The Challenge of Food

We have been here for about three weeks (I think) and the challenges are getting a little easier.  Today, Emma had a doctor’s appointment to get her second round of the flu shot.  Our insurance does not work here so after a $80 doctors visit we headed to Hipermas (pronounced just like it looks without the H).  Although shopping has gotten easier it is still one of our biggest struggles.  Food is incredible expensive here.  For example, cheese is about $15, cereal $7, goldfish $12, and hotdogs $10. These were things we used to buy in the States but have now been trying to eat like the Tico’s.  About half our meals are some form of tortillas, beans, rice and cheese. You can call it any of the following: burritos, empanadas, tostadas, pico gallo, etc.  To make sure that we are getting proper nourishment we also eat fresh fruit and vegetables from the ferria (or weekend produce market).  It is fairly reasonable in price which is great for me as a vegetarian.  It is one of my favorite things about living here. The doctor told me today that the ferria was began about 25 years ago by some farmers who set up in one location. It has now spread throughout Costa Rica and is a tradition in every town. Despite the great fruit, the new is beginning to wear off for all of us so please pray that we figure out how to eat cheaper or learn to love beans! Please know that I am not trying to whine, this is just a fact of life here that we were a little unprepared for.

As a side note, our children have begun to make friends with the kids in their classes.  I have been praying for this and I know that you have as well.  Ironically, I was thinking of the kids that were an answer to prayer for my children and those same kid’s parents have told us that we are an answer to prayer for their children. God is good.

-Kristi