Have Faith

If you asked me 7 short months ago where I thought I'd be today, I would have NEVER even guessed this. Just think, 7 months ago, say, the end of June 2013, I was in the middle of coaching Sports Camp in Atlanta while tying up loose ends as I finished my final semester of grad school. I was also feverishly searching for any school that would give me a job as a brand new graduate, preferably one abroad.

Then, I found one, and they wanted me right then and there! I was completing my comprehensive graduate school exams, organizing graduation festivities, and now, all of a sudden, I was planning a HUGE move. And in this all, I STILL would have NEVER guessed I'd be where I am today.

Weeks later (and about 6 months ago), I moved to Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica - a town I'd barely had time to Google pictures of in the chaos of it all. A mere 3 days after graduation, I was plopped down in a classroom of kids that would help me grow exponentially as a teacher, and two weeks later, I'd dump my boyfriend of 7 years, which helped me grow exponentially as a person. I forged my own way here in Jimenez - made new friends, won over my students, learned to surf and speak Spanish, and found myself alone in the jungle. But come December, I swore I was done with this place.

Clearly I wasn't done. As I sat at home and had nothing to do but think, I realized I wasn't as done as I thought I was. I had to go back. So, without a job or a plan, I booked a flight back to that bothersome, trying, and special town. Again, I'd be minutes away from my beloved jungle surf break, and I'd get to see friends I'd missed so much. Yes, I'd missed my friends at home more than ever, but something here had a hold of me, and I wasn't ready to give it up yet.

Again, I frantically began the job search. What was I thinking moving down here without a plan or a job?!?! I WAS NUTS. But then...it all came together. Somehow, someway, life started to piece itself back together before my eyes.

So, now, for those of you who didn't know, I now have THREE part time jobs! Haha! I am a:
1. DOLPHIN TOUR GUIDE!!! Hahaaaaa!!!
2. Private homeschool tutor for two 4th graders
3. Webpage and social media manager for Changing Tide Tours (the company I lead tours for).

WHAT IS MY LIFE?!?! You're telling me that not only do I get to teach and manage a Facebook account (two things that come naturally to me haha), but I also get to lead people on boat tours and get paid for it?!?! Awww YEAH!!!

Clearly, I love my jobs. It feels sooooooo good to be teaching again, even if it's only two kids that I homeschool in the local coffee shop. I'm teaching them math and science, which also happen to be my favorite subjects. I get paid to design a webpage, manage posts and photos on a Facebook page, and monitor our TripAdvisor page. (I get to set my own hours and location for that part too!) When I lead tours, I get to work barefoot and hang out on a boat all day in the beautiful Gulfo Dulce. I get to essentially "teach" my guests about the local wildlife, flora, fauna, geography, etc - topics that are quite exciting for a Discovery Channel and NatGeo nerd like me! Even though my guests are mostly adults, I get to witness that moment of discovery and sense of adventure that they feel as I show them around one of only three tropical fjords that exist in the world (Google it). It's something different everyday...I get to see two species of dolphins, various types of reef fish, colorful birds (roseate spoonbills and macaws), and the occasional caiman/crocodile, eel, tyra, or stingray at "work"! Did I mention that I can snorkel with guests, and some days, I even get to go "plane boarding" and swim with the dolphins we find?!?! Oh yeah, my jobs ROCK. In fact, Monday's tour even resulted in a very rewarding post on our Facebook page - "Best tour EVER Jess and Tino (the captain)!" The best part - that was from guests who had been on our tour about 3 times before! It's always good to know that you're making a difference. :)

Also, somewhere in the midst of it all, I have begun applying for "real" jobs for the fall. I'm thinking I'll stay here until mid-May when tour season ends, then do Sports Camp this summer in Atlanta like I always do, and start my new adventure in August, around the new school year. Do you wanna know where I'm planning the next leg of this adventure?? Bali? Africa? ANTARCTICA?? Nope. For now, I'm checking out progressive schools in....dun dun dun....California. Haha. While I have no chance (nor desire) to work in a CA public school, these progressives schools sounds right up my alley. AND I actually have a spitting chance! Cross your fingers for good new soon!

Overall, I am lovin' life. I feel like myself again, and I am certainly enjoying being busy. I am eating well as Paco and I continue our lighthearted culinary duel, and the fresh fruit here is unmatched (YUM!). Finally,in a sigh of relief, everything is sorting it self out, like everyone assured me it would. Taking a leap of faith is scary, but that's why it's called a leap of FAITH. There may not always be a plan or rules to follow or paths to stick to, but forge ahead, create your own path, and have faith in yourself and the life you live.