Memories and Markets

Our life has begun to settle down in right and needed ways this week. On Monday, Heidi transferred to the Monteverde Quaker Friends School (MFS). It’s a much better fit for her academically and socially. She came home from school the first day genuinely delighted to have homework again.

Wednesday was Children’s Day in Costa Rica, and both kids’ schools had special activities. At MFS, they divided the students up into multi-grade teams for games and other activities. I was a great way for Heidi to meet younger schoolmates; she was quickly taken under wing by two little girls who painted her face (purple eyebrows, a beard, rainbow and hearts) and who now get daily piggy back rides.

Lincoln and Michael have been busy getting ready for the September 15th Central American Independence Day parade. The Cloud Forest School will be marching with drums, bells, a couple of guitars, an accordion and two brass players. Guess who?

Friday morning Michael, Heidi and I attended a gathering in memory of our friend Rachel Crandell. Rachel was Heidi’s second grade teacher at Principia, and she and her husband were founders of the United States chapter of the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL). The memorial sharing at Mother’s Garden in the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest (BEN) was a wonderful celebration of a woman whose life showed over and over again that one person can indeed make a difference. There were just over 30 people present many of whom spontaneously spoke about Rachel—her friendship, her spirituality, her work in recording stories of the Mayan and Embera people, and her endless efforts to expand and revitalize the BEN. Mike’s contribution included singing a contemporary arrangement of the hymn “Gracious Spirit Dwell with Me.” Comments were translated into either English or Spanish, making it a bilingual event filled with a sweet spirit of brotherhood. Blue morpho butterflies came to bless the occasion with their eloquent silence; and howler monkeys, although hidden from view, voiced their appreciation for the home Rachel had helped preserve for them. At the end, a tree was planted in Rachel’s honor; and after walking back up to the Nature Center, everyone enjoyed delicious brownies with mint chocolate frosting (reminiscent of Rachel’s favorite Girl Scout cookies).

Today also was a blessed day. Every Saturday morning there is a farmer’s market in the Santa Elena high school gymnasium. Lincoln and I made the walk in together, arriving about 9:45. We were too late for good avocados or mangos, but we filled our big beach bag with green beans, broccoli, hydroponically grown lettuce (50 cents a head), bananas (6 cents each), a pepper, potatoes, zucchini, and a cucumber. Market is a community event filled with happy handshakes and kisses on the cheek (a greeting indicating acceptance in Costa Rica). We always run into friends from our schools or Quaker meeting. Today our neighbor Sara was there, and hallelujah, she was willing to take our heavy bag of purchases home in her car.

Grateful to have our load lightened, Lincoln and I went on to the Super Compro to get the rest of our groceries. We turned down an aisle, and Sara was there too! Not only did Sara again provide transport for our purchases, but she also helped me understand the sale signs. This week’s specials included buy one Kellogg’s cereal and get the second at 75% off (making each box close in price to what we pay in the US). So, for the first time in over two months, Lincoln will get to enjoy Zucharitas (Frosted Flakes) for breakfast.

Our next stop was the vet to buy rain boots for Lincoln (yes, the veterinarian is also a boot store). We got the last pair in his size. (We’ve had some good foretastes of the rainy season this week, and I’m happy to report that my rain pants, coat and boots kept me dry during a 25 minute trek in a yesterday’s 4 hour downpour.) A bilingual friend was there, and it occurred to me to see if she could help me place a special order for Bogie’s dog food. We had hauled 60 pounds of Science Diet up from San Jose in July, but it will run out soon. Thanks to Veronica, a large bag of food will arrive for us on Wednesday.

Then, just as we were about to head up the long hill home, I remembered that we needed to get a white shirt for Michael to wear in the parade on Monday. Three stores later, I had found one—a little large, but it will work. I was grateful to have been successful with our purchases, so glad not to be carrying them all home on my back, and happy to have Lincoln’s good natured companionship.

Today has been good for Bogie too. On our afternoon walk, he got to play with a friend’s two dogs. He even has an invitation to come back again tomorrow.

This evening, Mike and I sent Heidi and Lincoln off to the movies—a James Bond double feature shown in a tiny auditorium near the Bat Jungle (a really cool place to visit). The popcorn is free.

Mike just finished making chocolate cookies, and as you can see, I’ve been enjoying writing. It’s nice to have life feel good. Yeah!