1. Living in the islands

I miss the slow relaxed lifestyle of the islands. The beauty of the landscape of beaches, ocean, palm trees, and the tropical flowers.

2. Minimalism

I miss the simplicity of living somewhere else. Living in a poorer country and a smilier culture, you get by with having nothing and I enjoyed that. Being able to be happy and flourish just with the companionship of others and not a pile of material objects was nice.

3. The different weather

I enjoyed the warm island sun, and how the rain was so different there. Warm, tropical rain is such a great experience. I miss the way the weather was so different than here.

4. Teaching

I miss teaching, and how every day had a purpose. I miss my adorable students and all the kids at the school. I miss being called "miss" and being counted on and looked up to. You just don't get that at school anymore.

5. The friendly people

I miss driving through town and everyone waving at you like you are a celebrity. People you have never met see you drive by, they look up, wave and smile. It is so nice to feel loved by people you don't know.

6. The adventure

I miss exploring our little island home, going to waterfalls, and hiking around the hills and rocks. Being fearless and experiencing new things that I had never done before was what my whole year consisted of.

7. My SM family

I miss my SM family. I had the greatest group of SMs and fellow teachers that loved and supported me through it all. I have never in my life felt more supported and loved than I did my SM year. Even when we got upset at each other we were quick to send notes to each other encouraging one another and reminding each other why we are here.

8. Fresh start

I miss the thrill of going to a new location and not really knowing anyone. I was taking a year off school and doing something crazy, something I had never done before. It was nice to make new friends and experience new things.

9. The purpose to your year

I miss waking up every day and no matter how tired I was knowing I had to get up because 32 students were waiting on me to show up to school and take care of them for 8 hours. I knew that if I didn't get up or if I didn't go to school, my kids, the school, and the other teachers would suffer. I miss waking up every day and knowing I am needed.

I saw God working so clearly during my year. All the extra stuff was stripped away and I was forced to see him work. It was a time in my life when I felt so close to God and couldn't deny he was working closely in my life.

10. Experiencing a new culture

I miss living somewhere else with new rules and expectations, new foods, and a new way of life. Getting out of the business and consumer way of American life was so nice, and I miss not having to worry about the busyness of life. Island culture is very different from the American way of life.