Jennifer, OJ, Teresa and Robert, Edgina, Skinny, Salu, Cicaida, Sharon, Medium, and Norma....
I never thought I could get so close to strangers. But here I am at home, occasionally wiping my eyes because I can't go back to Rio to see them anytime soon. My "life" has started up again; summer classes, responsibilities, weddings...and all I can think about are flash images from public schools, late night talks at our hotel, a certain girl named Gabriella. I am here, but not really here. I have dreams of the school for special needs, and of riding the bus with everyone around me, of a crowd of kids asking me for my autograph.
I can't really talk about what happened in Rio with my family yet, because I can't put it into words. It's mostly feelings that I took back with me, and it's hard to convey feelings to people. I can't even look at our pictures yet.
This trip has made me question my relationships with others, my future, and what should be important in my life. I beleive it will directly affect my career choice. Again, I am reminded how big our world is, and that it takes many different kinds of people to 'keep it spinning'. To borrow a saying of Deane's, I feel so empty, but also so full: I gave everything I had in Rio, but was filled up with memories, feelings, and love from the translators and children we met along the way. I honestly think I am a different person than when I left for Rio. I wonder how the rest of the girls are coping and adjusting. It was a culture shock for us to come back to the US. I wonder just how much this trip changed their lives. By the end of our trip, I know I was ready to stay there for another few months. I didn't want to leave. I tried to memorize everything I saw on the way to the airport so I could take it back with me. It didn't work.
This experience was irreplaceable. To everyone who donated money and made this trip possible, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Know that these trips have the power to change lives, open eyes, and draw hearts closer to God. In just ten days.
Thankyou for this opportunity. It will not go to waste and will never be forgotten. :)
God Bless,
Brittany
