Packing the big orange backback I was to live out of for the next three months, I had no idea what was in store for me. I had no idea that the ten people I was about to meet at the airport were soon to become my family, that we would learn so much from each other, that the adventures we were about to embark on would be some of the most transformative of my life. I jumped off a 30 ft bridge, learned to speak Spanish pretty decently, hiked through the Guatemalan mountains, and swam with a sea turtle. I even picked my undergraduate major.
I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of each and every person in the group. They’d kill me if I took up all the space to try to write about all of them individually (sorry, I like to write) but I do want the world to know how much I love you dorks, and how grateful I am to all of you. The sound of your laughter, the crushing weight of your bodies in our snuggle puddles, the taste of our family dinners, the sight of all of us crammed into a mini bus, even the smell of your stupid farts (ya nasty) are imprinted in my mind forever.
And then there’s Brook and Jeremy, our fearless leaders. None of this would have been possible without their hard work, patience, and friendship. We laughed and sang and sweated and loved; they put up with all of our shit (and we put up with theirs). I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with two of the most inspiring people I’ve ever had to look up to.
And, though I haven’t seen them for three months, I owe so, so much to the people back home: to my parents, for supporting and encouraging me this whole year as I deviated from the norm, and helping me blaze my own trail; to my brothers, whom I can’t wait to take out for froyo when I get home; to all my extended family, who have been reading and responding to my email updates, supporting me in that way; to my friends, who have loved me long distance and kept me up to date on Braves scores; to the Carpe staff, whom I’ve never met but who have done so much behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly; and to everyone who has sent me good vibes this spring–they were felt. I’m coming home with such an appreciation for everything and everyone that I have.
Three months went by so fast. Amelia, Ryan, Caroline, Easten, Drew, Jordan, Natty, Damian, Jeremy, and Brooke–my heart is bursting as I write with love for you all. I cant express how much our time together has meant to me, and while I’m sure I’ll cry some fat, ugly tears when we have to part ways, I so, so look forward to getting to see you again back stateside. These are the friendships that last a lifetime.
All my love and more,
(Bye, Felicias)
Lucy