Saturday, September 3, 2011

I Love You Too Much!

I'M HERE!!!! Costa Rrrrrrrrica!! A little emphasis on the "R's" because I need to learn to roll them. haha. This past Wednesday after only a 3-hour flight and a scary experience with customs I arrived safely to Costa Rica to begin Language School. I am really excited for the next 8 months because I believe God is going to do so much in my life in preparation for Ecuador! The first day here I had to complete an entrance exam to see what level of Spanish I will be placed in. Classes range from intermediate or beginner to advanced. They include, grammar, preaching, literature, conversation, & more! Let's just say, I am going to LEARN A LOT! 

Some people may be curious why I am in language school especially with the last name Diaz and also my Cubana background. Well numero uno, It is a requirement from the Assemblies of God. Numero dos, learning  is a GREAT thing! There are so many benefits from being here. Not only am I learning the language, I am learning it the proper way. I am also learning about the different different Latin cultures and what missions is all about. This entire experience has changed my life and it has only just begun! I have truly realized that people sacrifice so much for the Gospel. Living in another country is not glamorous. Yes, there are the perks of the delicious food and beautiful things to see, but beyond that leaving the comforts of home are never easy.  I don't have enough experience to tell you what I don't know yet. But, I can tell you that there are truly amazing people doing so much, for so little, and I am humbled to be around them! I am so amazed that I am here. I keep telling people to pinch me. haha. There were so many times that it seemed impossible to raise a budget, but with God ALL things are possible! 

Now for numero tres! Spanish is my first language. I feel like not knowing it completely is like missing part of who I am. When I left on Wednesday, my sweet nana brought me to the airport. She grew up in Cuba and barely knows English. She is one of the most incredible women I know. She is 86 years old and works harder than anyone I know. She does her very best to communicate with me in English. I on the other hand could try a little harder to communicate in Spanish. When I had to say goodbye my nana was in tears. Through her tears and broken English she said the sweetest words...... "I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH" hahaha. I wish you could hear her say that. It is so funny because it's almost like she is saying I should love you a little less. However, I know exactly what she means. She means that she loves me sooooooo much and she tries so hard to say it in a way that I can understand!  So all in all, it is my desire to know this language because I LOVE GOD TOO MUCH, I love my family TOO much, I love people TOO much, and I love what God has called me to do TOO much! I am going to do my best so that others can understand what it is they need to hear.

Great things are happening! Please keep me in your prayers! I already miss home and your beautiful faces of course! I will keep you updated when classes starts on Monday and once I get involved with ministry in Costa Rica. Also, please remember Ecuador as you pray! My heart is there waiting for me to arrive once I finish school! Thank you!!!


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Here are some pics of the last few days…. Enjoy!
Me and My Nana
My Apartment
My First Costa Rican Meal






















For less than $5 you can go to the zoo.
The Monos!
Its sooooo green here!
Food is EXPENSIVE! So now I shop at the local Market!
Costa Rican Coffee Pot!
So Happy to be Here

2 comments:

  1. LOVED reading this Leah! I'm so excited about where God is taking you, it makes me want to cry! You've had this heart even so long ago when we met! It's so incredible to see the realization of the seed God planted unfolding! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Wow!! What a true inspiration you are! I am so proud and honored to have met you, even if it was only for a short time. During this short time, you made a big impact in my life. I can only imagine what God is going to do through you in Ecuador. So proud of you... I miss your beautiful face. Blessing!
    Your friend 4/ Life! Dawn
    P.S. LUMP

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