Good morning, afternoon, or evening, wherever you are.

I write to you as I wrap up a 12-hour overnight shift. If you had told me three weeks ago that I would be here, as an amateur security guard and volunteer-in-charge, I would have laughed you out of the room. Alas, needs are needs, and this week was a tough one for volunteers; we were very few despite the albergue being at full capacity. Unfortunately, this week was also marred with drama and conflict, including a serious incidence of theft and some rebellion against authority. Frankly, I wasn’t prepared to deal with the reality that even the seemingly sweetest are capable of betraying your trust, but these occurrences served as reminders of both why there are so many rules and why they must be enforced with no exceptions.

At first, my supervisor’s offering of an early morning shift sandwich with weekend overnight shift bread made me lose my appetite, but I’m proud to say that I dove in headfirst, learned a lot, and have grown in my capacity to lead firmly. Sleep deprivation is temporary, but the lessons learned and skills honed in just one intense week will certainly last a lifetime. In the midst of all the chaos, I worked out a new agreement with my supervisor, and I am now planning to stay at this shelter as a full-time volunteer through mid-November. Now that it’s official, I get to experience training, retreats and activities, and other benefits. Perhaps what I’m most excited for is the chance to work on the more administrative end of the organization, potentially in the legal, political, or social realm. Such an opportunity ought to facilitate a smooth transition back to the more traditional working world, which I anticipate being my next step.

Though it’s been fun, I’m happy to say that a new class of full-time volunteers has arrived to help out, so I will no longer have to sprint around the shelter, juggling several little tasks at once. I hope that our relationship goes beyond delegating work and sharing the burden of service; I am still looking to invest in friendships here in Guadalajara, and the dozen new arrivals are too!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the fun I’ve had this week as well. Waking up at 5:45 day after day to bike 30 minutes to work doesn’t allow for too much socializing, but I still managed to visit some stunning waterfalls yesterday, taking full advantage of my day off. I’ve also gone out on the town a bit, eager to see the vibrant, relaxed side of Guadalajara at night. It’s early days,  but now that I’ve settled the details of my volunteer commitment, some bigger trips and adventures are sure to be in the works. Stay tuned for more updates!

Un abrazo,

Aaron

Yesterday’s adventure: La Cascada de Huaxtla. Truly magical!

I decided to bike home from the shelter today. The sun was shining and the morning air still cool. What a sweet moment (and great way to see the city center)!