Month 1, Day 4
Location: Titanyen, Haiti
Event: There’s still differing opinion on this… But pretty sure I broke my foot.
What I learned: I don’t trust people I’ve only known for a total of 11 days to take care of me. Also, if possible, avoid medical professionals that are not licensed in the United States.
Month 2, Week 1
Location: La Paz, Bolivia
Event: Debrief 1; Altitude sickness and the only hostel in the country in which you had to climb 4 flights of stairs to do everything
What I learned: Crutches suck, and I should’ve gotten on a flight home in Miami (thanks for talking me outta that, Little Brother)
Month 3, middle of the month
Location: Huánuco, Peru
Event: The Ramen Noodles incident
What I Learned: No one freaking listens and rules only matter when AIM makes them up
Month 4, Day 11
Location: Latacunga, Ecuador
Event: They Took Jofre From Me
What I Learned: Sad me quickly turns into angry me and angry me is only fun for me. Zero ____s given.
Month 4, End Of Month
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Event: Then, They Took Toby From Me
What I Learned: This is stupid. I’m going home in two days, and I’m staying.
So that’s where we were as of January 4th. I was ready to go home, and not just to visit. Everything I need is there, and like I was told “God will still let you into heaven if you don’t go to Africa.” So, we’re good here. I spent 4 months of my life being mostly miserable. No need to do it for 7 more, right? Plus, I have a life to live. Career to develop. Relationship to establish. Important things to do. This has been fun, but real life is calling.
Month 5, Travel Day 1
Location: Washington, DC
Event: I’m Coming Home… Sorta… Or Farreal
What I Learned: They’re proud of me. I’m learning a lot, about the world and about myself. It’s only 7 more months. And the first 4 haven’t been all bad. They’ll be here, just as excited, if not more excited, to see me in 7 months. And think of all the fun stories I’ll have to tell. Actually, think of all the fun stories I’ve already gotten to tell…
Month 1, Day 4
Location: Titanyen, Haiti
Event: Screwed Up My Foot Playing Basketball With Haitian Orphans
What I Learned: I’d never been in more pain than in that moment. But it made for fun conversation with a bunch of teenagers who I never would’ve gotten a chance to talk to over the next few weeks. And their dad said he got to teach them a lesson about safety after. At least someone’s getting something outta this. And I guess my squadmates are pretty cool.
Month 2, weeks 2-4
Location: Rio Selva, Bolivia
Event: Running Our Kitchen
What I Learned: I can be in charge of something without being a total control freak! And it has been super fun hanging out with everyone during the day, and watching how the teams function. Also nice not feeling useless, so there’s that.
Month 3, Week 2
Location: Huánuco, Peru
Event: Produced & Edited A Video That Aired On Peruvian Television
What I Learned: I’m a freaking bad ass. And it’s really cool getting to share my gifts with my ministry, and my teammates. Also, I’m freaking bad ass.
Month 4, Week 2
Location: Latacunga, Peru
Event: Jofre Fed Himself
What I Learned: OMG! This kid is a rockstar. If you give someone the love, confidence and kick in the pants to do something, they can do it. He fed himself! And he knows he can do it, whether I’m around or not. How freaking cool is that?
Month 4, End of Month
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Event: Toby’s A Squad Leader
What I Learned: I’m so proud of her! And I’m a genius because I called this months ago. It kinda sucks for me, but the squad is gonna be better for it.
Month 5, Travel Day 1
Location: Washington, DC
Event: I’m Coming Home… Sorta
What I Learned: They’re proud of me. I’m learning a lot, about the world and about myself. It’s only 7 more months. And the first 4 have been pretty cool. They’ll be here, just as excited, if not more excited, to see me in 7 months. And think of all the fun stories I’ll have to tell.
