On year.
It sounded like a long time. It’s not.
Yes, a lot has happened.
But it’s not a long time…it’s not enough time.
August 13, 2012 I left Minnesota to live in Antigua,
Guatemala for one year as a long-term volunteer with the organization Common Hope. All I knew was that I was going to be working
in their youth program…my full job description had not developed yet. I was excited and nervous. I knew I was doing the right thing.
Today is August 13, 2013.
It is one year later, and I’m not going home yet. I decided to extend my stay until
December…and now I just recently decided that I will be coming back here in
January to stay until June after being home for Christmas. I’m not finished here.
It’s amazing how comfortable you can get in a place that
is very different than your home for your first 22 years. Though, places may be different, but people
and communities are everywhere. And that
is what makes you comfortable in a place…that’s how you make a home in a new
place.
Why am I staying? There
are many reasons. One of the big reasons
is I still feel like I’m not finished with my work that I am adding to the
youth program at Common Hope. I started
a girls’ leadership program this year, and I really want to make sure it
continues. I feel if I can start it off
next year, I can make it better and it will continue. I re-vamped the leadership group they had
when I arrived here. I think we have
made some positive changes this year, but it can be better too. Am I the only person who can make these
changes next year and ensure that it continues?
Of course not. But I know that I
can be the person who does it, and I want
to be that person.
My work is the main factor keeping me here, but that does
not negate all the great relationships I have established that I am not ready
to leave. I receive such energy from
living here that I cannot explain. Life
is exciting and enriching. I like it. I
love it. :)
Will I ever come (go) back to Minnesota? This is a question I know some people in my
life are wondering. The answer is
“Yes.” I am sure of it. I love my life here; that is for sure. But I know that I will be back in
Minnesota. So, do not fear those who are
wanting me back. It will happen. :)
One year. It
seemed like such a long time. But it is
here.
This is a photo of almost all of the employees of Common Hope after a work event!! :) A great family.
