In Wisconsin.
It's been three days, and I miss Panama. I miss Costa Rica. I miss the adventures and meeting new people, the palm trees, the creative graffiti, the buses, and the Spanish language.
I love it here. I love the snow and the crip 18 degree weather. I love my horses and cows and working on the farm. I love having my car and being able to drive around (even though I can't really enjoy that currently because my blinkers quit working and people like to honk at me.)
But I don't think this is my only home anymore.
Teaching has opened so many doors I have no reason to stay here anymore. I have this little piece of paper that is recognized all over the world, and the people who possess them are in great demand. Somehow I got one.
I can't wait to begin my next journey. Next time, it's not going to just be a month or two...It's going to be my new life. To say that I am excited would be an understatement.
It's been a month since I blogged, and I suppose that I have to give a little wrap up post, if not for you all, then at least for me, to unwind, to reflect, to process, and to make being home seem a little more real.
The last few weeks were spent mostly relaxing. With my English and Spanish classes finished, I felt some guilt for not working and just having a vacation with no end in sight. But, the Lord is good to me and blessed me with unforgettable experiences.
Hiking. Running. Visiting rodeos...
Eating food. Hanging out with wonderful Panamanians, sitting on the edge of cliffs, and crying quite a bit, because I knew that I would be leaving soon.
Christmas was spent in both Costa Rica and Panama. I greatly debated coming home for the holidays, but after some encouragement from my mama, I decided to stay and experience the 25th in another country.
I can't say that it felt much like Christmas, being surrounded by palm trees and 75 degree weather, and the snowflakes hung in the mall just seemed wrong when it was so warm outside, but it was cool to see.
I decided to head back to Costa Rica the 24th to catch my flight the 29th. I was nervous about crossing boarders around the holidays, but it was one of the fastest crossings ever, taking only 1 hour and 22 minutes and the fastest bag check in history...basically, unzip my backpack, a glance from the officer, and zip it back up. Boarder crossing from God himself. :)
In many Latino countries, most families celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve with a traditional dinner, and Christmas day is spent relaxing with family. In Costa Rica, Cheistmas dinner means rice, beans, and tamales. I had planned to spend the evening with my Tico family, but unfortunately, I missed my stop to get off the bus and ended up spending three more hours driving around the outskirts of San Jose. I tried to make the best of it and take in the simply decorated houses and Christmas lights, but by the time I made it back to San Pedro, I was exhausted and decided to spend the night at my beloved hostel. Luckily, the travelers were also celebrating with a huge dinner of nachos and guacamole and tiramisu and welcomed me to join them. Some fun, having every traveler in the hostel around one table! :)
I did get to spend a few last days with my family and met up with my friend Becky who I had met in Panama...good times at a carnival and holiday festivities.
My heart was so sad to be going home, but my three months was up and I knew it was time. Becky didn't exactly make it easier, telling me every five minutes that she was going to miss me. :)
What else...not much. Same old same old. Life here is the same. Beautiful. Busy. My heart lives in Panama. And I'm going to go back ASAP. And until then...life is good.
