We had the most beautiful Valentine’s Day yesterday. We curled up last night with some apples and cheese, some dark chocolate sea-salt caramels (that Andrew brought us back from the states just over a week ago), and a wonderful movie. I’ve always loved UP, but last night took it to a whole new level:
South America Travels
We spent Valentine’s Day planning parts of our 3 month after PC travel – half of which we’ll be backpacking through South America. The only “for sure” we have in our trip thus far is a flight from Buenos Aries to Portland, ME on April 13-15th. Our current itinerary (which could still change as we travel) may include Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and finally Argentina. From hiking in the Andes to boating in the Amazon, we’ve got plenty to explore. And while we won’t be making it to Angel Falls like Carl and Russell (things are a little tricky in Venezuela right now), I couldn’t help but feel like a giddy little kid thinking about all of the adventures we’re about to have in South America, “a land lost in time”….
Possible bilingual futures
I’d never watched Up before in Spanish, but we did last night. Doing so with such ease reminded me that while I may have had some ups and downs with my Spanish over the course of our service, I’m extremely proud of the progress I’ve made. We’re even looking at potential bilingual jobs for this fall. (Example: I found a 7/8th Science teacher position that would be taught completely in Spanish immersion.) Depending on our final language interviews next week, we could be pretty competitive for those positions and have the internationally accredited certificate to prove it.
Goodbyes right around the corner
I usually cry during Up, but last night I sobbed. Ellie’s funeral scene just cut me to the core. Not only has Peace Corps brought Andrew and I closer than ever and strengthened our relationship, we have so many family extensions down here now, some of whom are older and might not be here when we return. We have 13 days left as Peace Corps Volunteers. I’m not ready to say goodbye, but the time has come. I’m going to cry so much.
Filling our book
We’ll be arriving at the Portland, ME airport around midnight Fri. evening/Sat. morning of the 14/15th of April. We’ll start our re-adjustment and re-entry to the United States with my sister and a good college friend up north before starting our trek across the states. We’re planning to attend two of our brothers’ graduations, visit Midwest family and friends before heading out to the PNW. We’ve got a couple weddings and summer camps to attend as well. We may be adventuring for a bit in South America, but afterwards we’re coming back home, and spending time with the loved ones we’ve so dearly missed. It’s family and friends, after all, that fill our adventure book with the most important moments, memories, and love.
¡La aventura nos aguarda! / Adventure is out there!
May We Suggest 
Awww, I can’t believe this adventure is coming to a close! So wonderful, that you’ve had this experience. I’m excited for your travels in S.Am. and look forward to pictures, when you have internet and time to upload. Can’t wait to see you at Graceland in a little over 2 months.
The goodbyes are the hardest! Be prepared for cultural shock upon returning even though you have been home. We were home two times but cultural shock really hit us as the return shock is so much worse. You have been in a larger community setting so it may not be as bad as it was for us as we were in a very small campo. We’ve so enjoyed your sharing of your experiences! Have a great traveling adventure! Hope Andrew gets the UofO grad school. Let us know.
I love reading your posts. It gives me a chance to travel and experience vicariously! Your lives are so full and well-rounded; wonderful life-enhancing experiences for sure!!!