LOVE

I was realizing the other day that I've been "off work" for almost two months now; however, there has hardly been a day that has gone by that I haven't been doing something of importance.  Ok, there maybe was a day where I caught up on "Once Upon A Time" episodes on ABC.com, but for the most part, I feel like I've been using my time wisely.  I've already talked about the first part of my training time in Colorado so I don't need to revisit that.  The final week was one of encouragement and commissioning for the most part.  My "growth group" that I was assigned to while at my training was a HUGE blessing to me.  Each of the other five ladies and I had one on one time where we got together to talk about some of the strengths that we saw in each other.  Granted, we had only known each other for three weeks, but we had some pretty intense conversations and time spent together.  I was so encouraged to have positive affirmations from these ladies, and a recurring theme that I heard was that I'm quite "brave" to be moving to Costa Rica as a single person.  It's so interesting to hear that because I shared with those of them who had children that I thought they were so brave, when they were saying the same thing to me!  Much love goes to Kassie, Jill, Sharon, Alicia and Jen from my growth group.  I learned so much and was so encouraged by these ladies.

Since returning to sunny California (well, maybe not sunny this week...) I have been able to spend time with some people I love and began to say my goodbyes.  I thought I would post some of the pictures below.

Visiting my good friend Alisa in San Diego.  She took me to the zoo for free! :)

She also drove me to the zoo on her scooter.  That was a first for me, and look, I'm still smiling!

A day/night away at Pismo with my dear co-workers from Malaga School.  Most of these ladies I have seen on a daily basis for the past five and a half years and I will miss them a lot.

Valentine's date with Rose (L) and Mackenzie, my future fellow staff members in Costa Rica.  They both live in Fresno so we got to hang out before I move.