There always occurs this overwhelming sadness in leaving a place. It usually does not matter how long or short you stay, but you end up connecting with the place in some way and then all of a sudden you leave. Today, I left Renaca, Chile. Although I was only there for less than a week, I connected with the place. Not only was I in love with the plain fact that it was a beach, but it had something extra to it.
Since February, I took a sabbatical from swimming and training hard. That was a big step for me as many of you know I love to work out. When I came here to Argentina, I started back up again. Not because I missed the “obsession,” but because I really missed being a swimmer. Not just someone that likes to swim. Since late September, when I moved home for the first time in 4 years, I took a sabbatical from life and stress. I decided that 4 years of being busy from 5:22 am to 11:17 pm every day (and sometimes later) deserved a sort of “time off.” So, I worked when I needed money, made sure not to spend too much, read a lot, joined a gym, caught up on TV shows and movies I have missed, spent time with my family and FRIENDS that I missed so dearly, and traveled a little. And here I am. The beginning of the end of my sabbatical from life. I think my body and mind is ready now for the next step. Honestly, I do not know what it is. But, what I do know is that it will most certainly consist of a job. Most probably consist of some race to train for. And, potentially, consist of my “rato aca” (short time here in Argentina) extended to a “tiempo aca” (long time here in Argentina).
Up until this week, I have received a lot of support from family and friends back home in my decision to stay in Argentina for a little while. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I miss everyone already, honestly, and some days it feels extremely lonely here. But after speaking with my Uncle I recognized that not only do I have the support back home but, in fact, I have the support here in Argentina as well. What I am stating is that if the Peace Corps does not send me an invitation by the end of February or if I find a job that will pay me enough to live here, I think fate is leading me in the direction to stay. When I mean stay, I mean for a few years. What do you all think?
I hope you all know that this is something I am doing, not because I want to be away from everyone, but because it is something that I myself need to do. To better myself, to bring culture in my life, to learn Spanish perfectly, and to make a connection with Argentina that will last a lifetime. Honestly, I miss everyone dearly. I absolutely hope the time and the distance do not separate us. We do not really have an excuse—with the internet (and hopefully Wi-Fi coming my way within the next couple of months) we can email each other, call each other, see each other, and even plan for visits. So, if we lose touch in any way, then that is just silly. Promise me this will not happen. If it does, I’ll be back in a jiff. Or, if it does, maybe we’re just not meant to be great friends? I do not believe that though. So, promise me we will stay in touch if I stay…okay?!
k bye.
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