Reflections from the Year
The next four weeks are going to be pretty packed, and then I will be starting medical school. Considering this, I have decided to make this my last blog post, so I will share a few reflections from the year as well as a bit about my plans for July.
First a huge shoutout to my three incredible housemates! After 10 months we are are still able to problem solve, plan, and most importantly laugh together. Thanks for your commitment to community living and your friendship this year! I will miss los lagartos. Pictures are from our first week (left) and our last day in Tucson (right) at a beautiful overlook of Tucson at Sunset.
Casa Alitas
This organization should not have to exist, and yet it was created because there was a need and the community choose to respond. This creates a constant internal battle between idealistic efforts (wanting to be a part of systemic change) and interpersonal efforts (simply caring for the individual in need). The other contradiction I experienced frequently was between efficiency (being able to help everyone quickly) and humanity of an institution (taking time to address unique needs). Institutions in general lean toward efficiency, so it was something I was constantly bumping up against.
Tucson
The desert is beautiful and alive and resilient. I was struck by how barren the land seemed to be, until I realized actually how impressive it is that anything can thrive in a place with so little water and so much heat. The Sonoran desert is incredibly diverse and bountiful in a way I was just not accustomed to. The same can be said for the people of Tucson. Living near the border means being a crossroads of many cultures, creating opportunity for unrest and injustice. And yet the people of Tucson have taken this on as a challenge. When you are on the front lines what else is there to do but address the situation head on? Tucsonans are welcoming, hospitable, and generous. They are resourceful, creative, and resilient. I am grateful for these people and proud to be an honorary member.
Things I Learned about myself:
After 23 years of thinking I was an introvert, I have come to believe that I may lean more extrovert after all. I continue to find myself more often than not, creating spaces for people to gather. And after a busy day of talking to people, I usually still want to be around people in the evening.
A privilege that I have not been grateful enough for: my family never expected me to stay at home, and yet I know that I always have a safe home to return to.
I do not tolerate heat well, even a dry heat. (Thank goodness I am moving back north)
What I Learned about things outside of myself:
The world isn’t pretty, but it sure is beautiful if you choose to look for the smiles
The work will never be done; so when the physical body, the mind, or spiritual self needs a break, TAKE THE BREAK.
The only way to sustain sympathetic approaches is to nurture emotional wellbeing and take breaks.
Statistics
Approximate number of people who came through Casa Alitas the last ten months: 90,000
Miles biked: 1,425
Hikes: 25 (1 on crutches)
Books read: 7
Lizards in the house: at least 5
Trips to Mexico: 4
Trips to Grand Canyon: 3
Trips to leave water in the desert for Migrants: 2
Tested positive for COVID: 1
Roadside tire patches: 0 (I only had one flat tire the whole year, and I managed to pump it up for the ride home)
What’s Next
Convention:
Currently the four of us are traveling in a mini bus with eight other members of Shalom to Kansas City for Mennonite Convention. We are leading a session Tuesday morning about our experiences this year and what we have learned about service. I’m also looking forward to attending the climate summit, a delegate session or two for fun, and some good old hymn sings. :)
Home:
I’ll be flying back to NY with my Mom from convention and then spending the next twelve days at home. My plans include: biking a century with Micaiah, laying in the grass, going backpacking with Micaiah and Samuel, gazing at the rural night sky, and unpacking and repacking my life.
Back west:
Then the weekend of the 22 I will start my journey back west. I am incredibly grateful to Allison for accompanying me on a road trip out to Yakima. We will stop in Goshen to see family, friends in Iowa, and then some camping in South Dakota and Montana. I’ll have a few days to get settled and then I start orientation at PNWU on July 31!
This month will be intense with transition, goodbyes, quick reunions, and new beginnings. Thanks for following me on my journey this year. It is because of the support of my community (you all, from all different places and stages of my life) that I have been able to continue stretching myself and entering into the unknown. So, thank you.
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