I just got back from an amazing trip in the Dominican Republic. This was my third time going, and by far the best. We got so much work done, and even had some time for play! Over these past three trips, I have formed undescribable relationships with some of the people there. There are not my friends, they are my family. They changed my life. The showed me how to treat other people, how to love, and most importantly how to live. They play such a huge role in my life, it hurts so much every time I have to say goodbye. The DR is my home. Up until this trip, I have always left with the certainity of returnng in 6 months. However, because of my eleven month commitment next year, I won't be back for a year and a half.
I have had a hard time dealing with the idea that I will be without seeing my Dominican family for so long. Today, I tried to think about it in a different light. If the Dominican is my home, is it fair to stay there? Is it fair to the rest of the world for me to stay where I am loved and comfortable. No.
I have to leave home. I have to experience different cultures, dangers and different people. So i will leave home with the hope that when I return, I will have more to share with my family. I will leave home with the hope that my family will extend to all corners of the world.
As I was saying goodbye to my friends on the last night, I had a very hard time fighting back tears. The more I said "Adios", the more the tears came down. When I got to one of my friends, he looked through my tears, into my eyes and said, "No adios, solo hasta luego." There are no goodbyes, only "see you later"s.
I'm not abandoning my family in the Dominican, I am leaving home to find more peace and love to bring them.
