long overdue

I am upset with myself for not writing in so long, however, i think subconsciously i was avoiding it because i knew i would write about "the robbery" incident which i chose to block out of my mind for quite some time. (For those of you who haven't heard, long story short: someone broke into our hostel in San Sebastian and came into our room while we were sleeping and stole our (me, kime & meg) money, cameras and ipods. it was a horrible experience, but in the end it has taught me that i don't NEED these things despite how lost i feel without them and now i will appreciate them even more).

enjoying a sunset on our roof

Wow, the time has come. I only have 9 days left and it is really hitting me. The past few weeks I have really been realizing how much I am going to miss this place, this life, these people. I am really, really nervous to go home and have (bigger) responsibilities, finances, and stress in my life. I cannot express how lucky I feel to have had this experience and in this beautiful place. No, Motril is not quote-on-quote beautiful, but I love it so much and the surrounding area is just phenomenal. The past few weekends I enjoyed some last visits to Almunecar and Granada -- two of my favorite places. I spent some quality some with good friends in both places and I will miss them dearly -- I have been fortunate enough to meet some really special people here. This past weekend we had our fiesta de despedida (going away party) and it was a great success. Andrew, Meg and I made some great typical American dishes and had the best night with our close friends here in Motril. It made me so happy.

me, alisha & emilio / the gang at our going away party

Today was a sad, sad day. I woke up and prepared for my last day of infantil (preschool) classes and felt bittersweet about it. I did my final 2 hours of singing fingerplay songs and was on my way out when all of my preschoolers surprised me in the entry way waiting for me to say goodbye and give me a present (a book full of drawings they made for me). I lost it. I have complained all year about these kids over and over again...but here they were, saying "don't leave us!" and bombarding me with hugs and kisses. More importantly, I felt that the teachers finally gave me appreciation and that made me feel really good. I left the infantil building and just cried and cried. I finally got myself together for my next class but my two favorite 1st grade classes were going to the theater and I had to be around for "recess" so I couldn't go with them which was sad...but during "recess" the principal and teachers planned a mini-going away which of course, I lost it again. My coordinator gave me a beautiful jewelry box from Granada and our principal gave us stuffed toros (bulls) -- typical. I wanted to tell them how grateful I was for everything they had done for me, but words wouldn't come out because I was so emotional (damnit, Mom, I really did get your genes....). But I have already written them a card/sign that I plan to make sure they know how much I appreciate them.

the 2 pictures above are with the preschoolers (4 year olds) and below is 1st grade

Tomorrow is my official last day AT the school and then Monday I will go on a field trip to this Zoo outside of Malaga. I am going to try and keep it together tomorrow, but lets be honest, I will be a mess. These kids brightened my days (even if it was only 3 days a week!).

another preschool class ^

what I am going to miss most about my school (to name a few):
-my 1st graders spending the 1st ten minutes of class discussing what happened at recess; "alberto kicked me" "julia doesnt want to be friends with me" "today i played with alba and we had so much fun" "ivan pulled down my skirt"....etc. It is probably the cutest thing ever.
-getting notes such as un veso, te kiero when it is supposed to say "un beso, te quiero" (a kiss, i love you!)
-seeing kids really excited when they know something in English.
-talking with my teachers while the students are working and hearing more about their lives.
-our secretary, Andres, who makes me laugh every day.
-my kids chanting "heidi! heidi! heidi!" as I walk in, as if I am famous.

the "playground" outside my school with beautiful flowers blooming

i love my mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

I am so lucky to have the mother that i do. I hope you know I appreciate you every day. Mom, thank you for everything you have taught me, encouraged me to do, and supported me through. You are an incredible woman, I love you so much.

I have some pretty incredible "other mothers" in my life -- to my aunts who I love and appreciate so much (especially Janet and Marcia who took care of me like their own daughter through my years in Worcester), and to Nain who continues to amaze me with her kindness and love. Today I am thinking of you, Papa and missing Grandma... ♥

4 weeks.

today, i have 4 weeks left here in spain. its hard to know how to feel. it is a mixture of being excited, happy, sad, anxious and nervous. i am going to miss so many things about my life here. but of course i am so excited to see my family, friends, and home. i went on a walk to the beach the other night at "dusk" and took deep breaths, long stares, and tried to take it all in. the view of the Sierra Nevadas, the Mediterranean, and ugly but beautiful Motril...i became happy to realize how much i love this place i questioned in the beginning. it will be sad to leave...on to the next chapter of my life. (but dont ask me about any specific details on that chapter...)

view of sunset from our roof. what a lovely evening.