Quince de Septiembre

Today is the fifteenth of september.  It is a national holiday for most of Central America.  Last night we were invited to join in a celebration at the children's home/school right up the street.  From what I can make out from my limited knowledge of Spanish, hundreds of years ago, a battle was won in Mexico where they won their independance and the messengers went south on horseback from country to country letting everyone know of their independence.  This occured at night and it was dark so all the people went out into the streets with lamps to celebrate.  All of the children of the school had made their own lanterns (with real candles) and the celebration involved everyone, us included, marching in the street with the school drum band leading us in a snail like march in the streets.  It took us an hour to march around the school building.  Everything about life here in Costa Rica is at a slow pace, even their marching.  This slow pace has enabled us to find out so much about our hosts.  People put relationship before a schedule.  They always have time to chat.  Work can wait, it'll be there when I'm done conversing.  We had a fantastic time.  The people were so friendly and welcoming.  They insisted that we eat first after the ceremonies as their special guests.  Hospitality here is phenomenal.  I suppose it helps that we stick out like a sore thumb.  People can tell we are from "The States" just by looking at us.
Yesterday Colleen and I finished painting our cabin, Tina and Ryan have almost finished painting their cabin and the rest of the guys finally finished their task of removing the flooring and reinstalled the framework and hardwood flooring for the third cabin.  What is left for the rest of the week...Paint the third cabin and fix the floor in Tina and Ryan's cabin.  The camp will be mostly empty today due to the holiday and celebrations that will be taking place in the streets all over the country.  Some of our group might walk to town to observe some of the celebrations while the rest of us will keep painting.
As I look out the window of our cabin, I am amazed at what I see.  Everyday seems to bring a different amount of clouds so the views are always changing.  This morning is very clear and I see a large mountain rising up beyond the city down the hill from us.  We didn't know the city was there until the 2nd evening when it was clear enough to be dazzled by all the lights.  We all feel extremely blessed to be here to not only help, but to experience the land and the people.  Muchas Gracias a Dios!
-Yvonne