(Friday, 3/20/09) It really never fails—the last day of your trip always seems to be the worst one. After a week of unbelievable weather and perfect conditions, our luck finally ran out, as it was overcast and rainy for most of the day. We really can’t complain too much though, as this trip has been nearly perfect in every regard. Looking back at the work we did at Holy Cross, I realized that our group did indeed make an impact on these children’s lives. From reading to them, administering hearing and vision tests, and doing science experiments with them, I can only hope that the children learned as much from us as we learned from them. Seeing how unfortunate most of these kids’ lives are, it made us appreciate even more all that we have in our own lives. Moreover, it seemed to remind us that despite the problems our own country may have, there is no more fortunate or stable nation on Earth than the United States. I really do believe that it is our obligation to help those around the world in need as we have been blessed with so much, while others are forced to make do with so little.
It’s hard to say right now, and it still may be difficult to say as time goes on, but in some way this trip has probably changed all of us. Maybe it wasn’t a life-altering experience, but I’m willing to bet that it was enough to make us a little more aware of the world we live in and the global community that we’re all a part of. Getting outside of your comfort zone is the best way to grow as a person, and traveling the world is an incredible way to challenge yourself to look at your own life from another perspective. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Do something every day that scares you”—and I really couldn’t agree more. At the end of the day, what you leave behind is always more important than what you take away, especially if even one person’s life is made better in the wake of you passing by.
It’s been a great week, but it’s finally come to end, as all fun trips tend to do. In my hotel room, there was a little note from the management, and what it says really sums up our week here:
“May the reason that brought you our way be pleasant. May everything you do and everyone you meet add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe. We are all travelers. From “birth ‘til death” we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful to those you meet and a joy to those who know and love you best.”
So until our next adventure,
Trev
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