International Living: How Did I Get Here?

A few years ago, I was a kindergarten teacher in San Diego. I liked my life. I had a good job, great friends, and the cutest, Spanish-style apartment you ever saw. I was comfortable. But then I started to get a little too comfortable and this, I didn't like. So, after years of just talking about all the things I could do (I've always been more of a talker, not a doer): move to New York City, change careers, go back to school, I finally did something about it; I moved to Colombia. 

It started with a friend, who had a friend, who was teaching abroad. I liked the sound of it, so I did some research. Before I knew it, I was boldly informing my principal I wouldn't be returning the following school year, paying an obscene amount of money to attend an international job fair in San Francisco, and subsequently, accepting a job teaching third grade in a city I had never heard of and a country no one seemed to think I should move to. Despite not speaking Spanish, I ignored the naysayers, packed up my adorable, little apartment, sold my car, and got on a plane to Colombia.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect and now, two years later, I can say that it was the best decision I ever made. For someone who use to squirm at the idea of camping, I have had some pretty amazing adventures: a 6-day trek though the jungle, a week in the Amazon rain forest, and kayaking alongside whales in the Pacific.

I've challenged myself in other ways too. Spanish is difficult for me, but I am trying my best. In the Salsa capital of the world, knowing how to Salsa became a necessity. I began playing soccer again, rediscovered past dreams, and am finding out what is most important to me.

I've decided to stay one more year in Colombia, and I have big plans: Christmas in Argentina, surfing in Central America, becoming fluent in Spanish (one can dream, right?) and most importantly, not letting myself get too comfortable...