Having visitors here in the DR from outside the country always manages to teach me something. Abruptly crossing paths with someone from my previous life is like revisiting the edge of an old forest.
The trees are the same plants that grew before. Only now their form is different; often larger, fuller, broader. And I am the same person that boarded that plane almost two years ago, only my form has also changed inexplicably.
It serves as both a point of reference for growth for both of us (the tree and me), as well as a reminder of what we are striving to grow towards and why.
Today marks 88 days from the end of this experience. 88 days. At first, I felt visitors would have been better at the beginning or middle of my service. But after considering the above, I cannot imagine more perfect timing. I am entering a time of re-entry.
It seems backwards for anyone who isn’t an astronaut, no?
Living life here with little stimulus and without the need for it presents a stark contrast to the life that awaits me pa’lla. I mean, both visitors had smart phones when they visited – things that were still very exclusive when I left the states. Seeing those alone send me into an overwhelming sense that things may be a little complicated when I get home.
Granted, it had been my home for 22 years. I should re-adjust eventually. Simply put, I’ll live.
However, here-in lies a secondary fear: I don’t want to simply live. Will I forget the lessons this experience has taught me? Some of you argue, “You’ll always remember what you learned because it was such a profound experience.”
Well, sure. Memories. Pictures. Nostalgia. Sure.
I mean, in practice. Will I continue to grow in the things I have learned? Continue implementing the ideas, the desires that have gained clarity here? Will they grow and bear fruit in my American life? Can they?
Our close of service conference is next week. My after Peace Corps life literally begins before I leave!
In my visitors, I am so glad to have had a reminder of the love that awaits me back home. I am fortunate to have a lot of friends who share similar interests and desires to see change in their worlds.
It’s going to be an interesting last three months. Lots of thinking to be done.
can’t wait to shower you with americana love
88 days!