fin

So here I am back in the USA. I am so very delighted to be home and to be with my real family again, but I will surely miss Costa Rica. On Thursday evening we had a farewell dinner with our host families and it almost seemed surreal. I just couldn’t quite grasp the fact that this might be the last time that I will ever see them. We chatted and laughed all through dinner and then the end came. We snapped a couple of pictures and before I knew it Mema had her arms around me and was crying. I won’t deny, I cried too and I think that’s quite alright. We may have said goodbye, but that doesn’t mean that they are forgotten. I’m excited to keep in contact with them via snail mail. I also was reassured several times that if I ever come to Costa Rica again I am most welcome to stay in their home free of charge.  God truly blessed me with a very very special family in Costa Rica and I am so thankful for that. The memories and moments that I have had with them I will always cherish.

 The video is basically just Amalia and Mema saying goodbye, as well as Leticia (Mema's other daughter). They wanted to greet my parents and thank them for letting me stay with them. Is that not ridiculous!? They were THANKING my parents for being able to take care of me. Unbelievable. Also in the video Amalia said that I was a beautiful girl and that she hopes I can visit soon, after that Mema said that she loves me and hopes I can come visit again. Oh, and the laughing (or squeaking) is definitely me. I have no idea why my voice jumps up like 2 octaves in spanish, but it does.

And here are a couple of pictures of our final days:

This is Ferry we took to Montezuma for a little relaxation before going home. It's called "The Drum II"

Emily, Elisabeth, and I on the Ferry.

After the last dinner with Amalia and Mema.

Harry Potter opening night in Costa Rica, and in 3D. I wish it had been in Spanish, although the subtitles were amusing.

Sunset out the airplane window.

The landing in O'Hare. Home home home---Hooray!