In a twist of fate, Kema Ward-Hopper found herself raising her children in the heart of a Costa Rican jungle after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on her Houston home in 2018. A trip to Costa Rica with her husband Nicholas Hopper and young daughter Aaralyn turned into a permanent move, as they sought refuge from the chaos of the housing market in Texas.
“After the storm, we were living in a cramped garage apartment with no relief in sight,” Ward-Hopper, 41, recalls. When her husband proposed leaving the country, she was taken aback but ultimately agreed to explore other options. Their journey led them to Costa Rica, where they signed a one-year lease on a house nestled in the jungle on the Nicoya Peninsula.
The decision to move to Costa Rica was a no-brainer for the couple, who had previously tied the knot in the tropical paradise and felt a deep connection to the country. Their new home boasted breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, an outdoor kitchen, and rent that was a fraction of what they would pay in the U.S.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Ward-Hoppers have embraced their new life in Costa Rica wholeheartedly, with no intentions of returning to Texas. Ward-Hopper, now 43, reflects on the serendipitous turn of events that led them to their jungle abode, remarking on the sense of peace and fulfillment they have found in their adopted country.
For Ward-Hopper, the move to Costa Rica also marked a turning point in her health journey. A breast cancer survivor, she credits the clean air, fresh fruit, and sense of community in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone for her remarkable recovery. The couple’s decision to become citizens of Costa Rica has not only enhanced their quality of life but has also opened doors to new opportunities and experiences.
Despite the challenges of living far from their loved ones in the U.S. and adjusting to a different way of life, the Ward-Hoppers have found solace in the warmth and acceptance of the Costa Rican community. They plan to make Costa Rica their forever home, cherishing the sense of belonging and wellbeing they have found in their jungle paradise.