Things have officially begun to
fall into a rhythm. I’ve finally moved into a home and am beginning to fine-tune
both my cultural competency and Spanish language skills. My host parents’ names are Francisco and
Yolanda Hernández and they’re amazingly loving and hospitable people. Francisco is the more reserved of the two,
but really enjoys deep conversation and discussing the things that matter most
to him. If Yolanda loves someone she
makes sure they know it, whether it be through hugs, laughter, or teasing her
smile is seldom absent. This combination
has been priceless in acclimating myself to Costa Rican culture and language.
Staying in the Hernández home in
San Rafael de Heredia has been a true blessing.
From what I hear, families in Costa Rica tend to live closer together
than in the U.S. My host family is no
exception to this generalization, as their neighborhood is full of familia and two of their three children
are past the age of 23 and still live at home. Also, the two grandkids come over daily to see
their abuelos and spend time in the
presence of each other. When the
subliminal ticking of the clock quiets and people spend time together something
beautiful happens.
We share breakfast together around
7:00 a.m. and I must say that the food is deliciosa!
After a breakfast of gallo pinto (Gallo pinto recipe)
or eggs I walk seven minutes to the bus stop and catch a ride to Monte de la
Cruz, where the university campus is located.
On Mondays, however, I walk about five minutes to Musmanni bakery for an
internship, but more to come on that later.
Either way, after the day is finished I'm relieved to come home to the host family.
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But when Alejandro, the grandson of
Francisco and Yolanda, looks at me his face twists up with uncertainty. It’s as if his four-month old eyes can see
right through me. He hears foreign
sounds leave my throat rather than my tongue when I speak Español. It must sound
funny. It’s as if his innocent confusion
knows I can neither work nor play outside all day without putting sunscreen
(SPF 50 at that) all over my face. As if
he knows I cringe when I force myself to follow the Costa Rican norm and throw
toilet paper in the trash, or when my primary culture takes over and I drop it
in the toilet. As if he can tell that
deep down I’m more comfortable meeting a woman with a handshake than a kiss on
the cheek. I stand tall and gangly, as a
Pine among citrus trees.
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Then he coos and smiles at me, and
I’m reminded why I’m here. I’m reminded
why the fascination of people, culture, and language is never robotically
substituted by money or cars. The whole
world understands a genuine smile.
Although I may be a pine and he a citrus, we both breathe the same air,
feel the warmth of the same bright light, and need the root system found in
human community.
Being in Costa Rica has been an
amazing experience so far, and I’m excited to see where this adventure will
lead. Every day brings new gifts and new
challenges, but I’m glad to have a strong root system in my host family, my
“Whitworth South” friendships, and all the amazing people up north thinking of and
praying for me. Muchas gracias a todos.
-Austin Vander Wel
