One of the perks of living in a different country is not only to live a different lifestyle, to be surrounded by a different culture, to be speaking a different language... but also, is to meet other travelers from all over the world and to learn about their pasts, their reason and motivation for being here. Since I have arrived, I have met dozens and dozens of volunteers and backpackers from Argentina to New Zealand, Holland to Madagascar, all with a different past and a different story and reason for why they have ended up in this part of the world. Getting to know people fascinates me. I have connected with my kids at school because I strive to get to know as much about them as I can- about their every day thoughts and their goals, their family and their past. I have been taken in by a family in the community where I work, as another family member because I have spent countless hours at their house after school, every day, every week since I arrived. I have made connections to some of the volunteers here, have made deep friendships that I know I'll keep for the rest of my life... to others my age who are from Germany, France, Spain, Australia because all of us came here for similar reasons and therefore already have one thing in common... but we're also sharing such intense experiences together and end up sharing more with each other than I would with someone at home (after knowing them for only 2 months). The backpackers and other travels that I have met while I'm exploring other areas of Nicaragua and the other countries here in Central America are all so interesting- many of which you get to know their entire life story in just a few short days.  Each relationship that I have created here... whether it is with my kids at school and their families or the volunteers here and other backpackers, each has influenced me in some way. I hear stories and share some of my own, and end up taking a piece of that experience with me. Even if it's not a direct lesson or pointer, it's the conversations or experiences of others that triggers my own thoughts, challenges my point of views, my goals, my purpose. Through all of this, I am finding out more who I am.

  I am more confident that I can achieve my goals in life if I just put my mind to it...

  Though I'm 23 and have plenty of life left, it's too short to take every day for granted. My experiences here are enriching my life, probably more than I even realize at this moment. The people I meet here are influencing me in some way or another, they're adding something to my life and who I am.

  I know myself more now, than ever before... and for this, I am realizing what makes me happy. Taking time for yourself, taking time to explore you and allowing others to 'help' you do so (directly or indirectly) is an incredibly valuable lesson...