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