As my final day approaches, I ask myself what my next step will be. I have enjoyed my time here despite the obvious difficulties (no running water)and my adventurous spirit has yet to wane. I still spin the globe and dream about life in other places. I still feel nostalgia for places I've never been, and I still have a potent passion to work in the non-profit sector. I know that if I can survive three months here with the language barriers, cultural differences, poorer lifestyle and enjoy every minute of it, I can survive anywhere. My experiences have taught me so much. I have witnesses how good organizations operate, and how bad organizations falter. I learned how important oversight is, the importance of presenting one self as a leader, and the difficulties of makign rapid fast decisions at any given moment. The cultural differences here have prepared me, I feel, for any random inconvenience in the workplace. Such a fast paced and stressful environment has taught me how to mold myself to be more flexible and respect the difficulties that many people here have to overcome (such as no internet).
Obviously, I learned a lot about microfinance as well. I learned, at least in my opinion, how much better it is than NGO. The saying is, they don't give handouts but rather a helping hand. Microfinance teaches solidarity, opens up communities, teaches responsibilities, and lays the ground work for future progress. Of course, it is not an answer for poverty. Not in the least bit. But it does help alleviate the troubles that poverty induces. I really hope that someday I can implement what I have learned here somewhere else and make a lasting impact.
Overall, I am glad to go home. I feel that three months was more than enough time for me to be here. I am looking forward to seeing family and friends. My family already agreed to be waiting for me in Boston with a pizza and a milkshake. I plan to watch a Red Sox game, catch a Pats game, eat some hamburgers, go to the movies, and enjoy the luxuries of running water, air conditioning, internet, medical insurance, and food (I lost 20 lbs here, and I already weighed only 155 when I got here). Needless to say, I will need a good 2 weeks rest before I return to school. I am appreciative for all the friends I made here, and for the great work that Esperanza is doing in this country. Well, that's it! I'M SHIPPING OFF TO BOSTON!!!!! The most beautiful city in the WORLD ;)
