One of my heart’s desires is to expose my son, Micah (10 years old) to different cultures and help him learn other languages.   Early on in my parenting I realized that if I wanted him to learn something he often responded by not wanting to learn it.  So, despite the fact that I used to teach middle school Spanish and French, I have forced myself to be low-key about wanting him to learn a language.

This summer, however, I found a way to achieve my dream.  I took Micah to a Spanish Immersion program in Veracruz, Mexico (see www.VeracruzSpanish.com) where we lived, cooked, shopped, danced, played and made friends while learning and practicing Spanish.   I was thrilled the first time Micah responded in Spanish to a question I asked and my heart overflowed with joy as I witnessed the expansion of his worldview.

While in Veracruz, we took a bus 3 ½ hours south to a town called Catemaco.  From Catemaco we took a long motor boat ride across a pristine volcanic lake to an Ecological Reserve called Nanciyaga.  This reserve is replete with iguanas, crocodiles, birds, snakes, monkeys and, of course, mosquitoes.  They have recreated an ancient Olmec ritual ground deep in the jungle and there are 10 small cabins for guests.  We spent the night there and received Olmec healing treatments such as massage, mineral mud baths and a spiritual cleansing from the Shaman.  At night we could hear the crocodiles making soft roaring sounds and in the morning we were awakened by the sounds of the entire jungle waking up!

The main reason I wanted to share this with you is because many mothers have told me that they feel trapped by motherhood – unable to go on adventures and devoid of thrills.  I admit that I have felt this way, too.  But this trip showed me that I can have adventures with my son that are thrilling and educational for both of us.