Spiritual Souvenirs

Villa view at Lake Arenal

It took me long enough, but I've finally accepted that we are HOME from spring break in Costa Rica.  Getting back into the groove and yet "cocooning" myself a bit (I'm still moving at a slower, quieter pace) has allowed me to process our trip.  I think I told you Brian and I and the girls went to to Costa Rica for 10 days with the in-laws and their children to celebrate my father-in-law's 70th Birthday.

Si Como No Resort, Manuel Antonio

We arrived in San Jose, travelled to Manuel Antonio for time at the beach at Si Como No, then scooted on to Lake Arenal for the majority of the week.  From our charming and lush home-base there -- Villa Encantada -- we meandered around to Monteverde (Selvatura), "The Springs", Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna and Nuevo Arenal.  We departed out of Liberia.

 Brian's fave yellow trees that dot the cloud forest...

Teeny tiny beach raccoon!

I believe when you travel, you must find a souvenir or two.  Although there are many beautiful things to buy in Costa Rica, I found, surrounded by so much natural beauty and richness of culture, I had a hard time putting my camera down long enough to get my wallet out.  We did make a few purchases:  some beautiful woodwork (they only use sustainable sources or naturally felled trees), a little jewelry, the girls bought some trinkets and a small thing or two for favorite teachers, Kylie bought a chair hammock and I had to get a bottle of my fave condiment, Lisano Salsa, but the best souvenirs were the spiritual ones.....

La Fortuna

- Faith -- Things are not always as they seem -- our car for example.  It was ugly, dented, missing all kinds of parts, lacked American approved seat-belts, squealed and needed air in the tires, BUT it got us safely ALL OVER the bumpiest, windy-est roads you can imagine AND it had a rockin' air-conditioner, a boon for anyone prone to carsickness.  Plus, the car, and the travels within it, were character building for these little soft children we have for sure!

Charming ladybug trail markers at Villa Encantada

- Respect with a Healthy Does of Acceptance -- The people you meet as a traveller in this country are gracious beyond belief.  They are beautiful, healthy, happy people.  Many of them would be considered poor in the US, but they exhibited to us a wealth that extended beyond the material.  Yes, there are poverty stricken areas to be seen, especially in the cities, but in the majority of the places we travelled to and from, we saw people living simple, uncomplicated lives centered on making an honest living (agriculture, tourism, more) and raising solid families (in every village there is at least one beautiful little indoor/outdoor school and a small church -- btw, this is a country that prides itself on freedom and acceptance of different religions).

Monteverde Butterfly Conservatory

- Less is More -- We did not turn our cellphones on the entire trip.  We watched no TV.  We had the radio in the car and of course music via iPod.  I will admit, the Nintendo DS came, too.  But, compared to our regular lives, we were "off the grid" for the most part and it was strangely healing.  I keep forgetting my phone now that I am home and I have spent much less time at the computer.  TV?  Whatever.  I have however fallen in love with my Kindle, so you can take the girl out of the US, but you can't take the US out of the girl..... at least certain aspects of her.

Howler monkeys visited with us at Vila Encantada

- Perfection is Overrated -- This trip was not without its pitfalls.  We had a minor health emergency (the details of which I will spare you as the person involved has asked for complete privacy on the issue, but let me just say we were thankful for the wonderful "pharmacias" in CR).  Also, there were events along the way that may not have been entirely satisfactory to everyone in our party.  When you travel with such a large group, it is difficult to meet everyone's expectations.  When things go wrong away from home, it is easy to get worked up and frustrated with one another.  Although I was sad to see others struggling, I was thankful that Brian and I could share a common perspective and outlook on things.  Being concerned for the others brought us closer.  Mixed blessings are still blessings.

Arenal Volcano

- Peace -- Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world WITHOUT an army.  Yes.  You read that correctly.  The army was abolished over 60 years ago and those funds have been continually spent on education and universal healthcare.  I couldn't help but think of Jesus and turning the other cheek.  Here is a country no doubt very rich in natural resources and yet they trust that the rest of the world will leave them alone.  You sense there a lack of fear and worry.  Honestly, with the children in tow and Brian being fluent in Spanish, I felt we were safer there than any other place I have ever been to in the world -- including home.  It was very inspiring to be a witness to their trust in us as American visitors.  Amazing. (Side note:  They currently have a woman president - Laura Chinchilla Miranda!)

RAINBOW - Lake Arenal

- Trust -- Which brings me to trust and this was best illustrated with the roads and the dogs.  Everyone walks on the roads here, just totally trusting that they will not be hit or harmed.  It could be dusk on the curviest, bumpiest road and there will be a family walking with their children and dogs, wearing dark clothing having total faith you will not hit them.  CR is heaven for dogs, too, the ultimate trusting creatures.  Everyone has dogs.  They go with them everywhere, without a collar or a leash.  They hang around in the cafes and cantinas, politely waiting for you to share a treat from the table.  I can't tell you how many strange dogs politely took food out of Keira's tiny fingers without so much as a nip.

We shared a lot of time with the birds of Lake Arenal

- Nourishment -- Talk about clean air and healthy food.  This tiny country also has a very small population compared to what we are used to.  Every drop of water is clean and pure, be it from a stream or from the tap.  The grains, fruits and vegetables are gorgeous and huge.  Every chicken and cow has led a happy, chemical free life.  The fish are plentiful and eaten within hours of being caught.  The coffee is above and beyond.  In addition to all of the nutrients we received, the beauty of the food and the care of simple preparation translated to the best five pounds I ever gained!  Having picky children, it was another character building exercise for them in opening up to something new, or communicating better what they wanted.

Happy Cow on the Road to Arenal

La Fortuna!

The Grandparents and their PIPAS FRIA!

- Thankfulness -- And, finally, the best spiritual souvenir, THANKFULNESS.  We came home so very thankful for our time together, for our experience, for the grandparents for treating us to this trip, for being in a time and place that we COULD go and have this family celebration.  You can't go to CR and not be profoundly thankful to a God who would create such a beautiful world for us to experience and learn from.  My eyes are still looking for the beauty, but I can close them and feel it in my heart with ease.  As the ticos say, Pura Vida!


Muchos besos,
Ashley