Vacation Over

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This has been an exciting yet challenging experience for our family. The culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm people have welcomed us with open arms, but amidst this beauty, we've encountered our fair share of culture shocks that have tested our adaptability. Today it finally came to a head for me. 

One of the most unexpected hurdles has been the everyday tasks that we took for granted back home. Something as simple as grocery shopping has become an adventure in deciphering labels and navigating unfamiliar aisles. The packaging on products here is mainly in Spanish, without English translations, making it a guessing game to figure out what exactly we're buying. Our family favorites—those comforting meals we used to whip up —are now a puzzle of finding substitutes for ingredients that aren't readily available.

The frustration reached a breaking point today when, overwhelmed by the language barrier and the unfamiliarity of the products, I found myself crying quietly in the grocery store aisle. It wasn't just about the food; it was about feeling out of place and struggling to adjust to a new way of life. I had planned 3 meals and I could not find at least one main ingredient for every dish. It's hard to make lasagna without ricotta! Does anyone actually know what I bought? (I know it's cheese.) Wish me luck turning this into Italian food. 

On a happy note, the produce here is beautiful and tastes amazing! Have you ever seen lettuce so pretty in a Walmart? (This was a Walmart in Costa Rica.) Also good news, the soda logos are universal. Clayton and Roy approve. 

Another challenge has been managing our finances. Accessing our money from U.S. accounts has proven to be trickier than anticipated. Banking regulations limit us to withdrawing only $500 per day from ATMs, which can be frustrating when we need larger sums for significant purchases such as rent and buying a car. It's a lesson in patience and planning ahead, something we didn't fully appreciate until now.

Moreover, the warmth of the Costa Rican people has made our transition easier. Whether it's a lunch with a pastor and their family or a shopkeeper patiently helping us with our broken Spanish, their kindness has bridged the gap between unfamiliarity and belonging.

As we continue to navigate this new chapter of our lives, we're grateful for the experiences that are shaping us into more open-minded global citizens. Please pray for us in the weeks to come as the fun wears off and the reality of being far from family, friends, and the comforts of home sets in.

Bible study blog post and mission trip work next week.