Home Again, Home Again

It was so refreshing to be amongst family and friends last week. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family in Portland, and then being with some of my best friends in Seattle. It was a necessary break from the work here and the recent stress regarding the decision to stay or go from Esperanza. I received a lot of affirmation in advocating for myself and accepting that I may have jumped the gun, or got into something without fully knowing what it was. The ongoing tension between the US and Mexico however has really taken its toll on our (the long-term volunteers) work/role here at Esperanza. The other long-term volunteer and I sometimes ponder what we thought it would be like, should be like, and what it is. Instead of a steady-stream of summer groups, we have a full 5 weeks without any group...And they continue to cancel, postpone, or reduce numbers to a mere 6 people strong. *sigh* There is less enthusiasm for work here without groups, but the work continues regardless. Needless to say, as long-term volunteers we expected to be busy and tending to the needs of groups, giving directions, leading excursions, etc. Instead we work until the afternoon and then have hours of free-time. Yes, any service is good, all charity and acts of love are fruitful and not a wasted endeavor. Personally, I feel that I can learn more by taking up a different service opportunity for the second half of my year-off from school, and that is what I am pursuing.

Let me tell you though, our work here is precious, and so are the community members. We have been working at one house just down the street from Esperanza. The woman is so kind and friendly, offering us food to ake home, little keychains embellished with a saint's portrait, and an overall fun person to be around. I am so proud of the work of Esperanza, making people's dreams come true. But every rose has it's thorn. I sat in the most awkward meeting yesterday. The social workers who had just returned from (another) 2-week trip from Oaxaca were talking about how beautiful Oaxaca and the people are, and how they hope the technicians can go see it, etc. etc. The technicians have yet to be convinced that this Oaxaca project is really where the energy of Esperanza should be placed when there is such a great need in Tijuana, and when Esperanza in Tijuana has unfinished projects and inadequate tools due to short resources...hmmm...It is sometimes difficult to be a neutral bystander in these meetings when the social workers and technicians seem pitted against one another and when Idefinitely have my own opinion.

Other than this, I am enjoying having time to cook nutritious food, sleep, exercise, and read. The sun is finally shining, the birds are singing, and I think it is time for me to go for a run.

Best Wishes!

aly