as fast as it began...

Summers have always been my favorite months of the year. First, it was because I got to go to girl scout camp and do swim team. When I got older, summer became a time to work and earn money, and head to the beach on the weekends with my friends. Every summer, I usually learn something new about myself... that I actually do like sushi, that I need to stop getting speeding tickets, things like that.  This summer, I learned more about myself than ever before. I grew in ways I didn't think possible.

Here are some things I learned during my summer in Costa Rica

1) Being a teacher is the only job for me, and I am lucky to have found a profession that brings me so much joy.

2) Communication is life and c

2 1/2) BUT communication barriers are surmountable, with hard work and a smile

3) Charades is a legitimate form of communication, and works effectively 99% of the time

4) No matter how old I get, calling my mom always makes me feel at home

5) Everything is possible through faith and prayer

6) Cockroaches, rats, and tarantulas aren't as scary when they are a part of everyday life

7) Kids are just kids, and they learn no matter how you teach them

8) TRANQUILO- rough Costa Rican translation "calm down crazy American", I learned that being "tranquilo" is the only way to live, and things always have a way of working themselves out

9) Being "picky" is a luxury and something that is quickly forgone when hunger sets in (ie rice and beans all day everyday- breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

10) McDonalds is the greatest cure for "I Miss America" syndrome, I am not sure if this is pathetic or not

My "volunteer" summer in Costa Rica did provide a service to the community in which I lived, but as I look back on my months spent in Picagres, I feel like that community gave me so much in return. By watching the people around me I saw the importance of family, of face-to-face communication, of trust, and of living simply and happily. And honestly, as I sit here typing this, I am struggling to think of the right words to truly describe my epic, tumultuous, roller coaster ride of a summer. The only thing I can say is that after this summer, I have a renewed love of teaching, a goal to keep practicing and expanding my espanol skills and the piece of advice to go out and experience the unfamiliar, because it will really change your perspective on what is important in life.

BUT, I CAN NOT DENY I AM HAPPY TO BE HOME