4th month

Today marks our 4th month of arriving in Costa Rica. Many lessons have been learned. Much work has been done on the farm. Many friends have been made. Some sanity has been found. Some weight has been lost. A little Spanish has been absorbed. A little English has been taught. I'd say we've integrated into our little community quite well and we feel accepted, which is not always easy especially in a small, rural village. Our experience so far has been a really good one. We're learning a lot about ourselves as individuals and as a couple. I, personally, am learning to surrender, letting go of being in control all the time. I also find myself taking the time to appreciate my surroundings. I live in the moment a lot more, probably because I don't have appointments and meetings booked 3 and 4 months in the future, nor is every minute of my day scheduled. I enjoy friends stopping by without notice, and I don't hyperventilate if my house is not pristine and tidy (well, not as much). I'm definitely learning to relax a lot more. I'm learning to cook with simple, fresh ingredients and managing to make flavourful meals. I've also learned that I don't really miss all the variety and conveniences available back in Canada... but if we were ever to move back, I would try not to take the variety and conveniences for granted or judge them. And although we're very lucky to gain new friends here, I'm so glad for technology where I can still remain in daily contact with all my family and friends in Canada, England, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, etc. I simply cannot imagine what it must have been like in the pioneers days, well, we really don't have to go back that far in history... 15 years ago only!!! The fact that I can write this blog and those who are interested can read my entries is simply amazing to me. And that I can click a little green button on my Skype page and within minutes be sitting face to face with my kids, my parents, my in-laws or any of my friends, is just absolutely astounding to me. And let's not forget Facebook. Without a doubt, it makes it possible for me to remain so far away, without suffering serious bouts of depression. For that, I'm most grateful. We do have the best of both worlds in so many ways. All this reflection after only 4 months... can't wait to see what I learn after a year! :)