Costa Rica is my new love!

Well everyone, after a long night of flying, I finally arrived at 5:40am today. I was immediately drawn to the lush green environment that surrounds me. It is truly so beautiful here. My friend Mary and I had a somewhat sketchy man approach us at the airport asking us who we were waiting for, thank heavens the director of our school was 10 feet away and we were quickly on our way to settle down and meet our host family.

Wow!!! We are so lucky. Our host family is sooo wonderfuly! The father speaks really good english and the kids are learning english in school so they love practicing with us as well as helping us with our spanish. The mother is a great cook and we started off the day with some of the national breakfast, Gallo Pinto, beans and rice mixed together, some scrambled eggs, and some delicious fresh pineapple (not acidic at all which makes me so happy cause I love pineapple but usually can´t eat much because it upsets my stomach), papaya, and fried plantians. We already love the family and our accomodations are more than expected. The house is on the top of a hill and over looks the valley, it is so beautiful! I have my own room with my own bathroom even!!! The school is less than a mile away so it is perfect for walking. It is going to be a few weeks packed with mornings spanish language classes and afternoons of social work speakers and discussions as well as some field trips and excursions.

I am already falling in love with this country and can´t wait to get to know the people more and explore the culture, language, country, and have a memorable experience!!!

Leaving on a jet plane....

Okay, the time has come. I leave in about 4 1/2 hours to start my long 2 month journey in Costa Rica. I am sad, excited, nervous, thrilled, ready, and grateful!!! I am really going to miss everyone so much. I am looking forward to all the wonderful people I will meet down in Costa Rica and the great adventures I will have. I am all packed and ready to go. And thanks to all of you that donated, I am able to bring 2 huge fully loaded suitcases full of clothes to donate to the people of Costa Rica that are in need. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am home all alone so I had to take the picture with my camera phone.

Look for updates on here, I will have access to the internet so I will try to post pictures and all the exciting things that happen!

Graduation/Goodbye Party

Last night I had a Graduation/Goodbye party. It was so wonderful and I was so happy to see everyone! I am going to miss you all so much!

The best part of the last few days was that my bestest friend Jenessa in the entire world returned from Australia. She had been gone 6 months and I missed her so much. She was able to make it back just in time to say hello/goodbye but even the few hours we had together were worth it. I love her so much and she is the greatest friend ever! I love you girl!!!!

Officially an MSW (Master of Social Work)

Graduation was long but satisfying. We spent 2 long hours sitting in the sun but there was a cool breeze so we didn't melt. It was sooo great to see all my fellow graduates one last time before I take off for Costa Rica. I can't believe I have a Masters degree, it hasn't really sunk in and I don't think it will until I settle down and join society with a real full-time job. It has been awhile since I have done that. Thank you to everyone who supported me through 2 years of hard work and dedication! I couldn't have done it without you!

Mom and Dad are so Proud!

My brother Ryan and his girlfriend Taryn

The Sohm family (My sister)

My beautiful friend Jenn and I. Our friend and fellow graduate Shay couldn't be with us at graduation because she is busy working her butt off at the Ranch for Biggest Loser. That's right, she is going to be on the show that will air in the fall! She is such an amazing friend, social worker, and person. She inspires us all! We made a cut out of her so we could have pictures with her and send them to her.

After 2 long years...

I finally cut my hair. I decided to grow out my hair for as long as I was in graduate school. Well, I graduate next week, and I was ready for a change. I like it shorter, even though sometimes I can make my long hair look really pretty. I am glad to have shorter hair again!

Only 18 Days left until......

I get to enjoy all of this in the beautiful land of Costa Rica!

2004 Toyota Camry For Sale!!!

Hello everyone, I am leaving for Costa Rica for the summer and need to sell my car before I leave on May 30th!!! It is in great condition, only 57,000 miles, new tires installed 6 months ago, sun roof, automatic locks/windows, very spacious and comfortable. I am selling it for $11,000. Please tell your friends and family and contact me by email if they are interested. shawni721@gmail.com
Thanks!!!