If we were meant to stay put, God would have given us roots instead of feet. Mine wandered to Costa Rica for two months.
Along the way, I met plenty of people that made it feel like my second home. I would not have chosen to make so many special memories with anyone other than my roommates Laura, Shy, and Christina. From early mornings on the beach to late-night sweet treats and everything in between, they were an absolute joy. I will never forget our Just Dance battles, chocolate chip cookies, and quests to find the best coffee shops in all of Costa Rica.
These girls have taught me patience, what freedom from comparison looks like, the value of rest, and how to put your trust in God's plan instead of your own. They say you are a product of the people you spend the most time around. If I can be a fraction as joyful or caring as these amazing women, my summer will have been worth it.
Shy and Laura baking our sweet treat for the evening. I taught them how to make cookies from scratch!
Christina and I shared a crepe on my last day in Costa Rica.
I also need to thank the Salvo and the Fajardo families for being such gracious hosts when my family came to visit this summer. Some of my favorite memories in San Jose were around their dinner tables. There was never a shortage of love, coffee, tortillas, and laughs. Never have I been taken care of by people with so much hospitality and generosity.
The second generation of Bodlaks and Salvo's enjoying a summer evening together at their farm in Sabanilla.
Lastly, I want to thank the gender and youth team at IICA for their guidance and support as I wrote my honors thesis and internship capstone paper. I know I have much to learn, but you took all of my ideas and questions seriously. Thank you for valuing my experiences growing up in a rural town in Nebraska and incorporating my experiences into your work for rural women and children. I always looked forward to spending time in my office at the knowledge center, especially when I got to share a walk or pineapple empanada with my coworkers! San Jose is a special place, but I treasure the people I met there even more.
Luis Carlos and Silvia with our hearts and bellies full after sharing lunch on my last day in Costa Rica. This was probably one of my hardest goodbyes, and hopefully the easiest hello when I visit again!
I am at a stage in life where pretty much everything I own needs to fit in a 50-pound suitcase so I can pack up and move every 2-6 months. It's exciting but exhausting. After building a little life in San Jose, I would be lying if I said it was easy coming back to the States. I never felt like I completely belonged in Costa Rica, but I don't feel that way about being "home" either.
"You will never be completely at home again, because a part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place." - Miriam Adeney
I told myself I wanted to take advantage of opportunities to feel uncomfortable this summer because I knew the feeling was synonymous with growth. I never imagined I would still feel this way when I got home. It feels like every day I wake up with a perspective on a political issue, a new dream job, interest, passion, etc. The constant change is unsettling. Contentment has been hard to find.
I've found comfort in recognizing and appreciating the things that stay the same. The sun that stretches over the Midwest is the same one shining on the streets of San Jose.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
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