Eight Months Down and Four to Go

What a whirlwind the past month has been! In an effort to provide myself the safest experience and most peace of mind, I moved into a new neighborhood in the beginning of August. While the bus commute to my school is now longer, I feel more comfortable in my new neighborhood and look forward to finishing the next four months of my Colombian experience with energy and drive. 

Nothing could prepare me for the extreme highs and lows of living and teaching abroad. Each day is a mixture of experiences ranging from beautiful and joyous to terrifying and confusing. I am thankful for those with whom I can share this experience, both in Colombia and the United States. I find my strength from receiving the encouragement, understanding, and advice from those around me. 

Seeing my students in action is also inspiring. As they have physically grown over the past eight months, I have also noticed their educational development. I am most inspired by my kindergarteners who will not hesitate to belt the "E-I-E-I-O" lyrics of "Old MacDonald" or eagerly declare the correct answers to the questions that I ask them. 

Just over 100 days remain before I board a flight returning to the United States. This has been a lifechanging experience and I can only guess everything that will happen in the next three months. Each day is a priceless learning experience in so many ways.