I just wanted to take this post to do a little reflecting on what this trip abroad has done in my life. For one, it has brought me closer to God because I feel that I am living a much simpler life here. I hardly feel stress, I don't worry about money or food, and I just always feel a sense of peace and calm. I'm not as anxious or worried as I used to be. I've been reading a devotion every morning titled "100 Ways to Simplify your Life" by Joyce Meyer (I recommend it!) and I've been learning a lot and taking a lot from each day's devotion. I've learned to trust God more than ever, and I always feel safe and stress-free.
Another thing about this trip is that it's sparked a desire in me to travel as much as I can. I have embraced and learned so much about the Costa Rican culture, and I can honestly say I've fallen in love with it. I love pretty much everything about Costa Rica and its beautiful history, scenery, nature, food, people, everything. I am honestly going to really miss it and I am probably going to cry on the day that I leave. I am considering doing another month-long internship in the Dominican Republic this summer, if all works out! I am trying to work out the details of that now, and to work out flight information. I just have this feeling that I don't want to settle! I have from April-August to do whatever I want, because I won't have school again until August, and then I graduate in December! I am still so young and would love to take advantage of traveling as much as I can now, while I can!
My recommendation to anyone reading this - TRAVEL. Whether you're 21 or 81. As my mom says, traveling is the best teacher. I have learned so much here in the past three months - life lessons, Spanish fluency, confidence, and more - more than I've learned at any other point in my life. So, if you have the means and the free time to do so, TRAVEL. Even if it is just outside of your city or state! Go somewhere new and learn something different.