Apologies for the delay in posting (especially to you, MomMom! haha) The past two weeks have been filled with Christmas activities. At work, classes were essentially over. We spent the last few days in multi-level activities, which were optional for the kids so very few showed up. We did fun things though, like pitch tents and roast marshmallows, played in an inflatable pool, and held a beauty salon. It was great! We also participated in Posadas, which are activities that act out the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. There is a special song which is then followed by all sorts of typical Christmas carols.

After the kids finished, the assistants and teachers split into groups for workshops and other projetcs. I have been in workshops with the assistants on things like communication, team work, flower therapy, and ergonomics.  This week we have one more workshop and then the Fiesta de Alegria with all the teachers, parents, and kids.

Birthday girl!

At home we've been having fun too! We celebrated Margie's birthday with some of her favorite foods...pizza, yuca fries, and cake. We went out the next night for margaritas (the appropriate drink to celebrate Marguerite's 23rd birthday!).   The following day we went to the wonderful Yamy's house for a typical breakfast and to spend time with her family. We brought supplies to make and decorate cut out cookies with her grandkids which turned out to be a blast. Just like Emily and I used to when we were little, the kids lost interest in decorating after the first round of cookies, so we ended up finishing the job. It was great!

Molly and Yamy

This past weekend, Molly and I spent a lot of time with a mutual friend. One of the students in my class, Juan Gabriel, is also a patient in the clinic where Molly works. His mom, Marlyn, took us to a huge Christmas parade in San Jose, Festival de la luz. There were fireworks and some incredible floats and marching bands. The floats were all sponsored by local companies, which made it feel a bit like a huge marketing ploy, but hey, it worked. The floats were enormous and intricate. The next day, Marlyn invited Molly and I to her house for lunch, where she taught us how to make Arroz con pollo, one of the favorite typical dishes here in Costa Rica.  Getting to spend the day with Juan Ga and his mom was very special, especially since we may not see them until February when school starts up again! We had a great day :)

decorating cookies :)

 

Amanda, Wendy, Margie, and Gaby (their friends from work!)

Mulan themed float

creepy floats

Now, just a few more days left of school/work and then home for 3 weeks! Can't wait to see all my friends and family :)