Shaking things up!

This morning at 4:55am things really got shaken up around here! I felt my first earthquake in Costa Rica! I don't normally get up this early but I set my alarm for 4:45 because I wanted to do a few things before work. I am wondering if I would of even woke up for the earthquake if my alarm didn't already go off! Maggie was also pretty sleepy and only woke up for a few seconds and just sat up as if to say "really, can you stop not I'm trying to sleep!!" I didn't even realize what was happening at first, I though just a really big truck was passing by at first and then when it didn't stop and got stronger I realized I was experiencing my first quake! So, then I HAD to know the magnitude. I kept refreshing the "todays earthquakes" page on my phone and then it finally came up and this is what I saw:

 A 6.1 earthquake! I experienced a 6.1 earthquake!! Then later they changed the number from a 6.1 magnitude earthquake to 5.8 magnitude earthquake. This is still stronger than any quake I’ve every felt! The only other earthquake I have ever actually felt was a 4.9 back in 2003. This was MUCH different! The weirdest part was when it was settling back down and I could feel the earth swaying back and forth! Yet another new adventure for me!

Thankful for Pan American Montessori Society (PAMS) in Costa Rica!

I am so thankful that I am able to do my Montessori practicum in Costa Rica! I've been learning a little more Spanish every day and slowly, I'm get over my fear of speaking in Spanish! I have made friends with people in the apartments that I live in, or rather, Maggie has made a friend and that has caused me to start talking with Luna's family (Luna is Maggie's friend). Everyone has been extremely nice and I have really enjoyed living in Santa Ana. 

Although, the main reason why I am so thankful to practice in Costa Rica is because I am able to work with people who also have a PAMS training. Because PAMS is not a huge society like American Montessori Society (AMS) or American Montessori Internationale (AMI), it is rare to find schools in the united states, where everyone is PAMS trained. I feel so lucky because I know many other teachers from my training have not had the opportunity to work with a PAMS teacher. Even though all the teachers are PAMS trained, because they were trained by different people than me, there are still some minor differences in the work being done. However, this is another thing that I absolutely LOVE because we are all open and willing to learn from each other! I could not have asked for a better work environment for my practicum! Everyday I have gone into work I just think to myself, “Wow, what a wonderful opportunity I have!”

Today, I am extremely excited to go to work tomorrow! I can’t wait to see all of the kids again and learn even more! I really feel coming to Costa Rica, even for the short time I will be here, has been the best decision I could have made! I would also like to thank everyone for helping me along the way and to those who have helped me since I have been here. I am truly thankful for this experience. 

First Day of School!!!

Today was the first day of school! Last week was a teacher work week getting everything prepared for the children to come. Today they came and it was simply wonderful! I got to meet all of the kids and they were all so wonderful!! I love them all and can't wait to get to know them better. I really do feel more complete being with the children! Here is a picture of all the teachers at the school I'm working at..

Also take a look at hometwo's website!