If I was asked to sum the day up as succinctly as possible, I would have to say it was bittersweet. Today, the entire nation was remembering the tragic events that unfolded 10 years ago.When I watched the news footage from the day again in time order, I could not prevent myself from crying at the horror of the live news coverage of the second airplane crashing into the South Tower. It is gut-wrenching to see that having lived the aftermath and all the suffering that has come from it. After taking a moment of silence, I tried to refocus my thoughts and remember the courage of Flight 93 that fought off the hijackers and crashed in Pennsylvania. I also found comfort in spending the day at my dads with family and friends. We celebrated my grandpa and dad's birthdays that are later this month as well as my departure to Peru. Life has gone on, and there are people doing wonderful things. I hope that the time I spend in Peru helping the communities there has some small effect in making the world a better place.
I said my final goodbyes to some of my family and friends that I won't see for another 27 months at least, and I will be doing more of the same in the next two days. That would be another reason, if I needed more, for the day being bittersweet. It's difficult realizing how much of their lives I will miss out on, and how much of mine they will too. As I write this, I realize that probably the only people reading this will be those very same people I'm saying goodbye to, so...I'm going to miss you guys! I hope the time I spend in Peru truly does help some people, so that it will be worth it. Speaking of hopes for the future...
Thoughts for activities in Peru:
- I want to find other people who are interested in martial arts. Hopefully, I can even find a place to train, even if its something other than Hapkido
- I hope some of us Volunteers do group trips hiking, or surfing, or touring around together
- I wonder if anyone would be interested in going to Carnival with me
Well those are the things on my mind right now! Can't wait to fly out Wednesday, it's so close now! I still need to find a pair of comfy walking shoes; hopefully I can do that tomorrow. Then off to see some sights in DC, then Peru!
Hasta la proxima vez! (Likely sometime between next Friday and Monday)
You could try to find someone to teach you Rumi Maki, the Incan martial art.
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