Orale Antigua

Hi Mom & Daddio,

It's been awhile, no? Sorry for the great time lapse between my letters. Once I made it over the peak of the hill things seemed to move incredibly fast...and now look where we are: I'm coming home Friday and I can't believe it!

In these past weeks I've survived a kidney infection, turned 19, got my internationally accredited certificate to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL), said goodbye to friends, met new awesome people, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people from 6 different countries, finally ate pizza, finished books on top of books, learned to dance in heels, and even had time to make it to the beach.

For the past two weeks or so I've made sure to let my friends know how many days I have left here in Antigua. It wasn't until this past Friday when I was able to say, "Hey ________, I only have a week left here!" that I realized for the first time that I actually am leaving. That moment was one of disbelief (I still cant get over how fast time flies) and the beginning of much bittersweet emotion.

I've done so many cool things here in Antigua and it feels like I've learned more in these past four months than in the past four years. Growing up is a strange thing and I'm so thankful that I was able to spend part of it here in this gorgeous place. I'm going to miss the hell out of a lot of people and things here that I've grown so accustomed to; however, I'm crazy excited to come home. I only had one moment of homesickness (that was when I got Olivia's first email) and while I still don't feel homesick, I find myself feeling quite ready to be back in the 630 with you guys.

While it's a bummer to wrap life up here, I've already made plans to have friends come visit Chicago and plans to continue travelling with others. Before coming here, I didn't have any idea of what to expect and I was most excited to feel totally comfortable living in a new place; now I'm leaving knowing Antigua like the back of my hand, having had the best cultural experience of my life, having taught the most amazing kids, knowing people and having friends from every corner of the world, more knowledgeable about every aspect of this crazy life we live, and feeling totally grown up. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. So orale Antigua y gracias por todo.

Can't wait for what's to come next!

Hasta viernes,
Rach