"The Lebanon Sentiment" returns. Before going to Beirut for SINARC (I'm in the picture, toward the left, in the first standing row, wearing black and white, if you cared to know), I met with more "why-would-you-ever-want-to-go-to-Lebanon"s than I could count, so many that I genuinely began to doubt the decision.
Now the (longtime) countdown to Nicaragua December 2010 has begun, and the phrase has been recycled. Except this time, I haven't doubted the decision for a second. How could I ever do JVC? Here are some answers for you.
A Culture That Really Counts
As an American I (we) am (are) trapped into the idea that drinkable water is just a faucet away, that I am entitled to my own oversized transportation vehicle complete with air conditioning and a sound system, that money can buy me basically anything worth having. Woops. Not the reality in the rest of the world. I am looking forward to two years in the world's poorest Spanish-speaking country because I know I will emerge with a better realization of that reality, and with a better understanding of the mantra of which I am increasingly convinced: All you need is love.
Spanish
Despiertate y huelete las rosas. Esto es un pais bilingue. Y para entender la vida "Americana" completamente, hay que saber la lengua creciente: el espanol. Despues de dos anos alla en Nica, no habran dudas de mi fluidez en dos idiomas! (How did I do, Spanish speakers? Other than the falta de accentos?)
Cliche Central America
I am looking forward to what I expect from countries like Guate, Nica, El Salvador, Costa Rica...salsa/merengue dancing, fruits with impossible names, tropical forests, beautifully dark-skinned people and a relentless sun. I'm tired of convenience stores, paved roads, my addiction to my laptop, dressing up for work, etc. I'm ready to replace all that with Heather-ana Jones. Okay, slightly unrealistic image. And don't get me wrong, I am mostly looking forward to the moments I don't expect.
My future
I REALLY like working for CRS this summer. Sure, sorting through file cabinets isn't my idea fun, but the non-profit world and I are a great fit. And I've noticed, a lot of the positions I'd be interested in getting as an "adult" (I'm totally a kid still B.T.Dubs) encourage/require experience abroad working with the poor and marginalized. I get to do what I enjoy AND find job security because of it. Hoyeah.
That Heart-Pressing Raw-Happy Ruined-for-Life Feeling
There's no way to put in into words. I've only tasted this; some people have lived it and I don't know if I'm strong enough to. But I'm going to try. It's the feeling of being stripped to your core by empathy and solidarity, having your heart broken and remade from immortal fabric...it must be like falling in love. Anyway, I crave that beautiful pain and think this is the way to immerse myself in it. It's so REAL.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, and not, when I had come to die, discover I had not lived.
If all that isn't enough for you, try: the brother and sister JVs I'll be living with. The opportunity to see the world. Not being tied down by anything. Getting letters and packages from close friends. Getting visitors--my parents and aunt are already committed. AND the joy of returning home. Cuz you don't know what you got til it's gone.
So I hope I've answered How-Could-You clearly enough. The answer is, how could I not?
Cliche Central America
I am looking forward to what I expect from countries like Guate, Nica, El Salvador, Costa Rica...salsa/merengue dancing, fruits with impossible names, tropical forests, beautifully dark-skinned people and a relentless sun. I'm tired of convenience stores, paved roads, my addiction to my laptop, dressing up for work, etc. I'm ready to replace all that with Heather-ana Jones. Okay, slightly unrealistic image. And don't get me wrong, I am mostly looking forward to the moments I don't expect.
My future
I REALLY like working for CRS this summer. Sure, sorting through file cabinets isn't my idea fun, but the non-profit world and I are a great fit. And I've noticed, a lot of the positions I'd be interested in getting as an "adult" (I'm totally a kid still B.T.Dubs) encourage/require experience abroad working with the poor and marginalized. I get to do what I enjoy AND find job security because of it. Hoyeah.
That Heart-Pressing Raw-Happy Ruined-for-Life Feeling
There's no way to put in into words. I've only tasted this; some people have lived it and I don't know if I'm strong enough to. But I'm going to try. It's the feeling of being stripped to your core by empathy and solidarity, having your heart broken and remade from immortal fabric...it must be like falling in love. Anyway, I crave that beautiful pain and think this is the way to immerse myself in it. It's so REAL.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, and not, when I had come to die, discover I had not lived.
If all that isn't enough for you, try: the brother and sister JVs I'll be living with. The opportunity to see the world. Not being tied down by anything. Getting letters and packages from close friends. Getting visitors--my parents and aunt are already committed. AND the joy of returning home. Cuz you don't know what you got til it's gone.
So I hope I've answered How-Could-You clearly enough. The answer is, how could I not?
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