Guest spot: Kristin

My green tea bag just told me that "The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself."

This life really is just an epic expanse of a rollercoaster.

Fuckin Mark Twain.

.......

I've known Rachel Day since June of 2006. We were roommates during our life shaking study abroad trip around Ireland. 6 weeks, 2 weeks in 3 different cities. Every time we'd get our roommate assignments Rachel and I were together. Oddly enough, we weren't very close then. Not for any particular reason, but we were both different people then. I think one thing we did have in common was we didn't necessarily go to Ireland to find ourselves, and yet the most unexpected can change you forever. I always know when a relationship is extra special to me because I can't remember the moment I fall in love. I have no clue when it clicked that we were going to be friends forever. But I'm sure as hell glad it did. For the remainder of college we only grew closer, and I can now proudly say that Rachel Day is one of my closest friends, more than a sister... someone I don't know how not to love.

In all honestly when Rachel first told me she was applying to Peace Corps I was extremely excited but also very nervous. I know she's a strong woman and was at a point in her life she needed a challenge. Although I couldn't bring myself to not be a skeptic and to jump to conclusions about how she'll manage where ever she ends up. Well, I do still worry for her the way I do any close friend, but I can now honestly say that she has surpassed any expectations and I could not be more proud. I don't want to say she's a new woman because we all always saw it in her, but I can say that she has grown so much and truly conquered the unfathomable challenges that come with that journey.

Now enough about how amazing Rachel is...

Fogo, Cape Verde... quite the little volcano she's got. I'm not going to go into too much Travel Magazine detail, but here's my top ten thoughts that spring to mind when thinking about the trip:

1. Absolutely beautiful black sand beaches, some that stretch as far as you can see and others are small private coves
2. We hiked the volcano, which I'll admit was extremely challenging for me (i need to get my booty to the gym), but it was completely worth the aches and pains going up (and coming down). The views were spectacular and the company was even better. I loved sharing that experience with 3 incredible ladies, oh and our lovely guide
3. Donkeys make noises they don't teach you in preschool
4. Thanksgiving should be a global holiday. Not because I'm a proud American and think everyone should celebrate our holiday, but because the idea of cooking a lot of food and sharing it with others translates well
5. Bucket showers aren't as bad as you might think
6. Wine is yummy even on a volcano
7. The playful innocents of a kid and the undeniable wisdom of the elderly is universal
8. African beer is really not that tasty
9. Everyone's African doppleganger lives in Fogo
10. Have your adventures while they're there to be had, but never forget you can always go home.

When I got back to the states I spent about a day in Boston. First time in Boston and I must admit it really made me miss the east coast. I think Beantown would be too cold for me but I kept wondering if I should give NYC another chance. Anyway... more importantly, I thought a lot about the Fogo trip while wandering the streets. The first bit of American news I heard was that people were literally being shot, pepper sprayed and trampled to death while shopping on Black Friday. I feel like if I go into my detailed opinion of these events this note will be way too long... so I'll just leave you with that tidbit of information and you can discuss among yourselves.

Fogo is not that different from anywhere else. I feel like some would be insulted by this comment but the truth is every place has its pros and cons. It's just a matter of finding a balance where ever you may end up, whether you're there for a week or a lifetime. People surprise me how different and yet similar they can be. I think that's what allows me to have faith in humanity... to not completely give up on anyone or anything.

I'd personally like to thank Rachel for hosting Meghan, Lolly and I, and for trusting us to appreciate her current way of life. I couldn't be more proud of her, both watching her leading a class and go about her Cape Verdean life.

"Not all who wander are aimless, especially those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image."

Poetic interlude

This is a quick interjection meant for all of the volunteers I know, as well as those I don't. I came across this poem recently and it articulates points that I or friends have made in recent conversation. I was touched by its relevance, and just want to post it in hopes that it may touch a chord with someone else when they need it.

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
... though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

-Mary Oliver