¡Salud de Costa Rica!

These are my friends Sebastian and Fabiola in front of the house where I am staying in Santa Ana. They live in the house directly behind this one with their parents but my host madre is their grandmother and she cooks and care for them. This porch is cool and pleasant, soft breezes blow as we rock in the rocking chairs. Fabiola is a good guide and has walked with me to the Supermercado and the Libería.  This morning she took me to the plaza to see the 100 year old church and we walked about an hour. She is only 8 years old and is smart and sweet. My host madre is Felsie and she talks and talks to me to help me learn to hear the Spanish. I understand about half of what she says and she is very patient with me. We are going to go to Bingo tonight and play for 3 hours!  Hmmm . . .

This is a view from the school - Conversa- where I went from the airport yesterday. I got a tour of the school and met the director and others who work there. My class doesn't arrive until Thursday so I am on my own with my host family but will attend class on Monday with another group, probably from Baylor.
So far, I am doing well and can feel my Spanish improving already. I still get lost in the conversation easily but feel braver all the time.
The weather is nice, not too hot and humid yet. No air conditioning in the house but I slept well last night anyway. This is a view from the porch where we sit and talk and watch the cars and motorcycle go by. I listen to the birds sing constantly, especially in the morning as they greet the day with me.