On staying and leaving

My heart has been in a weird place these past few weeks.  I absolutely love my classes, and for the most part (read: all but this evening) I've stayed engaged for the full three hours. And I signed up for ballet! I have new vocabulary, like Empuje!! when I'm not pointing my toes enough, or Su cola! when I stick my butt out too much when I plie. I have been having wonderful fun with Maggie and Liz here. On the other hand, I've been thinking a lot about home. Like RA things (Warner, Eryn, Aaron... I can't believe you're getting started already! Will you tell me about it please? I miss you crazy).  And I miss T6, and anyone who ever played Cops and Robbers or sat in section 7 at E's or watched Baggage. And I can't wait to see the people who bake/eat/watch movies with me in Shawnee. And I have friends who are going off to college for the first time (Annie, already?!). And I love my cat, family, etc.

I had a dream the other night, though, that I woke up in Kansas. Back from Costa Rica. And it was so surprising, because I was just upset about all the things that I should have done. And the friends that I missed. And I wanted to go back to Sabanilla, and to Casa del Pie, and practice my Spanish, and read and feed pigeons on the Pretil.

I've complained before that for all of the running around I do, between travelling and school and Shawnee, I feel like I never have a home. I think the real problem is that I have so many places that are.

Also to Michelle, in case you read this sometime soon:

Michelle.

The first day I really realized I was going to Costa Rica, really leaving for six months, was at Study Abroad orientation. I was so worried after they told us all of the million bad things to expect and that I wouldn't know anyone. And then you know what? You said you'd go see Harry Potter with me, and I knew I'd have at least one friend. I've had so much fun being around you these past few months. You are hilarious, sweet, do the best job of dressing like a cute Tica in the whole group (totally envious), and just always wonderful to be around.  Kansas will be lucky to have you back.

Much love, good luck and Sabanilla (and I) miss you already!
Bailey