Le damos las muchas gracias... de todo corazon...
Wow... what I feel right now about Atyra, Paraguay is beyond words.
I could tell you what I did each day, how i felt in each event, etc. but that wouldn't be sufficient. Until you go there and experience what i, and the rest of those who went this year and last year, felt, you have NO idea. Last year I totally thought every1 who went (AKA Anna and Gabby who talked abt it incessantly, wore their shirts like every day, and drank Terrere) were lunatics, but now I have joined the crazy cult.
But I am taking home with me great memories, great friendships, and a feeling that when people like us have so much, we need to do all in our power to share the wealth. It is not enough to say you are going to do something, actually doin it is what counts.
Unforgettable Moments
*being greeted @ the airport by singing Paraguayan teenagers, kisses, kids in bunny suits, and the beautiful children of Atyra
*visiting the schools and seeing the faces of the children as they performed their skits for us
*the children who danced for us in traditional costume @ Casa del Monte
*the best roommate ever, Carol, and the most sincere friends I have ever had from Paraguay
*dancing every nite... and boys thats actually dance
*the walk to El Chorro... okay... so i got bloody from the spines in my leg, but it was an experience
*BORRRRRRRRE
*Semafora y Verdad y Consequencia
*Cual es tu problema?
*Un tallarin..., A ver a ver..., CULO, Gasolina, y otras canciones
*CHIKI
*Horseback riding... and Jeff and Michele getting thrown off
I am now really sad to be back in the United States. I have never seen true beauty before Atyra. Tears are welling in my eyes as I write this with memories of the beautiful landscape, people, children, and friendships. Sady is now here and I am worried that she will be exposed to things that are so terrible beyond her wildest imagination. True our poorest would probably be middle class citizens in Atyra, but they have true beauty and enjoy life... something the US will always lack.
And as I open my admissions letters (or rejection letters?) later today, I am going to think about all the opportunities we have that they will NEVER have. I have never gone hungry. I have never HAD to work. Money is everywhere and greed is more than plentiful.
Okay, I am done w/ my preaching for today. I can't wait to get my pics developed. And I am done worrying about school. Honestly.
ROHAYHU CHE ATYRA.