This time last year I was trying to figure out how I would teach English to six classes a day in La Cucarita. Funny where life takes us in a year; the new year seems like it will be quite a change from last. I will not be in the windy mountains of the Dominican Republic with temperatures reaching 80 during the day. Instead I will be in picturesque towns with storybook settings like out of a Christmas postcard.

My Mom insisted I bring my riding boots. She has set up a few connections for me, obviously Carmen has her horse so it looks like I will be back in the saddle again! Aside from seeing my mom, this makes me elated. I can not wait to be around horses again, and to go riding in the snow covered fields near my cousin's farm.

Exams are done and fall semester is officially over at UCF. I am 22 years old as of Friday, and I am excited to leave for Switzerland soon.

2 Weeks

Anticipation has subsided; it's almost here! To be honest, I haven't thought much of leaving. I have had a lot to distract me. The time has flown by, and before I know it I will be boarding my flight. My mom is super excited and anxiously counting down the days. This is going to be a good trip for us. Honestly the only thought I have given to the trip is that I am going to be cold... I keep checking weather updates on Chris's iphone and the weather only seems to be getting colder. Still I am sure I will have an amazing time; even if I am freezing, it will be worth it to see my mom and spend the holidays with her.

December 16

In a little over two months I will be leaving for Switzerland. I have not been back to visit in over six years; I am anxious about the trip. Being back in the place that holds so many memories of my childhood will be like stepping into an old photograph. Right now I have images of what I remember in my mind, but I am beginning to forget a lot of what is now one of my new homes. I am exicted to start building relationships with my family again, some for the first time. Mostly I can not wait to spend time with my mom; she has worked so hard in the past year to ensure that we would be together this holiday season. She has given up so much for me, and now a year's worth of waiting will be over in two months!