A new beginning

On this day, I welcomed in the new year and with it a rush of hopes, misgivings, and last-minute packing. One week from today, I will be on a plane to San Jose with over 20 other volunteers from around the states to teach English to primary school children in rural Costa Rican towns. We'll be spending the first month in Orosi, getting acclimated to the culture, studying the language, preparing to teach, and building friendships.

It has been a long preparation process that began in August when I applied with World Teach, an affiliate of the Center for International Development at Harvard. I was attracted to the program for its high expectations and its vast support network. And, I'm excited about the chance to earn a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Not to mention, we will be staying with host families. After living with a host family in Spain for two weeks in 2006, I determined that this has to be the best way to travel. What better way to taste the culture!

Once I was accepted, I had the task of beginning the physical and professional preparations. Getting vaccinations, seeing my doctor for a physical, obtaining VISA documents, passport photos, plane tickets, English class, observations, completing TESOL pre-work, buying a new laptop, shopping around for a backpack...the list goes on and on. And, in the midst of all this, trying to picture the coming year: anticipate the difficulties, expect successes, and hope for peace of mind.

Professionally, my goals are to...
1. Earn a TESOL certification
2. Teach English with creativity and excitement to the children of Rey Curre
3. Make a significant contribution to the community outside of classwork
4. Improve my Spanish

Personally, my goals are to...
1. Immerse myself in a new culture
2. Build close friendships
3. Paint a mask, meet a monkey, see an active volcano, zip line through the cloud forest, see a quetzal, and eat a fresh mango
4. Be a mentor and pass on the many good things I have been taught

As I look ahead to the coming year, I reflect on all those leading up to it and the grand support I have received in my life to be able to make it to this point. Thank you to all of my family and friends for your constant love and encouragement, especially to Mom, Dad, Kim, Matt, Neil, and Stacy. Also, I have a close-knit extended family that leaves me no room to doubt that I am known and appreciated. Finally, I don't know where I'd be without my fellowship in Cincy, Gburg, and Indy. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! I will think often of you in this coming year, and I hope that you will visit my blog often to join me in this adventure.