potentially the best part of the trip. we felt strong and so proud of ourselves after this 3 hour hike (one hour spent in icy rain). It was such an incredible way to engage the natural beauty of Costa Rica. We love hiking! 😍☔💪🗻 (at SAN GERARDO, COSTA RICA)

driving through clouds on our way around the mountain. QERC is marvelous! 🌺🌴🍓 (at SAN GERARDO, COSTA RICA)

having a BLAST in Limón so far! This place has such an incredible island feel to it! The streets are filled with Latin music… like a Zumba fest at all times. I love this city isn’t as busy as San Pedro/Jose. Tonight at dinner this adorable man serenaded us with impromptu reggae music. There was dancing and fun! Loving this place! 🌴 (at LIMÓN, COSTA RICA)

visited a volcano today in La Grecia. our view was incredible. this picture does not do it justice. (photo cred: @nikkayyj) (at LA GRECIA, COSTA RICA)

missing @herschelhepler like crazy here in costa rica. thankful that we become husband and wife in less than 2 months! 😍💋😘

interviewing the women of La Carpio. such incredible hearts are here! (at LA CARPIO, COSTA RICA)

(some of) our crew this morning before heading out to La Carpio. (at SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA)

spent the majority of our day in Le Carpio learning about the daily culture of those whose income is in the poverty level. such an eye-opening experience. realizing how blessed I am. I get to walk away from Le Carpio, sleep in a cozy bed when I get home, and go to work (earning their weekly wages in one hour). I feel embarrassed that these people are able to remain cheerful with attitudes of thankfulness in situations where I would feel intense dissatisfaction. I pray that I learn a thing or two from this amazing culture. (at LE CARPIO, COSTA RICA)

discussion of “The Amazing Race”: the San Jose edition. (at SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA)

my view at dinner. 😍 (at SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA)

the view from the back of our hostel. (at SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA)

saying goodbye to the sweetest man in the world before heading off to costa rica this morning! fun times ahead!

I’M OFFICIALLY MARRYING A SCHOLAR, Y’ALL ! so proud of this man! #latergram 🎓💍😍💋

happy mother’s day to my beautiful mama. through times of both weakness and strength, she has been there to support me. and she has the most contagious laugh I have ever heard. so thankful that she has always encouraged to me to stand with integrity even if that means standing alone. love you for all these reasons and more! ❤😘👯🎀

blessed by all the love and support that was showered on me by friends, family and professors. still can’t believe I’m a college grad. thanks to everyone who provided me with encouragement these last four years. it’s meant the world. ❤🎓🎉