Tras una serie de acontecimientos desgarradores, Kema Ward-Hopper y su familia estaban desesperados por cambiar su vida en Houston. Ahora forman parte de un creciente éxodo estadounidense en busca de sanación y una vida más sencilla en medio de la belleza natural de Costa Rica.

San José

An increasing number of Americans are moving to Costa Rica in search of a simpler and more peaceful life. The Ward-Hopper family, originally from Houston, Texas, chose to relocate after experiencing significant challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and losing their home during Hurricane Harvey. 

Costa Rica's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and environmentally conscious policies have attracted many expatriates. While the cost of living is higher than in other Central American countries, newcomers value the sense of community and the country's inclusive atmosphere, particularly for black expatriates. The Ward-Hoppers and others have found a supportive environment and a renewed sense of well-being in their new home.

Los estadounidenses buscan curación y una vida más sencilla en Costa Rica

La comunidad nos ha encontrado. No fuimos a buscar a la comunidad. Cuando llegamos allí, sólo estábamos tratando de, como, hacer yoga, meditar y plantar un jardín. Pero ahora, Costa Rica, me siento como en casa. Hemos venido desde los EE.UU. porque necesitamos un respiro. Queríamos algo diferente. Queríamos un refugio seguro. Puede parecer que estas mujeres están de vacaciones en un resort aquí en Costa Rica, pero este es, de hecho, su hogar, y vienen más americanos. El Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. estima que el número de ciudadanos americanos privados que viven en Costa Rica se ha multiplicado por seis en los últimos 20 años. Es precioso. La gente, la cultura, la comida deliciosa. Todo tiene mucho más sabor, y las cosas son menos caras. Kima Ward y su familia se trasladaron aquí desde Houston, Texas, hace ocho años. Su hijo menor, Nico, nació aquí en 2020. La gente acude aquí en masa, y creo que es sólo un ambiente. Hay muy buenas vibraciones aquí. Kima y su marido, Nick, se enamoraron de Costa Rica y se casaron aquí en 2016. Pero una nube oscura se cernía sobre lo que podría ser un día perfecto. En medio de la planificación de nuestra boda, me diagnosticaron cáncer de mama. Vinimos a Costa Rica, y mientras estuve aquí, me sentí muy bien. A pesar de estar en mitad del tratamiento, en nuestra luna de miel, había ganado suficiente fuerza para ir de excursión a una montaña y no estar completamente agotado después. Y fue algo que se nos quedó grabado porque cuando volví a los Estados Unidos, esa mejoría no duró. Kima venció al cáncer en 2017, pero entonces otro golpe le llevó a tomar una decisión que le cambió la vida. El huracán Harvey golpeó Houston y perdimos nuestra casa. Fue devastador. Mi marido estaba como, bueno, dejemos Houston. Y yo le dije, vale, bien, ¿a qué estado quieres ir? Y él me dice, no, vamos a dejar el país. Así que, en 2017, se mudaron a Costa Rica con su hija de entonces nueve años, Erilyn. Aunque más barato que los EE.UU., el coste mensual de la vida en Costa Rica es uno de los más caros de América Central, según datos del Banco Mundial. Sin embargo, consideran que el modo de vida más tranquilo merece la pena. Estábamos cultivando un huerto y haciendo kombucha y pan y explorando la selva para ver qué crecía. Y a Kima le encanta lo concienciada que está con el medio ambiente que es el país. Creo que el número uno era la belleza natural. Tantos lugares han permitido que el capitalismo y mucha construcción, arruinado sus playas y sus montañas, y Costa Rica no ha hecho eso. No hay playa privada. Todas las playas son para el pueblo. Pero también, la amabilidad, como el amor de la gente fue una gran parte de ello. Una cosa que aprecio de Costa Rica es que celebran a su población afrocostarricense. Miramos atrás con gratitud. Específicamente, la comunidad negra de expatriados está muy unida en el valle. Hay algo en un abrazo de una mujer negra que es curativo y nutritivo. Así que gracias, chicos.

The talk comes a day after President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine, Iran and other issues in a call the Kremlin described as "frank and constructive."

Kyiv

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Jerusalem

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President Donald Trump said Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, a clear shift from earlier pledges to strike scores of individual deals.

Global Tariffs

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Indonesian rescuers on Thursday (July 3) temporarily halted a search for 30 people still missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the island of Bali with the loss of six lives, the national search and rescue agency said.

Gilimanuk

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Ochopee

First group of detainees arrive at "Alligator Alcatraz," Florida says

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Tecoluca

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CBS News political contributor Caroline Polisi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the jury's verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial and the judge's decision to deny bail for the music mogul ahead of his sentencing.

Manhattan

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Madrid

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

Iran nuclear program degraded by up to two years: Pentagon

Days before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit he founded, will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, but China insists it will choose the successor of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Lhasa

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New York

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President Trump says Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but it remains unclear if Hamas will accept the terms. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more.

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Boise

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Madison

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Paris

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Everglades

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Moscow

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Thailand's Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending a case seeking her dismissal, adding to mounting pressure on a government fighting for survival on multiple fronts.