Dear Awo/Alesia

My lovely Awo,

How are you, bella?

The other day, I went to the Multiplaza—a HUGE mall here in San José—breezed by a Charlotte Russe-like store and immediately thought of you. The dresses were adorable! I’m sure you would’ve loved them.

On the flip side, (and because I am fully aware that you are a woman about more than just mere fashion) I also want to share subjects regarding more pressing matters. In fact, fashion has been the least discussed subject since I’ve been here—along with what people do for a living and the ‘toots’ of one’s own horn. In general, people I’ve met in Costa Rica thus far are more concerned with getting to know individuals as interpersonal beings. Many people here have a lot less than we do in America and yet, are much more emotionally healthy than the average neurotic New Yorker/New Jersian. Imagine that! LOL Along with the weather, it’s been quite refreshing to live in a culture where humanitarian works takes the place such judgments during the chatter of small talk. AAAANNNNnnddd (naturally), whenever I come across a phenomenal humanitarian, (which I did, by the way) I think of you as well. (FYI, the counselor/humanitarian in you out-weighs the fashion diva BY FAR) ;-).

Any who, today I visited a community called La Carprio. La Carprio is the poorest community in Costa Rica and the majority of the population is made up of Nicaraguan people, which were displaced after the earthquake of 1972. Approximately 10,000 people died in 30 seconds from this 7.2 Nicaraguan earthquake. With the loss of loved ones, property, income, and their way of life, many Nicaraguans went through the horrific extremes of relocating to Costa Rica. Much like many Blacks and other people of color experience xenophobic behavior from many whites and non-black people of color in the United States, Nicaraguans too, are discriminated against in Costa Rica by many Costa Ricans.

Why am I telling you this? Well, while I was in La Carprio, I met a woman named Gail Nystrom, a former Peace Corps participant and founder of the Montessori School. Gail is helping to restore the community of La Corpria and the lives of the Nicaraguans who live there. Gail is such an amazing humanitarian. Check out her website here http://www.graciascostarica.com/CRHF.html. I thought of our conversations and thought her work might interest you.

Any who, I wont make this too long, as I know you are probably in the corner of some library get’n your study on. Ha Ha!

Continue to stay warm and enjoy every moment of education!  I can’t wait to see what God has on the other side of it all for you, dear future Humanitarian. It’s going to be big! You ready?

Many hugs, tail-wags, and infinite kicks & giggles, Peek-a-choo!

Peace, Love, and photos (see below),

Nar-shay-shay 

Here's to my first solar powered microwave experience!

And YES, the food was hot!

One of the Vagina Monologues posters up! We have so many students from different countries at UPeace. This could get interesting...

A cute little cat that hangs around campus

Mi familia <3

More food

UPeace campus tour

This bird was very bold and confident despite his odd facial appearance. 

Translation: Happy is the Costa Rican mother who that knows, when she gives birth a son, he will never be a soldier 

Standing with the students from PACE University

Hawks are on the property~ MU

Pretending to steal rocks

My host mother and a fe of her guests

Gail and I

Campus grounds of La Carprio

My sister from another country

The children put on a play 

Sharing her story