Final thoughts on the trip

I just want to let you all know I arrived home safely. I've been a bit messed up with jet lag for the last two days and am adjusting back to life here in NY. Well, truthfully, I've barely left my apt since I've been home so I am SLOWLY adjusting back to life in NY.


I wrote this in the Brussels airport during my layover on Sunday...

In the Brusslels airport. It is weird to be on my way home to NY. I just went to a store to buy a bottle of water and when the guy said it was almost $6 I just gasped in shock and said out loud "I can't pay that after where I've been!" He looked at me strangely and I just walked away thristy. Intense culture shock. Also, people are on the plane here were so pushy and rude and irritated. It made some of us miss Africans. For all of the dificulties they may deal with on a daily basis, they are a peole full of warmth and cultural bonds and friendly attitudes. Although they are so poor in so many ways, in spirit, they are very rich. In many ways, they are better off than many of us who have tons of money (compared to them) but are stressed or unhappy with ourselves or any of the other problems that come with the luxury of time and comfort.
I am sad to leave my new friends. It has been great to be part of ths community for the last few weeks, working with them, laughing with them, sometimes freaking out with them or just sharing stories of joy or difficulty of our lives back home.....


Back to Tuesday, Feb 23
So, now that I've been home for a few days, I'm seeing how much I need to process all that's happened and what I've learned. I saw a lot of things that are sad and hard to make sense of and also experienced a joy that was so amazing and pure. Reintegrating into life in the US will be a bit of a challenge. I am also very aware of changes I need to make in my life and that is feeling a little scary at the moment. In general, I'm partially excited, partially scared, and partially just really tired.

Thank you all for taking this journey with me. It felt so good to know that people out there were with me and listening to what I was going through. I plan to keep you all posted on what I'm up to next and what comes out of all of these experiences for me. I will also send out photos soon so you can have a visual of what I was up to there.
Until then, be well and take care of yourselves and the people around you.

xo Heather