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Having lived abroad already for two magnificent months has created some profound responses in my psyche (not a common word with me!). First, both Colleen and I are feeling strongly about and conversing about our commitment to this “expat” life. We love it! I suppose that it is possible for us to change at some point in the future, but we both feel strongly that this lifestyle is what we want for the rest, the homestretch, of our lives! That is rather amazing considering the fact that up until two years ago, retirement in our minds was totally assumed to be on our little “farm” located just outside of Castle Rock, WA.
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| Our new home (under construction) in Osa Mountain Village (www.osamountainvillage.net) |
1. The travel system. In the US we never gave a second thought to traveling from point “A” to point “B.” Signage was an assumption and road conditions were, in retrospect, fabulous. Here, folks, travel is an, uh, adventure! There are no, or very few, actual addresses. My first experience in driving in Costa Rica caused me more stress than I can ever remember experiencing over one challenge. Just saying that we have taken travel for granted. No more!
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| Our Costa Rica car, purchased in the States and shipped here. 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. It stays clean for at least a few hours after I wash it, as long as it is parked in the driveway! |
2. The way people get around here. We see five distinct modes of travel: car, motorcycle, bicycle, public transportation, and, walking. This probably deserves an entire blog, but the motorcycle, bicycle and walkers get around with little or no regard to the weather or light conditions. Just last evening we were coming home from a restaurant in the pitch dark. I’d say hundreds of people were walking along the highway because of a free outdoor Christmas concert.
3. Animals on the loose. It’s just the way life is here. “Survival of the fittest” is a good way to describe the system! I doubt very many pet animals die of old age around here.
4. Diet. The diet here is limited for several reasons. One way to describe it is that when Alex came home (to Longview, WA) from spending three months with Josh here in Costa Rica, I had the privilege of walking into Winco (large grocery store chain) with her. I intentionally walked a few steps behind her. She was truly in awe as she wandered around looking at all the varieties of various products. She turned to me and said, “Papa, this is SO much different than Costa Rica!” The neat thing is that we have plenty, not just the huge shopping buffet offered in the US!
5. Spending. Would you believe that I still have some of the money in my wallet that came into the country with me two months ago?! It is honestly more difficult to spend money down here. Outside of the few large cities, shopping, as we have known it, simply does not exist. I consider this a good thing!
6. Leisure. Now, I’m retired so the routine I have lived by for so long is pretty much a thing of the past, but our leisure is little influenced by the traditional Hollywood entertainment media. We pick up our news via the internet, making it easier to filter what we see and hear. That is amazing for this news junkie who pretty much had to have his daily dose! Much of our family time revolves around swimming, walking, eating and enjoying nature around us…together!
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| Alex and her friend, Eden. |
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| Mr. & Mrs. Iguana in the palm tree on the other side of our swimming pool. |
7. Language. It just seems plain rude to me that the folks down here have not taken the time to learn our language. Oh, wait. We are the couple who said in the past, “If you are going to live in the US, learn the language!” Turnabout is fair play I’d say! Colleen and I “shook on it” last evening, committing ourselves to spending an hour a day learning Spanish.
8. Church. It’s not different in message or in focus, but much different than what we have grown accustomed. I have attended two all-Spanish services. That’s tough for me at this point. The church we have enjoyed, and become a part of, translates every part of the service. Though this church has been in existence for about five years, we feel like we have gotten in on the ground floor some something very exciting and dynamic!
9. Heat. Costa Rica is a tropical country so it just makes sense that we would have to deal with heat. We are currently living at coast elevation and temps in the low to mid-80’s is not unusual. The pool is ALWAYS the exact right temperature. Colleen has developed the habit of carrying an umbrella and a fan!
10. Bugs. We’ve been told that our bodies will develop a resistance to the histamines of the various biting, stinging bugs within about two years! Live and learn! A few days ago, a yard worker was here. His work stirred up a bumper crop of biting bugs. I was “rewarded” with between 15 and 20 new bites. Next time he is here I will keep myself well-sprayed!
My intent is to…tell the truth. The truth is that we love this season in our lives and believe that God has gifted us with this very unique privilege! To broaden that out a bit…our current piece of heaven is realistically interspersed with bits of hades! This would be a good time to re-read Genesis 3!
Much Love,
Wes & Colleen (www.nazarenesabroad.com)
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