"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." -Joseph Addison
Two years ago when I came down to Colombia, I committed
myself to staying here for these two years.
About a year into that commitment, I began to realize that two years was
just not going to cut it for me. I was
just getting into the swing of things with the communities: learning how to
work within the complexities and challenges; understanding how slow the
processes are but how it is worth the time and energy; accepting the fact that
the more I learn, the less I understand, but wanting to always learn more;
feeling more and more at home in this new home and more and more anxiety about
leaving.
After reflection, conversation, and looking at the options,
I’ve decided to stay. Sembrandopaz has
given me the opportunity to continue working with them in a new capacity but
still with the communities. I will be moving
out of Libertad to the city to be closer to one of the offices,
but I will continue to travel between all of the communities that we
support. I will be mainly involved in
different efforts with the youth and women in the region, as well as helping
Sembrandopaz focus on psychosocial supports.
I am very excited about this plan. When I left Colombia in 2010, I decided that
I wanted to find a way to return but instead of teaching English, I wanted to
work with youth, victims of the conflict, and have a focus on psychosocial
interventions. Five years later I find
myself doing just that.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive, loving,
honest, and patient in helping me get here and helping me continue to follow my
dreams, grow as a person, and stay sane.
J
