Mi familia en Costa Rica

Yesterday I got the family assignment. I was so excited when I saw that email.
So my family in Costa Rica will consist of mom (Marielos) and her three daughters: Mariana (´93), Daniela (´90) and Andrea (´88). And their dog.

Sounds promising!

I also got some more information about the project itself.
"This Institution offers to girls in social risk the possibility of having a home. In Casa Nuestra Señora del Refugio they provide the children with food, a place to live, special attention and everything they need in order to be away from their difficult situation. There are 20 girls in this Institution between 6 and 14 years old."

Alright, time to take my Spanish book and start learning some more. (Though I might just keep listening to Spanish music and talking with Amanda, haha.)

18 nights!

I'm still trying to decide whether this blog is going to be in English or Finnish.
Maybe I should let you people vote.. Would make it easier for me. Ha.

I got some emails from the Finnish sending organisation. Now I know when and where my preparation camp is going to be. I got some information from the Costa Rican organisation too. I'm pretty excited now!

Although I'm still worried about my Spanish skills. Well I've got two weeks to learn some more. I ordered Spanish grammar book and Lonely Planet's Costa Rican Spanish book. And as a Christmas present I got Finnish-Spanish-Finnish dictionary and Lonely Planet's Costa Rica guidebook.
I also went to library with mom some days ago and borrowed all the books about Costa Rica and Central America. + I found some Spanish children storybooks.

I should just start studying now. But there are so many other things to do too! Tomorrow I will get the first shot. Then two more to go.

Alright, time to start cleaning my room so I have some space to move around here..

So what is this all about..

While I was still in Prague, I got an email from the FInnish ICYE about volunteering projects in Latin America, and decided to apply.

After interview and two weeks of waiting I got the news that Costa Rican organisation wants me to be their volunteer.

My trip in a nutshell

When: 25th January - 25th July 2010
Where: San Jose/Escazú, Costa Rica
What I'm going to do: Work in a center for girls in social risk. Assisting the teachers, helping with homeworks, taking care of the girls, doing activities.
- I'm going with EVS (European Voluntary Service) and ICYE
- Everything is covered by European Union
- I'm staying in a local host family


I'd be more than happy if I'd get some visitors to Costa Rica. Just let me know if you're planning on a vacation to Central America!