfalls and just finally chill out by the beautiful ocean! Once we got to this town we were so exhausted from all the traveling that we just wanted to take it easy. I love this town. I´m actually thinking about moving here when I´m done with my missionary trip in San Jose. We´ll see what happens and how everything turns out.

I really do miss the little things of the states, but more importantly I miss my family and friends!! Its only been 11 days and I´m missing you guys so much! I start working with Christ for the City this Friday and I´m excited but a bit nervous cause I know that its going to be a challenge. I hope you are all doing well and I would love to hear from you.

Pura Vida!
Dianna Rodriguez

P.S. If you want to email me please do so at Brownskinlady82@yahoo.com

These last few days!

In a few days I leave the States and head out to Costa Rica. I'll be living in Costa Rica for about 3 months volunteering with Christ for the City International. This is a new season in my life and I'm so excited! However, these last few days have been difficult because I am leaving my comfort, my family, my friends and a wonderful boyfriend behind. But I know that God is taking me on this journey for a reason.
These last days, I've had the amazing opportunity to catch up with friends and reflect on my life here in the States. I've celebrated 4th of July with Luis and I actually got to play with fireworks!! I got to enjoy time with my family, rest, swim and focus on what God wants me to do in the next 6-7 months of my life. Honestly, for the first time in my life, I don't have it all planned out! I have no idea what I'll be doing after my 3 months are up in Costa Rica..but I'm excited to find out!

However, I do know that once I get to Costa Rica, I will be touring the country with Raquel (one of my best friends) for 2 weeks. We will most likely go visit a active volcano, take a hike up a rain forest, jump off of waterfalls and go snorkeling! I am very excited to have an opportunity to take a few days off with her. Once she leaves, I start my missionary trip in San Jose, Costa Rica! I will keep you all updated and let you know how you can pray for me!

Much Love!!
Dianna
email me at: Dianna.Rodriguez@biola.edu