GAP Students in Costa Rica
GAP students enjoy the scenery after climbing to the top of a mountain in Panama.
Sarah Slemons stood in the kitchen drinking coffee, speaking Spanish to the cooks, and talking about her experience in the GAP program after six months of living in San Jose, Costa Rica.
“A big culture shock was the food,” said Slemons. “I was accustomed to eating my big meal at dinner. Here the big meal is at lunch.”
Along with getting accustomed to Costa Rican food, the GAP students have enjoyed interacting with the locals after learning enough Spanish to communicate with SCORE staff and help in ministry.
“A few weeks ago, we traveled to Panama by bus to work at the Word of Life camp,” said Slemons. The GAP students enjoyed the change of scenery and were surprised at the difference in cultures between the neighboring countries. “Panama City is very Americanized,” commented Slemons. “We ate lunch at Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robins.”
The GAP students interacted with Panamanian youth during camp week, assisted with camp maintenance, and later explored the Panama Canal and other tourist attractions.
“One morning we got up at 4 a.m. to climb a mountain where a cross stood,” said Slemons. They had watched the cross shine in the sunlight all week from the camp and wanted to see it up close. “At the top, I saw the Pacific Ocean while I stood underneath the glass-covered cross,” said Slemons. “What an experience!”
Since September 2008, the GAP students have explored Costa Rica visiting volcanoes, and beaches while also learning about the culture. During the week (Tuesday-Friday), the students study Spanish in the morning and Bible in the afternoon. On the weekends, they minister in local churches.
Recently, the students have begun translating for groups visiting Costa Rica on mission trips. “I’ve really enjoyed this week because I’ve been translating for a group of NFL players who are here to build a fence at SCORE’s new property,” said Nick Linn. “Not only have I practiced my Spanish, I’ve also talked in English with guys that I really respect—plus, who doesn’t enjoy working with pro football players?”
With only two months before graduation, the students are working hard to improve their Spanish and Bible knowledge while experiencing as much as possible before leaving Costa Rica.
Sarah Slemons leaned on the kitchen counter sipping coffee from her mug. “I want to know Spanish well before I leave,” said Slemons. “I’m going to major in nursing, so maybe I can use both on the mission field one day.”
