Homecoming

July 5th/6th 2007

Travel Day- I can't quite describe my feelings today. I don't think the experiences of the last ten days have sunk in yet. I'm going to miss waking up early and sipping on my cup of coffee at 5 am....the beautiful view of the volcanoes in the morning. Leaving Casa Blanca meant saying good bye to some really cool people. As we rode back to Managua, i was content to just sit and listen to the conversations in the vehicle. Justin joined us on the way back and so did two other workers from portland. They were here to see if solar panels could be built to support the farm. As we drove back to the city, I was struck by the different sorts of poverty in Nicaragua. In the urban setting, the poverty is more related to squatters and high rates of unemployment. I actually saw the only Mcdonald's here as well.

After saying a heartfelt goodbye at the airport, Patty and I made our way through security. Even standing in the lines and looking around me, I was struck by the social structure. I was now sorrounded by wealthy nicaraguans on their way to the states. They had their air conditioned cars and their name brand purses. I don't condemn them in any way. We all have our fortunes and I too am fortunate enough to travel and enjoy the luxuries in my life. But at the same time, we all make choices and I think that my choice to travel to Nicaragua and spend ten days here was a leap of faith which really did pay off in the end.

I can't believe i just decided to get on a plane and without even meeting Patty just head to a foriegn country. I have seen this amazing woman through her high points and her low points. I am so glad to have met her and made a friend. She is really someone to look up to. Her passion and enthusiasm for life is overwhelming. I will be coming back to Nicaragua next year and staying longer. I intend to learn spanish by then so that I dont miss out on the complete experience. I know that I have a calling and I have found it. I just have to work towards it. It has been a very emotional journey and I dont think it has ended yet. The more I travel on my own and see the realities people face, the more humbled I am. I feel rejuvinated by this experience and that I can take on the world.

It is easy to give up in the face of adversity and but we all make a choice and I realize that the locals in Nicaragua chose to take a giant leap of faith and fight for their future. I too choose...choose to live...choose to laugh...choose to make a difference. I choose...