el fin

Well, we have reached the last day of our journey here in Tijuana. Actually, tomorrow is my last full day here. Today is my last day of work though and it feels so awkward. I'm sick to my stomach about it. I feel like I should be excited about Cuernavaca, and yes, I am somewhere deep inside me. But there is a sense of sadness that I just can't shake right now, and it's a feeling of leaving something behind. It hurts. My time with Esperanza has been so challenging in so many ways. I have changed A LOT in the past 4 months. I feel like I arrived so long ago, but like time passed so quickly. And I have learned a lot too. I know it is right that I am moving on to Cuernavaca to work at CEMAL and CGIPC. Surely I will be inspired and find new activities, friends, and of course, challenges. Hopefully I can continue to deepen my faith, to discern my next steps along this path of life, and learn to love more deeply with a heart like Christ's. Part of me is nervous about the transition, about the new tasks, jobs, environments, etc. But part of me is comforted to be going "home" to Cuernavaca- a place I know and love, and a community that knows and loves me...much different from that which I've experienced here in TJ.

I should write more about my work with the social workers, about our escapades with my buddies, the twins, here, or about how I feel about the work of Esperanza now that I know it in a different way. But, I haven't much energy for such reflections. disculpenme. I am going to miss my compañera that has strengthened and encouraged me so much. She has been my constant companion these four months. I am going to miss going to mass here with the nice young priest and his enlightening sermons, and my rosary dates and early morning masses with the nuns. I'll miss the sea breeze and frolicking on the beach. and boy, how I will miss those boys, the twins that Monica and I have had so many fun little outings with, said midnight rosaries on the beach with, baked with and watched soccer with...sigh...I hope I can make new friends and keep those that I have found here. And maybe someday I will return. But I can feel the pages turning, one chapter ending, and one beginning as the story of my life unfolds...and I only wonder what is yet to come..?

Thanks for loving and supporting me during this period of service and learning in Tijuana at Fundación Esperanza.


Love,

aly