As another year comes to a close, I am reminded of lyrics from my favorite Broadway play, Rent: “How do you measure a year?” In the case of the past year of my life, it is quite a question. I remember writing a blog post at the beginning of the year, slightly scared of the prospect of being in Costa Rica for the entire duration of 2009 and here it is, December already. Time really does fly by. So how can I measure 2009, spent living in a small agricultural town in Costa Rica working to promote community development? Here are a few…

In all of the things I have learned:
* milk a cow
* make tortillas and other yummy Tico food, as well as embracing cooking in general and learning to make all kinds things from apple sauce to pie crusts (things easily found in a US supermarket, but not here)
* various arts and crafts including cloth painting (decorating pillowcases, dish towels, etc.) embroidery, and making cards out of dried flowers
* create and maintain a garden
* identify banana trees, coffee bushes, pineapple plants, and countless other things that before I had only seen in supermarkets. I now know the rigorous process that enables so many things (corn, beans, rice, fruits, and vegetables) to arrive on my plate. And may I say that the pleasure taken in eating those things is considerably increased with that knowledge, as well as of the hard work that goes into getting it there.
* the joy of company: staying the afternoon at someone’s house enjoying the sheer state of being with others, drinking cafecito, telling stories, and being in no rush to do anything else
* conversely, yet equally important, the joy of solitude: going back to the states seeing everyone ever-connected with their iphones is jarring in comparison to the rural lifestyle and I have relished the opportunity to live alone with few distractions and the company of good books

In countless meetings, classes, and workshops on a wide variety of topics including:
* community assessment and prioritization of necessities
* project design and development, particularly letter and grant writing skills
* English with children and adults
* environmental education
* women’s personal development
* girls’ self-esteem/group dynamics
* arts & crafts and sports
* business computer skills
* theater productions

In the amount of English my students have learned:
When my last visitor, Jess, came to my town, I was pleasantly surprised with how much they were able to interact with her and understand what she was saying. We’ve come a long way and have all learned a lot (I certainly know more about English grammar than I ever did before teaching!).

In how I have grown as an individual:
* Learning the value of patience and utilizing it when it comes to things that may take a little longer than I would hope
* Acceptance in understanding that even the highest amount of patience may not bring certain things to fruition. And the fact that that’s o.k .
* Understanding the importance, as well as difficulty, of being a self-starter. I came to my town with the very loose and open job of “rural community developer” and have created a role for myself based on the needs of the community. I imagine that the lessons and skills I have learned in going through this quite challenging process will serve me well in the future.
* Having a considerably increased global understanding of the world, allowing me to see things (books, the news) from a different perspective.

In the love and support of friends and family from home:
From moving around so much growing up, I have always known that upon moving, you always make the effort to stay in touch with those who you want to stay in touch with. Living in a place with limited internet and expensive phone access has made keeping in touch a bit more difficult than say, when I went off to college. However it would be impossible to fully express my appreciation of family and friends alike who have continually made the effort to keep in touch during this time. Whether it be by writing an email, ending a card, or coming down here to visit, it means more to me than you know.

In the case of Rent, the answer to the question “how do you measure a year?” is a simple one: in love. So I thank you for sharing your support, enthusiasm, and love with me during these two years.

Happy Holidays and may 2010 bring health, happiness and a hearty dose of adventure to you all.

Love,
Tes

PS Very special wishes to my Mom on her birthday today. I look forward to celebrating with her, along with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and brother, who are coming down to CR this Wednesday!