So, here I am. South Africa and Costa Rica bound.

Some say that once a traveler, always a traveler.. or you know, something along those lines.
Back in January 2013, I left the country for a little less than three months venturing to Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania to teach English at a Secondary School.
I had never felt so much at home in a place that’s well, so far away from my “home.” 
I spent my time there learning Swahili, living with a local family, having a four year old best friend, teaching 132 students basic English skills and all around falling in love with a whole new way of life and culture.
I tapped into a part of me that I simply did not know existed.
This part of me, well, it, it … 
was something in-between intense love, connection, curiosity, passion, desire and a new found communication. 
I only hit it on the surface. 
I teased myself.
Yes, with life. 
By this new found me, so called me, extension of me.

My time to return to the States, came far too quickly.
Before I knew it, Mom was picking me up from the airport.
She was so excited to have me back “home”, in her arms and most importantly back in the house.
She gave me a hug, looked at me and said, “You’re not ready to be home, are you?” 
My mom knows me better than I care to admit sometimes. 
Yes, truth was… I wasn’t ready to be home.
Yes, I was so happy to see my mom and hug her.
But, no, I just wasn’t ready. 
It was too soon. 
I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Life in the States resumed. 
My sabbatical at work ended, I returned to be greeted by a promotion.
An incredible promotion. The Community Engagement Grants Coordinator for the Southern California PBS Station.
Thank you. 
Writing, planning, implementing, coordinating community screening and discussions
around national PBS documentaries throughout SoCaL.
Mafia Island stayed on my mind.
Life resumed a little more.
I registered to take a twelve week online TEFL certification course through 
International TEFL Academy to became a certified English teacher. Sweet. 
Back in school for the first time in over three years. 
Loved the classes, creating lesson plans and getting to experience an American TEFL classroom.
Life in the States continued some more. 
I received my TEFL certification.
Now able to get a paid job teaching English throughout the world.
Those moments of returning and being in complete confusion and feeling like I was lifted off the motherland and brought back far too soon continued as prominent thoughts.
And life continued to unfold.
I published two coffee table books from my time in Tanzania, Wings of a Flower Part I and Part II.
Even better. 
One of many dreams. Accomplished. 
Such an honor to receive the first shipment of these books. 
Blessed.

I wanted more.
Ready for my yoga certification.
Research. Yes! Thank you Yoga Six. Registered. 
Embarking on that journey as I type.
An incredible group of almost 40 yogis expanding their knowledge of self and community while learning techniques to share with others. I spend Friday evenings and most of the day Saturday and Sunday learning conscious communication, anatomy, postures, adjustments and so many more incredible life enhancing tools.
I am honored. I am humbled. I am challenged.

So, here I am.
Ready. Anxious. What’s next.
After almost four years, I’ve given my final notice at PBS SoCaL.
On December 7th, 2013 at 10PM my journey takes flight. I spent two days on a plane arriving in Cape Town, South Africa in mid afternoon on the 9th where I’ll be greeted by such a warm, incredibly humble soul. 
I get to spend the next month getting lost in Daniel’s presence and submerging myself in the Cape Town culture.
My heart is anxious. My soul smiles with abundant excitement. 

And so it goes. 
I am back on a plane January 8th heading to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose 
where I’ll be (hopefully) teaching English, yoga and expanding my photography. 
What this looks like, I do not know nor will I know until I am there. 
The journey will unfold. The universe is my support. Beyond blessed.

This blog will be a means of communication both verbally and visually throughout my time in South Africa 
and Costa Rica. I look forward to sharing my adventures with you and keeping in touch.
Please know mi casa es su casa! 
You are always welcome to come play in Costa Rica! 
Thank you for taking the time to read and share my journey with me.
I wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for each and every one of you.
Thank you.
Thank you for being you and holding a space for me to be me. 
I couldn’t be more thankful.
More blessed. More humbled. I am supported.