0 sundays

This morning as I was riding the bus into san jose, I was reflecting on the past month, and remembering everything I have done. Being here for a month has made me a better person in all aspects of my life. For example, my stomach has grown accustomed to any fathomable type of motion sickness, turbulent airplane rides, bumpy boat excursions, smelly bus rides sitting next to complete strangers, hot taxi rides packed people, and crazy stick-shift van rides spiraling up and down the mountains of Costa Rica on narrow roads shared with huge charter busses. But more importantly than acquiring a strong stomach, I have gained not only educational insight, but also insight into my own life. Though the pain of being away from my family stayed with me, I gained an independence I never thought I could achieve. I have been so very blessed to have this experience of a life time. I have worked and cooked next to the locals, played soccer with the ticos, had class on the beaches of Tarcoles, under the beautiful mangrove trees, and in the tropical rainforests. I have learned by doing and experiencing, which is the most rewarding kind of learning. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. I have encountered so many challenges while here, however, each challenge left me a stronger and wiser person. In the beginning of this trip, I saw the challenges as obstacles to overcome in any way possibly, however, now I see them as stepping stones on my journey of life…without these challenges, I would have no foothold to progress forward in this life long journey.