Gary's Visit, Volcán Poas and some Nature Shots

For five days from December 2-7 I was blessed to have a visit from Fray Gary, my director of Formation.  He met with me, the friars, and also people of the school. He was my first personal visitor and I enjoyed every moment of the visit.

One of the things that I got to do on Gary's Visit is go to Volcán Poas, here are photos from trip.

Strawberries growing on the side of mountian!

Cows in the middle of the road.

An image of the volcano.

An explanation of the volcano.

The volcano, can't you see it! I couldn't.

Gary and I with the volcano in the background. It was pouring.

A mysterious yet beautiful walkway.

Gary and Toño

The Three of Us

Below are some nature shots from Costa Rica.

St. Francis and the Negrita!

Francis and the wolf in Alejuela 

One of my favorite photos from Costa Rica, this photo reminds me of the Lion King!

Graduations Galore and First Communion!

Since Costa Rica obviously runs on a different schedule, all of the end of the year celebrations are in December. 

Below is the Farewell Party for the 6th graders in the Primary School who are now in the High School

The Men

The Women

The passing of the school flag.

Next we have the First Communion of the students in 3rd Grade.  For one it is different to have First Communion at this age level but it was even more different to have the First Communion in December.  Either way it was beautiful.

Above are the children and below the parents.

Graduation #1: Preschool

Above the children singing to their parents and below the parents singing to their children.

Graduation #2: Primary School

Graduation #3: High School

Día del Maestro Part 3 of 3: Favorite Photos

Doña Marta ready to rock n' roll at the Carnival Hammer Game

Teacher Fabiana going big or going home on the Hammer Game.

Teacher Ariana showing us how to win this game.

Teacher Hilda riding the bull:

One of the funniest photos I have ever taken

María Laura showing the bull who is boss!

One of the workers after making it to the top of the pole!

Some nice looking cowgirls and the Gringo cowboy.

Teacher Anabelle making her Birthday wish:

Just like at the arch she has going.

Teacher Gabby showing us younger folks how to dance!

The teachers having a great time dancing!

A photo of me trying to dance!!!

María Laura - She make an excellent cowgirl!

Mariela and Melany

Teacher Anabelle

This is what happens 

Me sleeping on the bus ride home! 

(See I do put embarrassing photos of me on my blog too!)

Día del Maestro Part 2 of 3: Games and Birthdays

After a long delay of about 5 months here is part 2 of el Día del Maestro: Games and Birthdays. Below are photos of various teachers enjoying the many games from the day.

Matt riding the bull!

José riding the bull, do not let his weight fool you, he rode the bull for a very long time!

Robert after reaching the top of the totem pole.

Mariela trying to reach the top of the totem pole - her facial expression is priceless!

Another one of the workers who reached the top of the pole too.

Mauricio close, but no cigar!

While we were celebrating the teacher's we also got the chance to celebrate three birthdays.  We did not plan this, so our individual birthday cakes were smiley face made from nuts clusters for the eyes and fried plantains for the mouth. I had to work with what I had.

Marie Isabel, Mateo, AnaBelle blowing out their candle!

After receiving their cakes, they had to through a coin into the pool and make a wish.  Here is Maria Isabel making here wish.