So, despite the flees and many GI issues, I could not resist. The people were so amazing. I had only known people who had so much, everything in fact, and never seen such a generosity that I saw from these people who in my mind had "nothing". What I realized was that they did have something, they needed more, but they had something alright. They had love, family, friends, a sense of community, heart, and determination, passion, dedication, and a generosity and tenacity that was unmatchable. Don't get me wrong, this community still needs a lot of help, which is why Amigos was there in the first place, but boy was I ever so wrong to think that they had "nothing". That was my "snuburbian" upbringing getting the best of me. I was thinking things, partly because we had so many (shout out to my mom who is a dedicated Christmas Tree Shoppe lover) but also because our society in the states seemed to focus on the tangible.
I had an amazing summer. I lived, loved, suffered, formed friendships and opinions/ideas that will last forever. But, that just wet my appetite, like a good appetizer does. So, my journey continued. The moment I got home I re-enrolled with Amigos and decided to head to the Dominican Republic the following summer for eight more weeks.
Boy was every box of fruit sold worth the trouble!
