"Spring" Break... finally in the sun!

In three days I leave for Central America. I’m looking forward to this trip for many reasons.
1. Current temp in Valpo:25 degrees. Costa Rica: 72. Nicaragua: 82. Get me away from this crap. I don’t think I even remember what it feels like to have the sun warm my body.
2. No cell phone, twitter, facebook or email. Being out of touch with the world is something I wish I could get away with more often.
3. I’m coming back with color, even if it is red. My poor body is practically see-through at this point.
4. I get to use the skills I’ve been learning in school to make a small difference in the world.
5. I’m not in charge, nor am I responsible for anything, once we get on the plane. I get to follow and relax- two things I think I’ve forgotten how to do.
6. Language barriers are incredibly humbling. I can usually tell when people are talking about me, and most of the time I don’t really mind. Finding other ways to communicate is always hard in the beginning, but I’m pretty good at charades, and I learn the essentials (bano, agua) pretty quickly.
7. Since I can’t really talk to people, I’ll have a lot of time to discuss with God upcoming plans for my life, and my dependence on Him always increases when I’m out of my comfort zone.
8. My assessment skills will get much, much better. One of the keys to any kind of nursing is a good assessment, and mine could probably use some work.
9. Ziplining through the jungle? Yes please.
10. Seeing my dear friend the Pacific Ocean again. I’ve missed her.


And RM designed some pretty sweet t-shirts too!

Look for pictures in a few weeks!!