Today is a Good Day

Dearest Mom & Dad,

Sorry I haven't written for a while. It's just that sometimes I feel like I don't have enough to share. It's strange though, because in reality I actually feel overwhelmed by all that I want to share. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem possible for me to melt the beauty and excitement of my experiences into words so that you guys can enjoy my time here as much as I am.

I don't know if it's because I'm young, because I'm travelling, because I'm carefree, because I'm lucky, because I'm blessed, because I made the right decision, because I'm loved, because I'm supported, or because of some other reason, but my days here are always happy days. Let me attempt to explain:

I wake up to a busy downstairs, greeted every single day with smiles and people asking how I slept. I walk to the gym where I share friendly "hellos" to people I don't know. I get on buses so crowded you wouldn't believe, each one painted like the Magic School Bus, each one proudly displaying the name of some unknown woman, blaring music nothing short of obnoxiously, front window decorated with innumerable quotes about God, and always stopping to pick up MORE people that I can't help but enjoy my adventurous ten minute ride to school. I arrive at the school, smiling back at the other teachers there who never fail to ask how I'm doing. My heart is warmed as my students come bolting down the hallway and into the classroom in an effort to win their favorite seat at their favorite desk. I glow when I see the progress they've made this unit and bask in their squeals of delight when they earn a measly point for answering the question right- a point that brings nothing more than bragging rights. I laugh when Henry tries to say "cabinet" and out comes something like "gravuk." When Pablo goes to the board to write "floor" and proudly shows me that he's written "foon." Or when Marcos can't control his excitement because he thinks he knows the answer and screams "WOLF!" so loudly that the other ten year olds are silent...only to be met by my outright laughter and teasing response, "Nope! Sorry Marcos! The answer is squirrel! No punto para ti!" Ohh how we laugh in English class. Even shy Jennifer, the only girl, covers her mouth in fits of giggles. I leave the school after saying bye to the teachers who have quickly become my friends and to the kids playing soccer after class, "Adios Raquel!" I get on the bus and am thanked with a smile by the old lady who I've shared my seat with or the mom who swaddles her baby. I walk to the park with a book in hand and a smile as I remember what part I left off at the day before, determined to put the last hour of daylight to good use. I meet my friends at night who are never shy to yell from almost embarrassing distances, "Hola mi amiga! Raquelita como estas!?" We depart with kisses on the cheek, como siempre, and as soon as my tired body and mind meet the comfort of my bed I've already surrendered to sleep.

I believe with my whole heart that these are how days should be spent. I hope your days at home are even better.

Always yours,
Rachael