Days are winding down for me here at Esperanza. I had a very nice meeting with the director of the organization last Friday and we were able to talk frankly about my experiences and the lack of communication and flow of information between her, the coordinator in Seattle, Eduardo and myself. Of course, she was supportive of my decision to stay until the new volunteers come in two weeks. That's nice because it lets me stay here and then go directly to Cuernavaca where I will arrive the 18th of July and beging working the 19th. I think there is so much to be learned from the time I have spent here, but it will only begin to process once I have left. Funny how sometimes you have to step out of a situation to realize what is really going on. It's hard to leave, I have friends and families here and I do love the organization. At least I know that I will be welcome in the future, and I do hope to someday return to take a look at the foundation from the organizational level (which had been my original intent). I will never say that I "lost" anything from this experience. In fact, my life has been enriched in many unexpected ways and I feel even more settled in who I am and where I am going than I have in such a long time. And, somewhere amongst the list of all my heady plans (those learning goals I set for myself) was that hearty goal of finding a space of peace and feeling myself centered again. God doesn't always give you what you want, but He always gives you what you need.

I had a nice weekend, although I was a little sad not to be celebrating the fourth of July with my family in Oregon. I did have a good day though! I had recovered enough from a terrible stomach flu that attacked me on Friday to feel up to a little day trip to San Diego. I went with a friend of mine, his friend, and his friend's girfriend's family! Did you catch all that? We dropped the girls off at the mall while me and the guys went to Jack in the Box for lunch and Fry's to buy a computer for my bud's brother. Found it, worked-out my technical Spanish vocab translating and got an American flag that we put in the car wind as we left. We dropped off our friend who was taking the girls back to Tijuana and my friend and I went on an adventure to Coronado Island. It was so exciting! The place was tranquil, but packed with people playing in the park and on the beaches, camping out, volleyball, bbq's!! It was comforting to be to be on the US side of the border line for a couple hours on Independence Day. We lolly-gagged around, sipped a coffee and people watched and eventually headed home. I was satisfied with our little adventures, and returned rather blissfully to the Mexico side. I just feel different here, and it's a sentiment I can't yet explain. :)

Well, we have a big week ahead of us and I should go get ready. I'm working solo today and tomorrow with the groups. I hope next week I can work full-time with the social worker since the incoming long-term volunteer will be here.

Much Love.

aly