So it is hot as freakin fire today. El clima esta en fuego. haha, I don’t think that works as a proper phrase, but whatever. wear it. Normally there is a strong wind that carries over the mountains behind our campus, making it perfect weather here, but the past few days there has been nothing. Clear skies, no wind, and the sun just beating down on Monteverde. I need that breeze…

We only have 5 more days of class until our finals, which start next Monday. It’s crazy that I’m almost done with 5 hours of class. And half of this program! After our finals we go bakc to San Jose on the 13th (someone’s 22nd birthday). We have a free day in the city all day, then travel to the Pacuare River on the 14th and 15th to go rafting. Apparently its a top 10 ranked river in the world. Not too sure bout all that, but thats all the hooplah about it. I’m excited for it, though. If nothing else this journey is allowing me some cool opportunities that I never would have otherwise.

Over the weekend we travelled to the Nicoya Peninsula. The first thing to know about the Nicoya is that it’s hot. No fun. And really dusty. We got to go spelunking, though. First, I think this may be the most awkward wor din the English dictionary. Spelunking. Really? Who in the world cam eup with that? Anywho, the caves were crazy. I’m reading The Lord of the Rings right now, so I felt like I was inside Moria, getting a glance at what it was like for Gimli and the others on their journey. The big thing about caves is that the make you appreciate fresh air. It’s just stale and muggy and sticky in there. But being able to see it all was well worth the 50 foot climb down and the old air.

So far I’ve been to a volcano, no wait, three volcanoes, seen a rainbow about every other day, been inside a cave, and ridden on busses across the whole mountainous country of Costa Rica for many many hours. In other words, Dramamine is my best friend.

I may be looking forward to what happens AFTER the Pacuare even more, though. We have a "mid-program break" for 4 days to do whatever we want. A bunch of us are going to Manuel Anotnio, Costa Rica. 4 days on the beach. It’s gonna be sooo nice. So while my friends are laving away with exams around the first quarter of classes, I’ll be surfing in Costa Rica. I know you love that…

My heart has been trying to focus on the ‘Shemah’. What it means. How it rings through your heart.

"Attention, Israel! God, our God, God the one and only. Love God, your God, with all your heart. Love Him with all that’s in you, love Him with all that you have!"

This Jewish prayer was said every morning by the children of God. A reminder to love. A reminder to worship. A reminder to follow. I think sometimes all of us could use that little breeze of a reminder with our faiths. Don’t let the air of your faith sit in a cave to get stale. Catch the breeze. Ride it. Move everyday along His love.

Pneuma. look it up…

stay strong. love.

-M@