I truly cannot recall the
last time I have ever done that. I mean by the way Americans travel, have you
been gone a whole year without taking a flight (those afraid of planes don’t
count, sorry, I know you create ways to get around it). Not that I have not
traveled during my service as some of you have followed along my journals; I
have been fortunate to visit friends all the way on the Eastern side to
semi-nearby, from the beach to seeing Honduras a 5 minute walk away.
But, it’s a different
feeling going through packing, security, checking the passport 5.75 times,
customs, and realizing how BIG the US is in comparison to most places in the
world.
It was such a
wonderful feeling arriving in the United States. I even felt like a tourist and
took a photo of the customs “welcome sign” (below for your pleasure). It was a
wonderful first reunion with my family, then having lovely dinner (pretty sure
I ate my meal PLUS everyone else’s). I
kept saying how tall Amanda was, then realizing she was sportin’ 3 and ½ inch
heels. I seriously could not grasp she grew THAT MUCH in a year. There were
several unexpected moments to say the least.
(goooo US!)
I did not miss having
to drive everywhere (mostly because I am deathly afraid of being pulled over…police
seem to be attracted to me and NOT in a good way), cost of gas, oh and of
course the Arizona heat.
Although, I was able
to see several friends, fortunately some family as well (thank you Papa,
Grandma, and Aunt Diane for driving to Phoenix)! I ate WAY too much delicious
food, for some reason could not get enough pizza in my system during my week
and half vacation. I think I had it over
8 times….not kidding. The wedding of my best friend, Rifka, truly was
incredible and lovely in every way possible.
(flowers and menus)
(Rifka and I enjoying the sun and champagne together)
Thank you so much to her family
and friends for welcoming me into every part of the wedding. Of course, I was
reminded how beautiful and incredible the state of Colorado is, I cannot wait
to return to that amazing place. 
(Nothing like getting married on the top of Keystone Mountain)
The highlight of my trip was just being with
my mom and sister. For those of you who have had the chance to meet them, one
of them and know all three of us quiet well, we are one of the same. There
really are no words for it, but being with those two truly makes my life
complete in every way possible. We know each other’s weaknesses, strengths,
favorite everything in every flavor and I honestly wished someone locked us in
one room for 24 hours (without cell phones) to just catch up and be together.
They have both made me the person I am today.
:-)
Gracias a Dios, after
delays and flight changes, I arrived back in San Salvador to the world of a Spanish-speaking
late Thursday evening. It worked out that one of my best friends here, Elsa,
was returning from the US as well and attending a conference this week so she
stayed up at hostel waiting for me. I could not have been happier to see a
friend and enjoy some oh-so-delicious boxed wine on my arrival. Then on Friday,
I returned to site after a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments (I am fine don’t
worry, I ended with being prescribed a condensed chamomile spray, it tastes
weird and awful). On arrival my entire family except my host brother went to
the beach…major let down. Though once they eventually returned, there were
hugs, smiles, gifts were exchanged and I felt better again. As much as it feels
like home here more than the US right now, it’s so hard to adjust. I feel I am
in schlump in many ways (most volunteers feel this way when returning from
America, if you don’t…you are not normal). Though I know things will slowly
pick up and get moving again, it’s just hard to find the motivation right now.
Overall, I have a lot more reliable shoes now than before(the only workable
pair I brought to the US broke walking to security in Phoenix…GREAT timing),
many new tank tops and stocked up on my candy stash for (maybe) 6 months. :-)
It was so wonderful
seeing everyone in America. I cannot thank each of you enough for all of your
support this past year and I honestly will probably continue needing it this
next year ahead. I have been told the second year flies by a lot faster than
the first, let’s hope that is true! For those of you I saw, caught up with, I
am so sorry I was not able to chat with more of everyone back home. The trip
truly felt like such a quick vacation running around and getting things done.
But, I know when I do return eventually, I will have more time to hopefully see
and catch up with everyone in person. :-)
The trip did remind me
why I am here versus the US, I still have grants to proceed with, trainings to
organize, camps to orchestrate, friends to meet, experiences to have and
probably more odd health issues to experience (I seriously want Dengue, GREAT
conversation starter and I have been bitten up by enough mosquitoes at this
point, it’s ridiculous I do not have it already). Until the next adventure
ahead, hope all of you heading back to school, starting a new opportunity, job,
place, or just a new recipe….do not be afraid to make a few mistakes along
away, for that is how you learn!
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