Today was our last day with our Bebitos. I seriously wanted to cry when they each hugged us and said gracias. I took tons of pictures today and at the very end we were given these books with our picture on the front and a painted stamp of each kids handprint!!! That is seriously the most perfect thing I will bring back from Costa Rica and most tangible evidence of our life-changing experience. These chicos will always be in my heart, with an amazing memory to look back on.
From Bebitos my heart has grown like the grinch who stole Christmas. I have never met more amazing women who work with children. I have never met more respectful and grateful children.
It has taught me a lot from a child development perspective on ways to interact with kids to efficiently teach and develop strong relationships while doing so. This has not only taught me life lessons of patience and gratitude, but lessons I can use in my education, job, career and parenting.
It was rewarding because I learned a lot. It was rewarding because I loved a lot!!! And it was rewarding because all of it was service. I chose to be there, I chose to get up and find things to do all day, I chose to sing, dance and smile, I chose to open my heart to these kids, and I honestly have been impacted and blessed myself more than any impact I could have left.
I love my cute kids!!!! Alejandro, Fiorella, Maria, Mariana, Mariana, Luciana, Luciano, Gabriel, Gabriel, Luis Daniel, Martias, Samanta, Velezka, Valentina, Valentina, Laura Valentina, Valeria, Sebastian, Santiago, Suelen, Eyal, Ian, Alina, Isabella, and Daniella.
I have loved this experience.
I have loved learning about a whole new culture. I have loved seeing the beauty in Costa Rica (in the people and the beaches).
I have loved interacting with people from all over the world who come together at Maximo for several different purposes. I have loved jumping into new groups of people and being accepted without being ashamed or scared to show who I am. And I can definitely confirm that I have locked down who I am. I am weird and even weirder now cuz I'm in Costa Rica and don't party--- however I have been blessed by my Savior with courage to stay strong and enjoy life in my own way. I have made some incredible friends here and I'm so grateful to have come so close to so many amazing people on this journey.
Now I am in Puerto Viejo for a night, bumming at Rocking J's and enjoying the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Pura Vida!!
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