13 days and counting

This year is full of new experiences. So far in the past 5 months:

1. I wrote out 16 science tests today, by hand, because the copy machine has been broken for a few weeks.


2. I haven't had power in the evenings for more than two months.


3. I kissed a jellyfish.


4. I've learned to scuba dive, and now it's one of my favorite things.


5. I've taught someone something that they'll remember forever.


6. Complete strangers turned into best friends.


7. I have seen myself change lives.


8. I have been completely alone.


9. Been close enough to a water snake to lick it.


10. Slept all night outside in a hammock in the rain.


11. Swam with the sharks


12. I've drank coconut juice out of a fresh coconut.


13. Eaten the brain, eyeball, and liver of a fish we just caught.


14. Achieved inner peace and contentment.


15. Realized that I love kids.


16. And soon, hopefully touch a shark!

In just 13 days I'm leaving for Manila in the Philippines! I am so excited to get to have the experience of seeing a new country and take a little break from school. There is a tiny island called Donsol off the coast of the Philippines which is home to the whale shark. The biggest shark on record, these giant animals only eat krill! So of course, I have to swim with them. The best part is that if the sharks let you, you can even touch or RIDE them! How amazing is that? That list of the new experiences I've had is so small but it's fun to think of all the new things I've done. I'm sure that in another 5 months, the list will be tripled, if not more. I can't wait!