Going Home

June 6, 2011

Tomorrow I leave La Tajeada.

I’m going home! I can’t decide whether that statement deserves an exclamation mark or a period.

It’s not that I’m not excited to see my family and do all of those American things I’ve been missing. I’m super excited. However, I keep looking at myself in the mirror trying to figure out who is going home.

It’s amazing how much a year can mold me. This year has given me a new perspective on living, on myself, on the world, on development work. This year has matured me.

It’s tested me. It’s pushed me beyond what I thought I could handle. And each time I thought I had reached my limit, I adapted.

This year has made me proud of myself.

I’m nervous about stepping off the plane in Wisconsin and having to adapt again. This time to my own country.

I’m ready to be overwhelmed. I’ve already daydreamed about walking into the supermarket and not being able to decide between the 20 different kinds of mustard on the shelf. I’m ready for the trip to the mall where a pair of jeans cost $40, more than my neighbor’s weekly income.

My personal motto for Peace Corps training was, “Don’t have expectations”. I think I need to take my motto back home with me. Be flexible, don’t have expectations, adapt yourself to the situation, and don’t judge. Don’t judge. Don’t judge. Don’t judge.

As my wise mother has said, “it’s not right, it’s not wrong, it’s just different.”