Today was our orientation. It was awesome learning more about Costa Rica and all the opportunities our school - Maximo Nivel provide for people. We met all the other volunteers new to Costa Rica and already started making extensive weekend plans at beaches, rain forests and water falls. We got maps to markets and a tour of downtown San Pedro. Then we got assigned our placement.
Our site is called, "Bebitos." If anyone can recall how baby hungry I am you can only imagine my excitement! Most of the kids are between two and five, some older and some infants. There are 30 total and when we got there, only two teachers. It's located in a house and is a day care for low-income families. It is organized amazingly for having such limited resources and teacher support. There will be two of us assigned there every morning and two every afternoon. All four of us went this afternoon to check it out and see where we start working tomorrow. Kylee and I will be the morning shift.
All the kids stole my heart immediately. They are the cutest kids I've ever seen. All with such complicated names and different wording. For example one girl said "Adiosita".... We are all like huh!? And she was just making up the ending to adios. It was confusing. It's hard to understand the kids, as they can't make all the sounds like an adult would at such a young age (just how some kids in the States would say "tross" instead of "cross"). But the kids are really easy for us to ask questions. We just say "Como se dice..." And then point to what it is. Asking them millions of questions is fun for them and you don't feel annoying. So each day we go, our Spanish will improve.
I almost got all the kids names down who were there. Within five minutes I picked up a wee one that smelt poopy. I took her to the changing table and just pointed to ask which diaper to use. Then without hesitation I was changing her diaper and rubbing on diaper rash medicine. I felt kind weird in there with no gloves, training or background check. But it goes to show how desperately they need help and support here in the schools and orphanages in San Jose.
We left Bebitos and I am already so in love. We have some stage 15 clingers in there, they won't leave our legs or laps. They just loved us within seconds and the feeling was mutual. We have the perfect placement!!! I can't wait to go back and to show pictures.
We hit up the grocery store in the way home, in need of some salty American snacks and filtered water. I got Ritz with Queso. Mmm.
Tonight we have dinner, which is always very delicious. And then salsa dancing at Maximo.
Costa Rica has their own motto or way of life. It's said everywhere we go, Pura Vida. And it means pure life, but kinda translate to Hakuna Matata or no worries, all is well.
All is well in Costa Rica. All I have are blessings to count. Pura Vida, Me Amo Costa Rica!
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