Last day in San Jose, Costa Rica. The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful, and so are you!
It is one of the first times I have felt really warm here. And it is one of the bluest skies! But there are still clouds. There are always Clouds in Costa Rica. I miss the empty skies of Lubbock. Maybe I am just getting excited about coming home, but I have been thinking about Lubbock and realizing that it really isn't as ugly as I make it out to sound. I miss the sunsets. Here it is too cloudly to have really seen any. And the sun sets at around 6 every evening! And rises at 5. I think the cycle of the seasons is going to be a shock going back. No matter how warm it is here, it isn't anything compared to the temperature it is in Dallas, Texas right now.
My last day here as been a series of cycles. I forgot how to adjust the shower, as I did on my first day here, I had a banana (we never have bananas! We always had pineapple), I had a bean and cheese sandwhich for breakfast...there were more but I can't think of them right now.
It's surreal to be leaving this place tomorrow. And to be in Texas. Where I can go out to eat and not have to worry about drinking the water. And not having to speak in Spanish. That will probably be the biggest, and saddest change. And being able to walk places and feel safe. That will probably be one of the best.
Oh I remember another, I saw a butterfly this morning in the garden. And I saw one when I was first here as well.
I feel very restless. I feel like I am caught between lives. I do not have any money left in which to leave the house. So I will spend my day here. Waiting, it seems.
But that is my decision. There is always much to do and think about. If I decide to use my day anticipating the next, that is a choice. Or I can use it to learn. To write. To think. To eat. Though I really don't need to be eating anymore...man I have experienced the eating-when-you-are-depressed/lonely/nervous-thing here and food doesn't taste anywhere near as good.
But I would like to make a list of what I have learned, and what I would pass on to people:
1. God is everywhere and with that comes the knowledge that you are never alone
2.You can show love without being able to speak the same language
3. People who barely knew me and had no reason to went out of their way for me.
4. Ask several times where it is okay to drink the water
5. Cheeses are different in different countries
6. Bring lots of books, they help your learning
7. It's natural and okay to feel lonely and homesick
8. Friendships take time
9. We need to conserve our planet.
10. The rainforests here are beautiful and should not just be stories we tell our grandchildren
11. It is not safe to walk anywhere with things that you would not want to lose
12. Don't walk alone, regardless the time of day.
13.Puncuation can be used cleverly
14. People deal with poverty in different ways
15. With poverty comes need, crime, and evangelicalism
16. Take time for yourself to think, read, write, whatever it is you do
17. Have patience with your spanish. It will get better with time.
18. There are so many stories, all we have to do is open our ears and listen.
19. Leaf Cutter Ants are one of the most fascinating creatures in Costa Rica
20. People are not what they appear to be. Take time to get to know them and be amazed by them.
21. There are many different types of dancing. Some are good. Some are not so good. Know before hand what you are comfortable doing.
22. Guilt is a remainder not a burden.
23. Pictures make good presents.
24. Share your books.
That is all I have for now.
Mostly I am glad I stayed. I am thankful for all of the support from the people here and in the United States. I had good days. I had bad. But I will look back upon my time in Costa Rica, and feel content.