Week 13 – The Finale

December 16, 2019

By Tessa

I am feeling so very grateful for this adventure. So many dreams have been fulfilled. We experienced more in depth the beauty, diversity and culture of this country and it’s people. I also started a new job as a marine biology teacher. I was lucky enough to have lots of help from Ryan Getchis who did everything from serving as a lifeguard, water sports instructor, equipment organizer, carpenter and general handyman.

Cameron and Makena spent their days learning everything in Spanish, and endured endless hours of homeschool work in addition to the classes at The Mariposa Center. They also took classes with the Cabarete Circus (trapeze and acrobatics) and performed with their peers at many community shows. They enjoyed surfing and windsurfing on a regular basis. They also learned how to sew, speak Spanish, grow tropical fruits, and had countless adventures as we worked and traveled. (yes those are monkeys on our heads)

We met many new friends and colleagues (though missed the old). We got to know people from around the globe. We were able to explore the countryside and distant shorelines. We learned how to prepare and enjoyed eating some of the traditional meals.

We fell in love with the students in our 5th – 8th grade marine science classes, having the opportunity to introduce them to the ocean, many of them never setting foot into it prior to our class. Throughout the semester the students worked together on a book about ocean conservation and presented their ideas and pictures to a room full of parents and peers.

We have learned and shared so much over the past several months, and as we are preparing to leave it is evident how much it has impacted all of us.

We never could have done this without the support of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors back home. Thank you, thank you, thank you.