“uno se acomoda al ritmo o al baile que le toquen”

"One determines the steps of the dance based on the rhythm of the song"

Week #2…The first full week of classes at LASP and at ICADS.

At the LASP Institute, we have classes in the morning from 8 AM to 11:30/12. Our mothers pack us lunches, which we eat there before heading to ICADS for language classes. At the ICADS Institute, we have classes from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in groups of 3-6 people with a native speaker/professor according to our level/aptitude of Spanish. I walk with a few other students to both LASP and ICADS. We take the bus back home because it gets dark early (6 PM).

One of the themes of LASP is “aprendemos haciendo” (we learn by doing). What a blessing it has been to be immersed in a culture to learn and raise our awareness, especially as North Americans, middle class, private Christian university students!

In LASP this week, we established the foundation of our exploration through themes relating to Latinoamérica. Through readings and discussion, we recounted the history of Christopher Columbus through a lens different than the romantic story of colonization that has been instilled in my mind since elementary school. We learned about colonization from a Latin American perspective followed by Neocolonialism which came later. Aside from the readings with do, we have “charlas” where guest speakers share with us over various topics. This week Javier (a LASP professor and “tico” - Costa Rican) spoke to us about Costa Rica’s history up to the present day of Neoliberalism (different than that of the U.S.). Another day, Elmer (a Salvadoran) shared his story with us relating to the theme of poverty. Elmer grew up near a landfill/dump scavenging for food to survive day to day with his family. Hunger and poverty were his LIFE. (For us it is only a THEME). He was a teenager during the 12 year civil war of El Salvador. Through his life, Elmer’s refuge has been his imagination – his creativity. He is an artist –painter, and a writer. He did not share his story to gain pity or compassion on him or others like him, but was thankful for the opportunity to be heard…to have a voice. Consequently, he raised our awareness and encouraged us to care through relationships around us…serving with the gifts that God has given us…no necessarily through some religious or political organization, but through our own “temple” …because each of us is a temple of God. We have the choice to honor God with our temple…our life…to embrace our circumstances and press on, acting in faith.

In ICADS…we reviewed basic grammar concepts that are fundamental to gaining more knowledge and experience speaking Spanish. I enjoy these classes because there are only 4 students in my group. We have the opportunity to experience a different tico/tica professor (authentic language and context) each week. I am learning more to speak up and not care about making mistakes!

La cultura.…this week….
-I experienced the love of fútbol…which begins in the league of kids like my little brother and strong support from parents
-I killed my first cockroach in my room (Mami heard me from her room and chuckled to herself, “Bienvenida a Costa Rica JoJo!” (Welcome to Costa Rica Joanne).
-I ate a “cajita feliz” (happy meal) from McDonalds with my familia. I have not eaten those since who knows when…healthy me!
-Thursday I celebrated “Día del Niño” with my familia. A day to honor children! Que bien! The children celebrate in the school with candy and traditional dances. Grandma made a cake; we ate ice cream (my favorite!); my siblings and I received chocolates.
-I take a shower every morning. Costa Ricans value cleanliness.
-I watched a pirated movie with my familia with terrible Spanish subtitles!
-I enjoyed “cafecito” with Mami and passed hours after dinner learning from her life and perspective….

Que Dios le acompañe. (May God go with you). (A typical saying of a loving, caring mother...when I leave the house).