Well, a year has passed and my volunteer year has come to an end. In some ways it seems like forever ago that I came to the Ranch, and in others it seems like I only just arrived. It is really strange to say that I am not going back right now to the place I have worked so hard to make my home.
This year has been the most challenging year of my life, but also one of the most rewarding. I overcame language barriers and cultural confusion, terribly difficult children, and an exhausting work schedule. It has been so rewarding to work with the beautiful kids at the Ranch. Although they can be a handful, and sometimes very hard, I love each and everyone of them so much. I set out this year to be of service, learn Spanish, and learn about a different culture. I am coming home with so much more!
This year I have begun to learn what it means to truly serve and love another human being. Its hard! Whether I wanted to or not, each day I woke up with the purpose of devoting my full day to service. I learned so much about the importance of attitude and mindset, as well has how you can work service and love into everyday monotonous tasks. The times when I felt like I had truly served or loved another person were not the big things. They were small. Like tucking two year old Sarahi into bed, or reading a story to a sick kid at the clinic. It was in simple tasks that are seemingly small, but make all the difference. Even though I am no longer a volunteer, I hope to keep the spirit of a servant and incorporate it into my everyday life and job in the United States.
Saying goodbye to the people I have grown to love over the past year was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I am so appreciative of the NPH Staff, tios and tias, and Merlin, the doctor who I worked with, for making me feel so welcome and loved this year. Not to mention, saying goodbye to the kids. I miss each little face in Casa Suyapa and all of the frustration and humor that goes along with them! I could not even walk into Casa Suyapa without tears in my eyes, let alone hug anyone goodbye. I love my girls in Casa Suyapa so much. Last night I found my self looking at my watch around 8:00 and thinking ¨ They are all being tucked into bed right now and I am not there.¨ They were so adorable as I left! They could see I was sad and were trying to comfort me! ¨ Some of them were upset, but most are too little to realize that I am not coming back.
All and all, the goodbyes were extremely difficult but necessary! I know that it is right to go back to the States right now. My gut, and my bank account, are telling me so : ) As hard as it is to leave I know that it is right. Also, I know that I will be back, maybe just to visit, or maybe longer someday! I can´t stay away from the Ranch for too long. I would miss the rice and beans and the cockaroaches way too much!
Currently, my friend Danielle and I are traveling for a bit before we head back to the States. I am in Granada, Nicaragua in a beautiful colonial town on a lake, filled with pretentious European backpackers. We are then traveling down to Costa Rica and back to the US.
Thank you to all who have read my blog over the past year. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! Please keep the Ranch, and all the kids of NPH in your prayers! If you are interested in learning more, or interested in sponsoring a child for 30 dollars a month, you can check out friendsoftheorphans.org. Thanks!
Peace,
Anna
Honduras, siempre te llevo en mi corazon
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