To catch you all up, I leave for Costa Rica tomorrow! First, I arrive in LA where I’ll be doing a weekend orientation, getting to know my cohort, some of whom are going to Cambodia and Vietnam for various working internships! Most importantly, I’ll get to know my team – three college students – who will be accompanying me to Costa Rica, and I’ll be spiritually and emotionally transitioning into the next two months. I’m eager to spend some intentional time defining my personal goals and our team’s goals, as well as just resting after the big push to get ready this week.
To be honest, the nerves are finally hitting. I’ve been so busy I think that’s kept them at bay. But now, I’m a bit anxious.
I think the immensity of heading off alone to meet new people and live in a new country for two months is sinking in. This is the first time I’ve gone abroad since returning home after a year living in Japan. That year was full of ups and downs, and I guess I’m a bit reticent to leave my comfy, cushy, predictable life and shake things up! But I’m also very excited. I’ve settled into a very comfortable season for quite a while.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for something new!
The past few weeks have been a blur, preparing for this new chapter. Here are the major highlights:
I left my job at the REI Co-op (so bittersweet!) after seven years of periodic stints. I enjoyed a farewell gathering with some of my coworkers at a local tap room:
I got to watch my brother’s hooding ceremony for his history Masters program at Sac State! He officially graduates on Friday and is the first in our family to get is Masters degree!
I’ve been packing and repacking….and repacking, for the past week or so, trying to make sure I’m COMPLETELY PREPARED. Of course, the Costa Rican climate is new to me and I’m sure I’ll make some mistakes and learn from them. But I think I finally got things (mostly) dialed in.
And lastly, I picked up my colones (Costa Rican currency) from the bank this week! It’s truly the most beautiful money I’ve ever seen.
For now, I’ll leave you with that. Thanks for joining me on this journey!