Despedida

Well, one more week here in Honduras and I am having very mixed feelings about leaving. I am very excited to get back and see my family, but will be very sad to leave the ranch and all of the people I have known during this year. It has been a great year that I will never forget. There are so many things that will forever remind me of Honduras. Here are some short lists of the various sensations that I associate with Honduras.

Sights: mountains, farm animals in the street, cement walls with chipping pastel colored paint, small junk food shacks, vendor ladies in ruffled pocketed aprons, hillside farming, laundry on the line
Sounds: the chug of an old school bus, the rambling Spanish language, blaring ranchero music, vendors yelling out the names of their goods as if it were all one word, children playing, rain on the banana tree leaves, flowing stream water
Smells: fried chicken, fresh rosquillas, camp fire, maracuya (passion fruit)
Taste: sweet melting lychee fruit, salty cheese, the taste of camp fire

I have learned so much from the people of Honduras and the kids here on the ranch. My hope is that I will be able to carry these lessons back to the states and find a way to integrate them into my life there. Here is a short list of some of the things that I have learned.

1. Respect and tolerate other cultures as they are. Just because you don't understand their customs doesn't mean that they are wrong.
2. Point A and B aren't always the most important. What's on the way from A to B can be just as important, so always be aware of the in between.
3. Slow down and enjoy your surroundings whenever you can. Don't rush unless you have to.
4. You can learn a lot from a bus window.

Well, the next time I post anything I will be back in the states and going through culture shock in reverse. I am hoping that it doesn't hit me too hard.