Why? When I first told friends we were considering this move, I was asked why. Right up until our departure I was asked why. Now that we are here, I continue to be asked why by “Ticos” (i.e., Costa Ricans).
The answer to – why? – is really a two-part answer. First, why move abroad for a year? Second, of the available options, why Costa Rica? The second question is easier to answer – schools, safety, things to do and visit, natural beauty, etc. The answer to the first question is multi-faceted and has evolved over several years.
1) Gain perspective for our kids (and us). Our home in Costa Rica is very different from our home in GA. E.g., Our entire lot (yard + house) is 50% of the sq. ft. of our GA house by itself; our four girls share a space that is much smaller than any one of their four bedrooms at home, we are within a few miles of severe poverty and drive through it daily. That said, perspective is relative as our home and neighborhood in Costa Rica are both beautiful – to a Tico, we are living large.
Our girls’ school is 80% local Ticos. For the next twelve months, they will be in a very small minority and all of us are made aware daily of our lack of Spanish comprehension and speaking abilities. It’s our sincere hope that these different surroundings coupled with the items listed below lead to long-term changed perspectives.
2) Learn Spanish. A few interesting facts regarding Spanish – (a) The US composes the largest Spanish-speaking community outside of Mexico, (b) Spanish is the primary language spoken at home in the US by almost 37 million people, more than double the number in 1990, and (c) The percent of the US population forecast to be native Spanish speakers by 2020 ranges from 15%-19%, depending upon the source.
Speaking (and reading and writing) Spanish will most certainly impact our family in a positive way over the longer-term. For me, I am hoping there is a whole new section of the business world in which I will ultimately be able to be a participant of consequence.
3) Experience change for growth. Whether it is a new job or assignment or a move to a new city, every time I dig into something new there is creative energy that comes to the surface. We are now meeting new friends, learning to drive around a city with no road signs and immersing ourselves in a new language & culture. I am hopeful these new challenges reveal hidden strengths and capabilities in each of us.
4) Serve others as a family. We did not need to leave Duluth in order to serve others. However, our ability to do so is now greatly simplified as we have freed ourselves from many of the accumulated day-to-day obligations of life for a brief period of time. Our goal is to engage in a way that creates a permanent change in each of our hearts.
5) Implement a bit of whimsy (a la Bob Goff) and reclaim some family time. Bob Goff’s book, “Love Does”, convinced me I needed to break free from some of the rigidity in our lives and embrace some spontaneous and random joy. It’s my hope I can write a future blog about the implementation of many whimsical family experiences. Additionally, our oldest daughter is about to enter 7th grade where friends seem to be more important than family. Maybe in this new place we can reclaim a bit of time before the inevitable.
6) Actively pursue Halftime. Bob Buford’s book “Halftime” helped put some good definition around many conversations I had with Kelah regarding this trip. I read this book after listening to a John Maxwell podcast on his top 10 all-time books and it didn’t disappoint. In short, the book prescribes a “halftime” to refocus from a first half of life spent pursuing success to a second half to be spent pursuing significance. In short, “what I do about what I believe.” I’ve incorporated this language into my blog tag line (I.e., Intentional Pursuit of Halftime) and I anticipate writing a future blog on this topic.
David McNeill 
Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey with us. You have done what we wish we had the guts to do years ago. We talked about it but somehow life got in the way. Praying for all of you as you adjust to your “new normal”.
Julie
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. Best wishes. David
David- you continue to amaze me. Rock on my friend.
David, you never cease to amaze us. Thanks (from the Schwerzler family) for continuing to inspire us all to be better people!!!
I am so impressed with your focus on your family and their growth as good people in this world. You may think this journey only impacts your family, but in fact it impacts all the people you and your amazing wife touch. A blog is a great idea and I look forward to more. Enjoy!
Thanks Meylin, Shelly, Larry and Linda for the very kind comments.
Hi to all….what a great experience and learning curve for you and the family.
Wish you all the best
Manny
Thanks for the message Manny. Hope you are doing great!
Great post Dave! I think your family will definitely gain perspective by living in the developing world. Whenever I get the urge to complain about anything, thinking about the many back home and all over the world who would gladly trade places with me brings it into perspective. Enjoy Costa Rica! While growing up in Jamaica, I could look outside my window and see mountains similar to what you see at your new place. I took this for granted and didn’t realize how beautiful it was until I had lived in the US for a few years and went back to visit. Take care and have fun learning Spanish…
Great perspective Ren. Thanks for the input and I hope you are getting some sleep these days with the new addition to the family.
David,
What an exciting time for you and your family! I look forward to living vicariously through your experiences over the next year while following your blog. I hope the experience is everything you guys hoped for and then some! Best wishes and stay in touch
Thanks for the note Jeff. Pass along me hellos to our friend Mr. Jones.
Hi David,
What a wonderful experience. I wish you and your family the best during this adventure.
Thanks Thomas. Best wishes to the crew at TTi.
So happy for you and your family David. Keep fighting the good fight for your family, the world, and our God.
Thanks for the thoughts and taking to time to engage John.
Am so proud of what you are doing as a family and know that your journey will be of great significance for so many. Many prayers and hugs for you all!
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Wow, I’m jealous. You can still get ESPN right? Football season less than 2 weeks away. Can’t get too far removed. By the way, how do you say “War Eagle” in Spanish?
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