Back to the start

I'm back at the hotel where I almost exactly a year ago began my journey and Paraguayan experience, now meeting a new group of participants that just came here. Now I'm the one teaching them particularities of Paraguayan culture, telling them about tereré, crazy bus systems and phone companies. The things people here taught me a year ago, and the things I've learned during my year here. Seeing them leave with their families, just about to begin this amazing experience fills me with a little bit of envy, but at the same time, I am really happy I don't have to go through the whole process of adapting to a new family, culture and language once again.
Coming back to where it all began, I realize that I'm now ready to leave Paraguay, with a lot more peace of mind than I came with, a new language, a new family of heart, more knowledge and much more acceptance towards other people and life in general.
I have lived through one of the hardest, yet most enriching experiences one possibly could, and I am so grateful I have had this opportunity.

Take care and stay safe

Reflection

Thinking back on especially the last six months, but basically the last couple of years, I'm realizing that all the of the moments that left big impact on me, the memories of which I really cherish, are all of small, fleeting, elusive everyday moments.
Something so easy as being there and patiently listening to, or just sitting silently with, someone needing compassion... a walk in the woods, an afternoon spent doing nothing with a person you're comfortable with... An intriguing discussion, just those moments you haven't planned.

Funny, isn't it, How we chase those grandiose, extraordinary experiences, in the march trampling over our actual life, planning for a future you can't be sure you'll experience.

I believe happiness happens when you pause in the moment, knowing and acknowledging,
"This is good. I'm grateful for this moment. This moment is my life. Not tomorrow, or next week, next year... This exact moment"

Just a thought. Shared with you.
Take care.