December 2, 2011

For my last Costa Rica entry, I thought I would post a little dedication I made to my fellow TITP participants on our last night together. I was deeply affected by this trip and I really wanted them to know how much it-- and they-- meant to me. "When this adventure began I thought I had some idea of what to expect. But this has been so much more than I could have imagined. Over the last 14 days we have learned, laughed, and lived together. I want to thank Toyota and IIE for giving us this incredible opportunity. Thanks to Mike, Karen, and Rhonda for putting up with us. I have learned so much from this,and I have so much to take back with me and I've made some wonderful new friends whom I will miss. I will miss Kim's calm demeanor, Tim's sense of humor, Valerie S. ability to drink the men under the table, Josh's All American boy charm, Paolo's boisterousness, Katie's katieisms, Tammy's laughter and Bhavna's giggle. I'll miss John's intelligence, Jeremiah's laid back California surfer cool, Kelly's dry wit, Tracy's willingness to try anything, Loris' generosity, Erin's smile-- and her eye for cute porters, and Robert's good humor-- but not the bawdy jokes. I'll miss Angela's energy, Sondra's earnestness, Valerie M.'s "earth mama" vibe, Greg's dimples-- and his hot pants, and learning from Chris C., who is the kind of teacher I hope to someday become. I'll miss Kris M.'s intensity, Emily's sweet nature and her eager desire to be the best teacher she can be because we need more teachers like that. I'll miss Ann's friendliness, Chuck's daring, and Susan's caffeine addiction, which rivals my own. To our fantastic guides, you are amazing. Isa, when I grow up I want to be just like you because you know everything. Julio, thanks for your quick smile, unending patience, and delicious chocolate. Eduardo I wont miss you at all because I'm taking you back to Alabama with me. You will totally fit in my luggage. And so here am, nine suspension bridges, five toucans, four rain forests, three snakes, three bats, three handlers, countless insects and one Jason later, I am a better teacher, a better person, and much richer for the experience of having known you all."