It just so happens that I am writing this final article, our farewell, during another important milestone in my journey: the halfway point in my Peace Corps service. This week I reunited with the other 37 Peace Corps Volunteers spread throughout Colombia for a conference to reflect on the year we’ve completed and the year ahead of us. The backdrop could not be more pleasant, as our conference was held in Villa de Leyva, a touristy town of colonial architecture and cobblestone roads surrounded by rolling hills. I invite you to reflect alongside me— on this journey, on your time learning Spanish and on your goals for the future.
This virtual exchange has, I hope, been as impactful for you all as it has been for me. While it may be surprising to hear that our brief time together has had an impact on me, since I simply showed you some parts of my day-to-day life in Colombia, I can’t overstate the importance. Your curiosity, your burning questions about food, culture and nature, reminded me of the wonder I felt when I first arrived in this country. Since then, many things have become so normal that I forget that at one point they were new, exciting and even challenging. Writing to you has also made me reflect on why I started this journey in the first place.
