One Week in Costa Rica!!

Pre-Departure...


8 BYU Interns. 4 Countries. 1 Purpose.
Natalie and Marissa: San José, Costa Rica
Natalie and Luke (cute married couple): Asunción, Paraguay
Angela and Hillary: Trujillo, Perú
Hannah and Eileen: Lima, Perú (Jan - Apr 2017)

 We received special training in the LDS Church Office Building in Salt Lake Center from the Self-Reliance Services team. We learned about the leadership of the Church and its role in the worldwide Self-Reliance Initiative, and how we can best be of help as we venture out into different parts of the world with different cultures and needs. We set out in pairs similar to missionaries, excited to share the good news of spiritual and temporal self-reliance through the Gospel of Jesus Christ! (Also... not sure why my jacket looks enormous here.)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Interns
Two of my best friends, from BYU, Hannah and Eileen, just returned from Perú doing the same internship and made a special guest appearance at their Salt Lake training! (I may have encouraged them a little bit...) Another special experience for me to have in common with these amazing girls!

Following after Senior Missionaries
You could say that Natalie and I are basically serving a miniature senior couple's mission out here.
Before leaving Utah, we met with the Stillmans in Highland. They had just returned from serving a full-time Self-Reliance mission with our very same manager in Costa Rica for a year! They gave us some helpful tips on everything from the purpose of our work with Self-Reliance to what to bring to wear for the rainy season! They are great!

Take-off!

4 days after my last final at BYU, Natalie were finally on a plane to Costa Rica!

Natalie went to the same high school and BYU at the same time, but this is the first chance I've really gotten to know her! She's one of the friendliest, most hardworking and cheerful people you'll ever meet!




San José Airport!

 Costa... means "coast" in Spanish, which is appropriate for this Central American country that is bordered by both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Rica... means "rich," In Spanish, this can refer to money/ wealth, or it can also have a meaning like beautiful, dense or enjoyable (kind of like a "rich" piece of chocolate cake.)

So far, I'd say the people I've met in Costa Rica aren't generally "rich" in the monetary way, but the breathtaking natural beauty in the scenery and love of life that the people have is definitely "rich."


Natalie and I are in Costa Rica for a 3 specific purposes:


1. To work under a local LDS Church-employed Self-Reliance Services manager. This includes:

a) Supporting local stake and ward leaders in implementing the LDS Self-Reliance Initiative that helps people get "starts" in life, including pursuing an education, finding a job, or growing a business

b) Helping lead seminars for returned missionaries who are coming home to Costa Rica in order to help them set goals and get the support they need to stay on track spiritually and get started on an education/ career path.

c) Working with the Perpetual Education Fund program to help worthy Church members receive funds to receive an education.

Returned Missionary Seminar where Natalie and I got to help with some training.
Beautiful Tatiana just returned from her mission to Argentina this week. She was baptized in the Church only about a year earlier! She is bright, kindhearted, and glows with the missionary light!


San José Temple (first stop after arrival with our manager)

2. For me, to teach English classes that will fulfill the requirement for me to receive my certificate from BYU in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

 I've arranged with our manager to prepare  and teach an “English for Employment” class at an LDS Seminaries and Institutes building Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm. I will utilize the materials from the Self-Reliance Services on LDS.org to incorporate English language skills with job search skills, such as writing a résumé, as well as religious elements. I am responsible for incorporating these materials into the syllabus and lesson plans, and conducting all teaching and assessments for students. I have prepared by reviewing these materials, creating advertisements for the class, and discussing logistical issues with my manager. My main goal for my TESOL internship is to provide my students with the classroom environment, resources and feedback they need to gain the confidence and English communication skills they need to be hired for their dream jobs. 
Eddy and Josué, working on their profiles on LDSjobs.org.
My English students will learn how to transfer self-presentation and job search skills into English to get higher paying jobs!

 3. Having "rich" time in Costa Rica, of course!

 This country is gorgeous, and we are excited to get to know the people and places here! We've already had a few adventures and met many inspiring individuals in the first five days!

Beach break!

What to do when we have a day off??

Had to try ceviche (lemon-cooked seafood) on the beach!



Jacó Beach!




Joys of the city life...

We are stationed in the busy city of San José, at least 2.5 hours by bus from the nearest beach. But we've sound some worthwhile things to do!

National Theater of Costa Rica (original seats from 1800's!)
Excited about crazy downtown shopping!

Celebrating one week with frozen yogurt at the mall!
Cute lady selling her goodies outside an elementary school.

Movie theaters offer CARAMEL POPCORN here right along with the regular kind!


Crashing parties is one of my personal talents.
Natalie and I decided to try out a yoga class downtown one morning. It happened to be the instructor's birthday, and the class invited us to join for cake and food after meditation!
(Not exactly a negative calorie count for the morning, but we made some new friends!)

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