A Change of Pace

Every year is the same. I start school in September. I get a couple weeks off a Christmas. School ends in the spring. I have summer off, either as vacation or a chance to work rather than study. This year, though, is different. The school year started in January. The 2 month break is at Christmas (November-December) when I return home. It is currently the end of June and school is not wrapping up. We are not nearing end of the year exams. I am not looking for a summer job. The weather is not getting nicer or sunnier. In fact, this is probably the toughest part of the year. We're just past the half way mark in the school year, the rains have returned, and life is becoming routine. I'm starting to feel the drag of repetition. Every day is the same, every week is the same, and no end in sight. I'm having a hard time putting the effort into my lessons and some days even a smile on my face when the kids are louder than usual or it's rainy for days on end. I was thinking about why I'm feeling the way I am, and I think by mind and body need a break. That's what I've always known: a break in July and August. I need a change of scenery; a change of pace.

Thankfully, the school year here has Reading Break (Semana de Lectura) the last week in June, half way through the school year. So this coming week is a week off. And none too soon. I'm looking forward to a break from work and a chance to get out of this town. I'm fortunate enough to have friends still in Costa Rica from when I studied there for 8 months in 2006. Flights from Guatemala to Costa Rica are much cheaper than from Canada (Obviously! It's 5661 km from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CR, and only 872 km from Guatemala City to San Jose). There are also a number of people driving to El Salvador for this week off, and they are able to drop me off at the airport on the way. I return the same day as a team from Canada arrives a week later. It worked out well all around. I'm sooo looking forward to this week. I know it will be tough coming back to work, especially at this time of year when it's just past half way here and everyone at home is beginning summer vacation. But I want to come back refreshed so I can do what I came to do here with joy and love, energy and creativity. Happy summer vacation to you all. Enjoy it, even if it is just a break from studying or a week-long trip out of town.