whew.

Well, packing is a LOT harder than I remember. I've been packing since 2 this after noon. It is now after 10 pm and all I have packed is my carry on. I think that it is taking me this long to pack one suitcase because I am scared. Up until now, I've been mostly excited because it has been so far away. But now that it is the night before my flight, I can honestly say that I am nervous. I am not afraid to experience new things or meet new people. I absolutely love that. I'm most nervous about leaving my family for so long. My family means so much to me and it is just so hard to leave them for so long.

I can already tell that I am going to learn so much this semester. Probably more than any of them combined.  I have to learn to lean on the Lord completely. Not just when it is convenient for me, or when I want to, but ALWAYS. Please pray for me in that.

I have no idea how much longer I will be up packing, but I just hope that I get all my tears out here, and not ball in the airport. Been there, done that. Very awkward.

one week.

What the heck?? Where did summer go? I can't believe I am leaving in one week for Costa Rica.

I just spent the weekend with my boyfriend and his awesome family up in Oxnard and when my mom picked me up at the train station she asked me how I was feeling about Costa Rica. I told her that my emotions are like a roller coaster. For a few days I am super excited. I get excited for the new experiences I am going to have. I can't wait to become fluent. It's going to be so amazing to live in another country. But that is then followed by days of being nervous and scared. I started thinking of all the things I was going to miss while I was gone. My family of course. My only brother will be turning 16. My step-mom will be celebrating an exciting birthday. My boyfriend and I will be dating for a year in October and I'll miss that. I won't be able to be at school with my friends competing in Nationball or hear Dr. Barry Corey speak at the first chapel of the year.

Despite all those things, I was reminded of all the new possibilities and experiences I will be having in Costa Rica. I'll be eating new food, making new friends, zip-lining through the jungle, and trying to surf (hey, it could happen). I have to learn to lean on the Lord in this journey. I know it isn't always going to be easy. I had to say goodbye to Nick tonight and it was one of the hardest things ever.

I ask that you would pray for me as I embark on this adventure. Pray that I would stay strong emotionally and spiritually.  Also pray that I would not procrastinate and get everything done that I need to in one week!!

Rich Coast

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the Clivia Mineata (not to be mistaken with clivia miniata, a plant found in South Africa)- the title and representation for my blog. Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. It literally means "rich coast." Words cannot describe the joy and excitement I have for the opportunity to see, taste, feel, hear, and smell everything in a new county. This is probably where my passions for cultures comes into play. To be in a foreign city where I am forced to speak a different language, try new foods, and just live life differently gives me joy - and so much more. I truly don't know how to explain the feeling I get when I travel. I feel strengthened and empowered and loved by a God who has created each unique culture. 

All that said, studying in Costa Rica for almost four months just seems like the perfect opportunity for me. Maybe the Lord will show me what He might have in store for me for a career path! Or maybe this will just reinforce my passions in life! 

21 days and 21 hours

The countdown begins.

I'm leaving for an experience of a lifetime at the end of the month.  I can't believe it.  Living in a foreign country with a new family is definitely going to be a very exciting, yet nerve-wracking journey.  I have been so blessed with a great family and group of friends who are so supportive in this.  The Lord has definitely been watching over me as I get ready to take this leap of faith.  He has blessed me with an amazing family who will always love me (even if i decided to leave for Costa Rica for four months). He has brought the most wonderful boyfriend who has been so supportive through the whole process. And He has given me the friends to encourage me with outlandish possibilities that I may encounter (I hope some of them come true! Who wouldn't want to fly on a zip-line through the jungle?! Hello!).

All in all, as I am getting ready for this incredible adventure, I can't help but to give thanks and praise the One who has created such a beautiful world filled with His beautiful people.