Written on Wednesday the 16th

I am sitting in the dining room at my parents' house watching them straighten up and make delicious pumpkin waffles for breakfast. Yum. Today is my first full day home. My plane arrived last night around 4:30PM, about 20 minutes early. At one point in flight my pilot actually said, "We're going to try to take a couple of shortcuts and see if we can't get you there a little earlier." How do you take a shortcut in a plane? I'm not sure.

Leaving Nicaragua for good was actually pretty sad. I had to say goodbye to my favorite people on Monday morning. They walked me to the bus and helped me with my luggage (thank God because one was soooooooo heavy). I went on my tearful way to Managua. Once there I ran around the PC office like a chompipe with my head cut off. I turned everything in and received my plane ticket. And then I rang the bell.

What am I talking about? I don't know if it's worldwide but PC Nicaragua has a small silver bell halfway down its staircase. When a volunteer finishes with everything, he/she rings that bell. Everyone comes out of his/her office and applauds. It's a very solid finishing sign that made me feel pretty darn good and complete about my service time.

My dad and two friends met me at the airport. Hugs and good feelings (and flowers from Julie!) were flowing...then we went out the automatic doors into the cold, gray and brown world. No complaints though. I like having four seasons. It helps me keep track of time.

Now I'm here. It feels weird and completely normal at the same time. Strange, right? The roads are so nice and smooth. Traveling in a private vehicle is luxurious. I have so many things in my bedroom (be seeing you soon Goodwill!).

To reflect, it was a great experience and I would recommend it to most people. I made a few new best friends, in both other volunteers and Nicaraguans. I learned things about myself and my world. If you want to know about what I learned, let's hang out. Call me.