Vacaciones

The children in Costa Rica have enjoyed a summer vacation from school for the last two weeks. Last week, the government called for an extension of their summer vacation for another week because of the swine flu. Although the first vacation (of the last two weeks) did not apply to the children at our school, the second vacation of this week did--it was mandatory for all public and private schools to dismiss their students this week. No one in our school has had the swine flu, but we are glad they are taking this precaution to help stop the spread. The teachers and administration of the children's school are using this time to clean the children's buildings thoroughly and to paint.

The reason for the mandatory vacation is that scientists had determined that this week would be the peak week of the swine flu here and that during this week, the number of cases of infected people should level off and then begin to lessen.

Today we learned that the vacation is extended still another week. We are all having to juggle our schedules a bit to care for our kids, study, keep everyone happy with so much time inside the house, etc., but we are grateful for our health. This is a small inconvenience compared to a serious illness or even death.

Our hearts and prayers go out to families all over the world who have been affected by the swine flu and lost loved ones.

La o el??

Okay, this is my first lesson in Spanish--la or el. Everything has gender--some things have two different words to describe them, so they have both masculine and feminine forms. It is confusing. The Spanish language overall, however, has fewer exceptions to its rules than English--that's a good thing and gives me hope for the future in these early days of language school.

Our orientation went great--we had excellent talks to get us mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepared for this first step of missionary life.

Last week in my interview with the academic director, I received one of the best pieces of advice that I have gotten thus far. I am positive God knew just what I needed to hear. . .or be reminded of at this time.

This very smart and intuitive lady asked me a few questions (enough to know I'm a beginner at Espanol!) then put her papers aside and said that she wanted me to remember a couple of things this year. One is that I am a wife and a mom first and foremost. Second is that the American culture is very competitive and that I must remember always what culture I come from, and to try very hard not to compete with anyone other than myself. (Ticos do not like competition at all). Although she didn't say it this way, I think her point was that if "mama's not happy, noone's happy." : ) How true--and something I will take to heart!