Final Adu

The time has come for me to cease this foreigner existence. I have begun packing and playing in earnest. I have thrown away more of my meager worldly possessions as the phrase “baggage fees” does not mix well with the title “volunteer.”

For the past year and two months, I have lived the life of one who has slipped into an issue of National Geographic. Everyday I awoke to the sights and sounds of the third world. Bustling, crowded open air markets were my grocery stores, flamboyantly decorated buses full to bursting of people were my transport, a new and strange voice my only language and the knowledge that each day would hold a new adventure the likes of which I had never seen became the reason for my leap out of bed. I have walked two pairs of sandals into oblivion during this experience and my running shoes are paper thin thanks to the cobble stone streets and steep terrain. I have watched the sun rise over the black sand beaches of Guatemala’s Pacific coast and watched it set over the lava fields of Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s more than 20 active volcanoes. I have slept within mosquito netting deep in the heart of the jungle while being serenaded by the sounds of Howler Monkeys and Jaguars hunting. I have braved the urban jungle as well. I worked with Guatemala City’s most impoverished, walking amongst the trash with them, entering their homes and experiencing the hospitality of one who has nearly nothing to offer, but is happy to offer all that they have. I have seen violence, happiness, sadness, loss, gain, gratefulness and success. I feel as though I have lived 100 lifetimes in the time that I have spent amongst these Guatemalans, Germans, Americans, Mexicans, British, Africans, Dutch, Chinese, Koreans, Canadians and French. I have befriended people from every continent on this planet. The offers of places to stay and people to play with are now open to me in almost every country in Europe and many other countries throughout the world.

In mid-October I will return to Traverse City. I look forward to this homecoming! I can not wait to see the people that I treasure and the places that I love. I know of some losses, such as Mike Moran (who now lives in San Diego and will be taking the music scene by storm any day), but I have heard of so many wonderful things. The State Theater continues its brilliance, downtown will still be my most favorite of places, Amical and Northpeak remain open as do so many of the other perfect restaurants and businesses that I frequent when home. I simply cannot wait to return home and begin life in Traverse City anew.

With that happiness comes a certain measure of sadness. Those that I have met here in Guatemala have become so very dear to me, the thought of leaving pains me so. But, this country has been a rebirth, not a permanent exodus from life for me, as it is for almost every one of them. They all will soon begin their journeys back into “the real world.” They will find, as I am sure that I will, that this “real world” is completely changed in their eyes. One can not do the things that have been done or see the things that have been seen and remain unchanged. My love and care for humanity has increased ten fold. This human condition that we find ourselves in will always fascinate me and I will always strive to improve the conditions of those less fortunate than I.

And so, barring any acts of God, I will be “home” in less than two weeks. I have many things to do upon my return! One of my best friends just had a baby that I must see, I am about 150 Apple Martinis behind all of my friends and I have not hit anyone with a snowball in two years. A lot of catching up to do! Parking Patrol beware!!