3 days left.....

I leave in 3 days!!!!!!!!!! It's definitely bittersweet...I've met some incredible people here whom I've built friendships with and will miss while I'm gone. I will be in the States for 3 weeks and then I fly to the Dominican Republic to spend 2 weeks with Alex :) Down below you will find the link for new pictures that I posted...enjoy!







http://picasaweb.google.com/caratsweet/CostaRicaChildrensMuseumCRThanksgiving#

10 days and counting...

Wow! 10 days until I go home for Christmas...the time has flown by so fast down here!!! It's been very busy here lately. We've been preparing for exams and Thanksgiving dinner here on Thursday. I'm making green bean casserole for 50 people! To make a GOOD green bean casserole one needs french fried onions to top it off. So..I went to at least 3 different grocery stores down here looking for them and what do you know...they don't sell them here! So tonight I spent my evening making home made french fried onions. I've never made them before but there wasn't a chance that I was going to make the casserole without them. It wasn't too difficult either. My friend Jared worked at a restaurant and taught me how to do it. All it took was milk with eggs and flour with salt and pepper to taste. First you put the onions in the milk and egg mixture and then in the flour mixture and fry it on the stove in oil! They turned out great!! I'm really looking forward to making the casseroles :) Hopefully they turn out OK! Thanksgiving down here in Costa Rica will definitely be a unique experience!!! Everyone is contributing a dish i.e. mashed potatoes, pie, casseroles, etc. and the Turkey is provided. :) We have games planned and of course we will be watching the Macy's Day Parade too!

On Friday we have one of our exams for a Spanish class. I'm in a group with 5 others and we have an exciting activity planned. We have the whole hour of class to 'teach' the class. Our theme is 'Vacation'. There will be 4 different stations. Josh and Sarah S. are going to be tourist guides up in the mountains, Ashely N. is a farmer and going to walk them through a 'typical day on the farm', Zack has a cruise ship and Kelsey and I are guides at a beautiful beach. :) Everyone will get a passport which they will take to each station and get stamped. There they will have activities that they will do in Spanish(of course) that correlates with where they are. Then they will write out in Spanish what they did while they were there, etc. Hopefully it all goes well :) Last time we did a group project it didn't turn out that well. It was last Friday and we had a Cooking Show and each group had to make a dish and tell the class how they made it and what they used. Well..my group decided to make parfaits. The night before one of the girls went to the store and bought fruit, yogurt and condensed milk. We didn't try to make it before we presented it to the class. While we were mixing it all together one of the girls tasted the yogurt and came over to me and said 'Cara, I think somethings wrong with the yogurt...I think it might be spoiled!' Well I checked the date and that was fine but then Kelsey noticed that it was NATURAL yogurt not vanilla!!!! So..we doused the yogurt parfaits with the condensed milk and they actually turned out just fine...our teacher loved them so I guess that's all that matters-right!? Hahaha It definitely turned out to be a fun little adventure!

I've been getting to know more people at my church and in the youth group so that's been really great! Yesterday one of the guys from our church went bowling with us :) Josh, Zack, Tim, Marlon, Kelsey and I left after lunch and spent the afternoon bowling and playing pool. It was fun!! I won the first game, came in second on the 2nd game and played left handed on the third game...can you guess what place I was in for that round...yup..definitely last place!!! But it sure was a good time :)

Tomorrow we are going to the Children's Museum here in Costa Rica. I'm sure it can't come anywhere close to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis but it should be a fun time! :) Tomorrow afternoon we don't have any classes...YIPEE! We will spend time getting ready for the Thanksgiving dinner:)

Well, that's all for now...chau!

pIcTuReS

I've posted new pictures! One album is from a fun day w/the girls and the other one is from our field trip to the National Museum here in Costa Rica that we went on yesterday(Nov. 12) I will be adding more from the Museum later when I have more time. Enjoy :)



http://picasaweb.google.com/caratsweet/NationalMuseumInCostaRica#

http://picasaweb.google.com/caratsweet/DAyAtThESPa#

5am and waiting for daybreak!

I don't know why but I'm up at 5am! Spanish classes have been going well. I've been trying to have a more positive spirit and to enjoy it even though I'm not grasping all of it yet. This past week in Costa Rica has been a good change that I've greatly enjoyed. On Tuesday, the day we begin our school week, they divided out the more advanced students and that has been a tremendous help for the rest of us. Not only does it allow more one on one time but it also lets us progress just a bit slower so we can grasp the concepts better. It has been a lot less stressful w/not trying to play 'catch-up' with the more advanced students so that they aren't completely bored. I enjoy my teacher, Mary Mata, she is very patient and kind and helps in anyway that she is able. All day on Saturday, Nov. 8th we went to a church in downtown San Jose for something called Teens Involved. It is hosted by Word of Life and it conists of 4-5 local youth groups competing in Bible narratives, preaching, solos, and choirs. It was so encouraging to see 12year olds preaching! It was a VERY long day w/not much to do since I didn't compete. We left the Villa at 7am and didn't return until 6:30pm. It was good to see so many young kids involved in those different ministries. I attend Impacto w/4 other GAP students..Ashley M, Missy, Zack, and Josh. Today after church one of the Pastors is taking the 5 of us out to eat. I really enjoy Sundays even though I'm only able to get part of the message I LOVE singing along w/my brothers and sisters in their own language! I love to worship my God and my Savior whether it's in English or Spanish, it's such a precious time. Tomorrow morning about 13 of us are leaving early to go up to the mountains and to go ziplining! I'm so excited!!! There are less then 30days left until I'm back in the States. Whew, the time is flying so fast! I'm continuing to pray and trust that the Lord will provide the necessary funds for me to return for the 2nd semester. Here in Costa Rica some days are really hard to be here(especially when it's different then what I thought or had in my mind) and I just want to throw up my hands and go home but then I'm reminded that God has me here for a purpose and that is to be used by Him and for Him(in any situation). These days are not about 'frolicking in meadows and picking daisies' but humbling myself and doing whatever He asks of me even though I find that to be a difficult endeavor AND to do all these things with a cheerful heart. Please continue to pray...

Dios te bendiga!

Correo!!!

So I mentioned in another blog that I've been waking up early and going running w/a group every morning. I have NEVER ran in my life...except back in my school days when we had to run in gym class and then in V-ball and softball my freshmen year of HS. But other then those times nada. So I'm pleased to announce that yesterday morning I ran my first mile! It took me awhile to get to the point that I could run that long. It's so difficult to run up here in the mountains I can barely BREATHE but I made it. :) This morning I pushed myself and ran 2 miles-it felt great!!!! I will stay w/2 miles for another week at least and I hope to be running 4-5 miles by the time I'm home in December. Who would have thought that running was so fun and rewarding!? LOL Well, I REALLY need to go get started on my homework since there is a lot of it tonight!

Dios te Bendiga!!

Volcano pictures

Hola! Yo estoy cansada perro estoy muy buena. I hope you all enjoy these pictures from the Volcano that I visited several weeks ago. I finally got them downloaded on my computer. :) Wish I could share more with you all of what God is doing down here but it's late and I have a very early morning! LOL

'til next time :)

Chau,

Cara

http://picasaweb.google.com/caratsweet/Volcanopoas#

Quick update!

Wow. It's been too long! Estoy muy ocupado aqui en Costa Rica!! It's been raining so much here. They told us that they've received more rain this year then they've had in 104 years!! SERIOUSLY! Trust me it's A LOT of rain! I've been waking up each morning around 5:45am and going to the University of Costa Rica which is only a 5 min. walk from here. There are about 5 of us that go running there. It's been great! I hope to be able to run several miles w/o stopping and feeling like I'm going to die!! LOL Tomorrow we are planning on celebrating one of the girls bday's with a PARTY! We'll bake a cake, eat ice-cream, and play a game(or 2) of JEAPORDY :) This upcoming week we are having a special speaker for Bible class and he will take us through the whole book of ACTS. :) We will switch classes and have Bible class in the morning and Spanish in the afternoon. YIKES, that's gonna mess up my schedule! LOL Tuesday I have a quiz in Spanish and then an Exam on Friday. Tomorrow is a BIG day for Alex and I b/c he will be going to the US Embassy at 9:30am for a mtg. regarding getting his VISA. That will determine a lot for us in the near future. Please pray that whatever happens w/the VISA situation we will know and have peace that it's from our Heavenly Father. I'm struggling with my Spanish and w/being disciplined in studying. It's 'muy dificil' and so I don't enjoy studying. Pray that God would remove any 'blocks' that I have in my mind about not being able or capable of learning the language. When those thoughts are active then it's much harder to learn! 4 of us girls have begun a bible study together on Friday afternoons. This past Friday was our first meeting. I'm looking forward to getting to know these girls more and to dig into God's Word and glean all that I can from His Word. Buenas Noches! Chau

Communication!!!

There are 2 ways that you can communicate w/me for free! One of them is called Skype and the other one is called VoipRaider. It's a free and easy way to talk over the internet. I can hear you and you can hear me and if you have a camera for your computer we can see each other!!! My Skype name is caratsweet and my VoipRaider name is caratsweet02. Sign up for them at skype.com and/or voipraider.com. They work GREAT! Hope to talk to you soon!!

Different address

New mailing address

~my name~
Carretera a Sabanilla
800mts Norte del Gimnasio del Este
Casa Amarille con bandera de C.R.
Antes Del Puente
Costa Rica

The other address will work too.

Pictures!

I have pictures! Check them out at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/caratsweet/Photos?authkey=dzveJJtrxKE#

Update!

Wow. I've been here in Costa Rica for 17 days. It's absolutely beautiful here! I don't have my camera b/c I forgot it in the States. :( But thankfully my room-mate, Amy, has sent me several pix which I'm very grateful b/c I love photographs! The country of Costa Rica reminds me a lot of the Dominican Republic except that it is wealthier. I just finished up my second week of classes here which totals 32hrs. of Spanish and 16hrs. of Bible class! I'm not picking it up as fast as I hoped to but I do realize that it's a work in progress. It's more difficult then I thought and getting back into books and studying isn't easy either! Please keep me in your prayers.

On September 15th they celebrated their Independence Day here in Costa Rica. We were able to appreciate and be apart of some of the festivities. I'm hoping to include pictures if they upload correctly! This past Monday we celebrated the August and September birthdays w/a Toga Party!! Yes, I did say Toga. It was hilarious! Everyone dressed up in 'togas' and we celebrated w/cake and icecream as well as a few rounds of musical chairs. It's amazing what you can enjoy when you have nothing else!

The group is wonderful and I enjoy everyone here! The director here at SCORE is Jose and he and his wife Gabby and their 3 girls: Melanie, and the twins, Michelle and Melissa are so sweet. Noel and Mary are directors of the GAP Program and Mary teaches Spanish Tues-Thurs. and is our only English speaking Spanish teacher. Noel teaches Bible classes on Thurs and Friday and is taking us through the book of Ephesians right now. God is good and I've seen several answers to prayer since I've been here. He is my rock and salvation. Even through these difficult times w/learning a new language in a foreign country and having very limited communication w/ Alex I can still say God is good and I love Him more everyday and He continues to reveal Himself to me all the time in new ways. He is absolutely amazing! Right now there is a gigantic storm raging right outside my window and I'm reminded of how powerful my God is. I love the lightning/thunder storms here which is a good thing b/c they come every afternoon!

Well, I need to go...until next time

God bless!

First week of class!

Well, I finished my first week of classes today. It was a very long, tiring week. I have 4hrs. of Spanish in the morning w/ 3 different teachers and only 1 of them speaks English! Then we have lunch and an hour break and then 2hrs of Bible classes. We had so much homework this week! My brain is totally exhausted. I'm thankful that we have a 3 day weekend! With all that said...I'm thankful to be here and I'm really enjoying the group that I am here with too. :) We've had a lot of fun together! I've been downtown two times and this past Monday was their Independence Day so we went to see their parade and celebration. It was fun! I now know how to get to the shopping mall area and their 'Wal-mart' but don't worry I won't go there on my own. :) So far in Spanish class we've been working on basic beginner conversation like 'How are you?', 'What is your name?, 'Where are you from?'. Next week we begin learning numbers and how to tell time! I wish I could just learn it over night! LOL But unfortunately it doesn't work like that, does it? I guess I'll just have to study and learn like everyone else. Well, I'm going to go and watch a movie and enjoy the evening w/the group.

Chau

My Schedule

Monday: Free day

Tuesday-Friday:

7:00-8:15am Individual devotions/ Breakfast

8:30-12:30pm Spanish Classes

12:30pm Lunch

2:00-4:00pm Bible classes

4:00-4:45pm Small group (Tuesday & Thursday)

6:30pm Dinner

8:00-9:00pm Study time

10:30pm In your own rooms

Saturdays:
Ministry or Excursions

Sundays:
Church, free-time=day of rest

I've arrived in Costa Rica!

I have arrived! Everyone got through customs, etc. perfectly fine today which is great since we had 27 people with us and we had no difficulties! Thank you God! If it were lighter outside I could look out the window across from where I'm sitting and see the peaks of the mountains! Absolutely gorgeous!! The sunset was stunning tonight. When we arrived here this afternoon we ate lunch and toured the grounds here at SCORE and then had a couple hours to unpack, etc. We had a delicious meal tonight...chicken, rice and veggies! YUM YUM The time here is 2hours ahead. Tomorrow morning I'm planning on getting up at 6am and going jogging with several others from the group...we'll see if that happens! LOL

I'm having internet issues! Hopefully I can get that figured out quickly!!! Have I mentioned how much I despise computers!

The group is great! 19 girls and 7 guys...GIRLS RULE!! I'm really enjoying getting to know my room-mate Amy as well as the other girls.

Well, I'm off to bed...

Cara's Journey Begins

Well, today(September 5,2008) starts the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I've said farewell in the past to friends and family, my move in '02 to Long Island and then in '06 my move down to Indianapolis. But this move is exceptionally huge and challenging b/c it starts me on the journey that God called me to years ago. Six years ago my dream was to go back to the Dominican Republic to minister to the people there and share the love of Christ with them. A lot has transpired since then...peaks and valleys. I anxiously yet cautiously take this next step...it's an important step because it is another move closer to where my heart desire lies and where God wants to use me. I'm stubborn and not too easily shaped, but God knows that b/c He created me that way. I pray and I hope you do as well, that my heart would be open and my attitude positive and eager to learn.

I'm not sure how much I will be able to communicate with the 'outside' world. But I will try my best to keep you updated as much as possible and one way I'm going to do that is through my blog page.

My new email address is caratsweet@gmail.com

God bless and go out and be a blessing to others!

~Cara~ 2 Peter 1:3



Ionce read a quote that said 'The jump is so frightening between where Iam and where I want to be. Because of all I may become, I will close myeyes and leap.'



My mailing address in CR: Sabanilla del Gimnasio del Este
800 Norte
Casa con porton Verde
Con bandera
San Jose, Costa Rica

Put attn: Cara McLemore above the first line- Sabanilla del.......

email address: caratsweet@gmail.com
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An audience of ONE--http://caratsweet.blogspot.com