Feelin Strong...

Greetings again from Honduras. Things have been going along just well here with a lot of work, a lot of play, and continued good experiences.

I just wrote an email to Elisabeth’s host mom and thought it was funny when she asked how my health was. I replied to her that it was up and down. Upon further reflection I think my body has been through a bit.

To recap, since I have been here I’ve had Ecoli, 3 parasites, a bacterial infection of the stomach due to bad food, and I recently just finished medication for a strong stomach bacteria called H. Pylori. All this makes me laugh a bit. I think of it that my body is just getting stronger inside. At least I will keep telling myself that.

Then I started thinking how already I feel stronger in many ways. Mentally I have already been through some real tough hardships that have made me view the world in different ways. It’s hard to explain how this place broadens the mind but it sure does.

Physically I have convinced myself to start working out again. My folks brought me down some work out gear and I’m putting it to good use. I started this program called P90X. It’s an everyday workout program for 90 days. It’s a real burner man. I’ve already had to skip days but still tryin. Even though I may not stick to the everyday routine, even a couple days a week will make me feel it.

I am getting stronger in the sense of how to work with the people down here and how to get projects going in a team work way. It may sound simple but finding a way to get all cylinders working on projects here is tough.

I think I just feel stronger too, as a person. That’s the good part. I’m living, focusing on what I want to, and feeling good about me. In the great film “Into The Wild” Emile Hirsch plays Christopher McCandless. Hirsch recites a quote that hit me the first time I heard it, and I always remember here in the Peace Corps… he says “I read somewhere... how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong.” Right on brother., I’m doing my best.

The journey man…its great.

There’s Nothing Like Family…

Greetings again from Honduras. I have officially been in Honduras a year and what a journey it’s been so far. A year ago I arrived here a curious man in his mid twenties searching for adventure, and a year later I am still doing the same but have grown immensely from my experience. It’s been and up and down ride but no doubt, it’s been the best ride of my life.

Even more special is that my family made it from the states and got to celebrate it all with me. My bro, sis, mom and dad all made it down here to my neck of the woods to check out what my life here was all about, and of course, to take a great vacation and have a great time.

They arrived in San Pedro Sula on a Sunday. Elisabeth and I met them at the airport and that afternoon we were in my town of Santa Rosa de Copán. I showed my fam a little bit of the town and took them to a good restaurant. That night we all rested, and I unpacked a huge bag fool of treats and gifts from the states. It was nice.

The next day I showed them a small pueblito I did some work in. Next, I took them to the NGO I work with and we talked about my projects and what I do around here. We followed that up with a nice lunch and then to the Agua Termales (hot springs) at night. Even though the air was warm it was oh so refreshing.

The following day we headed out to the beautiful Roatán. What a little secret this place is in the southern Carribean. We went scuba diving, zip lined, dined on delicious food, and more importantly spent some great time together. It was really amazing and really hard to say bye when they left. It went by fast, but the moments with my family were priceless. You can check out pictures by clicking here

What a way to spend my anniversary in the country.

And so it goes I have been here on this journey a year now. Time has flown by but the lessons learned, and experienced lived seem have been timeless. I can’t explain the transformation and realizations I have been through, but I am grateful. Its all about the moment, humility, awareness, and love of this world that has all gifted us in one way or another. Especially, I am forever grateful that I am gifted with the family and life I have. Thanks for everything guys, it was amazing. I love you very much. I also have great friends who I know will always be there for me, as I will for them. I am lucky enough to have all this. Whatever comes after that is all just a bonus.

Until next time…