Friday, January 11, 2013

Living the Life of our Dreams


We have been toying with the idea of living abroad since before we were married.

We started off our married life with a 2 month honeymoon to Southeast Asia.  That has been the best decision of our marriage thus far (except for Tatum).  We took a risk.  We did something completely unconventional.  We were at a crossroads in our life, and we decided to go for it!  We loved it.  We learned and grew and experienced and loved.  And those are the best bonding times and memories of our lives.

Now we face another crossroads.  But this time, we have a job, a ward, a comfortable home, and for heavens sakes, we have a child!  Nevertheless, we are at a crossroads.  There is a big gap between where we are and where we want to be.

We are moving to Costa Rica.
Yep!  This is real.

We bought one-way flights to Liberia, Costa Rica, and plan to spend 3-5 months on the Nicoya peninsula.  Then, we plan to head to Panama and hopefully end with a month or two in Peru.  (These plans may change, right now, we're focused on Costa Rica.)

There is never a "good time" to give notice to your landlords, quit your job, and buy a one-way flight to Costa Rica... but of all times, this is the best time for us.  This decision to completely change our lives has been a long time coming.  Like I said, we began discussing this when we were just dating.  It has come up in conversation increasingly more over the last 6 months.   It was December 16 when we really buckled down and decided to make this change.  Things are moving fast, but we could not be more thrilled!!!  Sometimes you have to take a step into the unknown to discover your potential and live the life that brings you happiness.  Here are some of our goals at this point.

1.  Experience a new culture and lifestyle
2.  Learn Spanish
3.  Contribute to and learn from the people in a small LDS branch
4.  Eat fresh,  Eat local
5.  Relax and enjoy!

We anticipate adventures and misadventures.  We anticipate days when we long for an iphone or wish for instantly hot dishwater.  Days when we'd give anything for a pork salad or days when all I want is a girlfriend who will go to lunch with me.  But much, much more than those things, we anticipate days where we are not rushed or stressed or pressured.  Days when we can spend our time trying new fruits and veggies, going hiking, or days spent planning a party for our new friends.  While we have a rough plan for the next year, I know that plan will change.  I know things won't work out how I expect them to. I know there will be times when even I think we're crazy.  But I know that if we don't do this, if we don't take this risk and delve into the unknown, that the passion and vision and perspective that I want for myself and for my children cannot be had.

Maybe we will hate it.  Maybe it will be miserable and maybe we will move home in 2 months.  But at least we will know.  We will know that we went after our dream.  We will know that we accomplish our goals, instead of letting life happen to us.

But hopefully we will love it!  Hopefully we will realize the potential that is ours and be happier, better people.  Hopefully we will understand the world around us and find new ways to contribute in a meaningful way.  Hopefully we will expand our thoughts and vision for ourselves and our family.

And it is for those reasons that we are doing this crazy thing!!
Pura Vida
:)

17 comments:

Unknown said...

ahh have you been before? i love costa rica. Put "el coconut" on your list in Tamarindo. DELISH food!!! I can't wait to see all of your adventures!! you guys are awesome.. xo
http://elcoconut-tamarindo.com/restaurant.htm

Dane and Korine Dellenbach said...

So excited and happy for you guys!! We'll miss you lots, but wish you the best! =)

ali said...

So awesome!!! We want to move abroad as well and are taking the steps to get us there :) nothing like following your dreams!!

Leanna said...

So exciting!!! Keep us posted on more details. Uds van a encantar la vida latina! Plus Costa Rica will have both conveniences of progress and the culture and experience that you are both seeking. I am sure it will be a fantastic adventure. Will you be working somewhere specific? Best to you and Scott!

Joni said...

Wow wow wow. So cool. I stepped outside yesterday morning and thought...it feels like Costa Rica right now. AND when we moved here I thought wow, this reminds me of Costa Rica. So when you are ready to move back to the states think about Alabama. :). Best of luck and I cant wait to hear about your adventure.

Janssen said...

I love this post - we're at a bit of a crossroads too, and it's easy to just keep doing what you're doing, when what you dream of is kind of difficult. But I think it's worth going for!

Heather said...

Wonderfully written. You guys are so inspiring. Go. Live your dream. But keep us posted! So proud of you.

Pots and Pins said...

Wow! I'm so envious! Can't wait to see the pics - have fun and be careful - you are living the dream for sure!!! xo, Nan

Julie T said...

Ah,to be young again! We could go do that (if Dad weren't so busy!) See ya "just around the riverbend, Pocahontas!" So glad you're finally getting to Peru!!!

Marianne & Eddie said...

Amazing!!! Best thing I've heard. Can't wait to hear about your adventures. You just don't hear about people doing this and I think it's fantastic!

Chelsea said...

Aaaaah! So excited for you guys!!! I'm all about up and moving somewhere just for the heck of it. Way to grab life by the horns! :D

Chelsea said...

Aaaaah! So excited for you guys!!! I'm all about up and moving somewhere just for the heck of it. Way to grab life by the horns! :D

Elise said...

Those crazy Hathaways! J/K! That's awesome. Oh to be young and carefree again...sigh. I figured something was brewing! I'm so excited for you guys!! You'll LOVE it. I'd be completely surprised if you didn't!

Tara said...

You guys are so awesome. Kudos for following your dream. I hope it will be a good experience for you. We up and move every 18 mos-2 years, but just in the states. Still, I love seeing new places. I'm excited to watch your blog and hear how your new life down south goes!

Kristen said...

Look who's following your blog now!

Emily Holden said...

What an exciting adventure! Best of luck with everything! Can't wait to hear all about it.

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