One Day At A Time

Hola hola!

The last couple weeks have felt like a whirlwind: busy and exciting things happening at work, cherishing fun evenings and weekends with my friends, checking the final things off of my mental list of what I want to see and do while living here, and arranging things at home in preparation for my return. Amidst all of that, I have no idea what direction to go to fill this page with 500 words to share with you all. A few months ago, I shared that when I was working in Mexico we would end every day by going around and answering three questions: What was a highlight? What was a low point? Who is someone that you want to give a shoutout to? So, that’s what I’m going to do today in hopes of being able to summarize the last couple of weeks. 

What was a highlight? 

The last two weeks have been very occupied with completing the projects I’ve been working on while living here.  I’ve been busy working through some final details, fundraising, and securing partnerships in order to finally be able to implement the social impact projects that I’ve been helping to develop for the City of Mendoza. It’s been a lot of work, and overwhelming at times, but it’s also so fulfilling. That’s what makes it my highlight. My goal in coming here was to leave something behind that impacted the communities I encountered here. I hope that I have done that in more ways than one, but this work is a tangible way to know that impact will be made, even beyond my time living here. I can’t change the world, but I can do what I can to change the world of the people and communities around me. 

What was a low point?

Last Thursday, I watched my brother walk across a stage and graduate from medical school from my computer screen. I was simultaneously overwhelmed with pride and guilt. For me, the hardest part about this entire experience was leaving my family and knowing that I would be missing out on important moments. This is just one example of that. It’s hard to be the one not there for important moments. It’s hard to be the one seeing everything through a screen. It’s hard to celebrate the people you love from far away. But, I am so grateful for having a supportive family who inspires me and encourages me to chase my dreams, even when it means not being there for their big moments. 

Who is someone that you want to give a shoutout to?

It always feels impossible to choose only one person, because there are truly so many people in my life that deserve recognition for all that they do. So, my shoutout for these past couple of weeks is to all of my coworkers for showing me patience as I continue to learn and grow, encourage me in the challenges I encounter, and help me make the most of my short time here in every way. 

With love, Sarah