At the moment this is the burning question in my mind. My friends ask me if they should say “welcome home” or “welcome back”. I’m not sure how to respond, for of course, Michigan will always be the place I return. But in such a short time, I have to say that I feel my home, my life is most definitely in Iquitos, Perú. Maybe part of it is that I’m currently “couch surfing” at the homes of many generous friends and for that I am eternally grateful. A different bed, pillow, shower and computer, just about every day, makes one quite flexible! But I truly long for my own bed, my own space and the hot, humid weather I left behind, as well as the Spanish language.
Coming back to the States is always a shocking difference from where I’ve been but this time, it seems more so than ever before. Despite all the economic despair and reduced circumstances of many in the country and particularly in Michigan, it is utterly striking to me the wealth of this country! The clean and well-maintained streets and roads; traffic lights that work and signs that clearly tell you where you are going; road rules that drivers actually abide by; a post office that is fast, friendly and efficient; stores with so much stuff that it utterly overwhelms me the variety of choices and I can’t stay in them for very long; and huge green lawns and spaces between the most modest of homes. Plus, don’t forget, that every city, town, village and even the smallest house has access to clean water and a sewage waste disposal system. All these things we take for granted, myself included, but maybe during this time of lowered expectations, we can continue to find the great things about this country which make our lives so easy and carefree in our pursuit of happiness along the way!
I’ve had a couple of engagements to be the speaker at local Rotary clubs and a few more lined up while I’m here. It’s a great opportunity to talk about my current life situation and about the programs CONAPAC has to offer. I have enjoyed visiting friends and family, eating my favorite “gringo” foods, and spending time with my grandson, Jack. He’s quite the young man now and such an interesting little person. Although he doesn’t really know me well or remember much about me, he has quickly warmed up and we are planning some activities together over the next few weeks. Earlier this week I had an opportunity to join my friend Joanie in visiting a friend of hers who is from Colombia. Mercedes is a lovely person and she speaks no English. It was a great chance to get back into my Spanish conversation and listening skills. Although brief, it went better than I had expected and I hope there will be other chances to get together. Not hearing Spanish constantly in the background of my life—the radio, TV, on the street, in stores and on signs, and conversation with friends is quickly diminishing my Spanish memory bank. Once I get north and settled for a month or so, I must spend some time each day reading and, if nothing else, talking to myself is Spanish! Now everyone will truly think I’m a little nuts but that’s OK because I am!
Well, folks, I’ll check out now and catch up in a few weeks when I have some news from the jungle. Pam and I are continuing to work on CONAPAC business via the Internet so I can stay in the loop while I’m here in Michigan. I will let you know what’s happening there very soon. All the best to you and do wish me luck in my attempts to stay warm!
