Wandering Shepard: Ding Ding Ding, Round II

These past two and a half weeks can only be described in one way: pure bliss. After over a year of living in Nicaragua, I returned to the US, for what as I found out later was a much needed vacation. In the days leading up to my return to my native land, I was anxious, didn’t know what to expect, and nervous about my parent’s reaction to some new, permanent changes to my appearance. In many ways, I had forgotten what day to day life in the US was like, and that I may have (unwillingly) changed so much that I would be to overwhelmed and maybe snap at a friend for their “over consumption” or being glued to their smart phones. (I didn’t know that now everyone, with the exception of my brother and sister now possesses smart phones. Also didn’t know about some new phone technologies, like group texting or being able to speak to your phone to send a text.)

But all those worries disappeared from my mind as I walked to baggage claim, and there are some of my best friends in the world, incognito, there to surprise me. And I think that’s what made the transition back into society that much easier for me. Instead of braving a world I had been separated from for far too long alone, my friends were there to guide me through it, and re-work me through the “complexities” of New York City, as well as pay for a couple of my meals. After getting over the grandiose of NYC, things were down hill from there. More and more of my friends, from Richmond and home, kept showing up at my buddy’s apartment in Manhattan, and later at the bar. And that’s what it seemed like the entire vacation. More friends, family, and loved one kept surprising me with their appearances. With only a few exceptions, I saw everyone I wanted to see, only missing a few family members and some Austin and West Coast friends. And moreover, I was able to do everything I wanted to: A night in NYC. A party at home. Spear fishing with my brother (and an unexpected bonus of fishing the Monster Shark Tournament). East Coast surfing with a West Coast friend. A round of disk golf. Schwasty ball at the La-ounge. Eating delicious food and drinking dark ales. A night on the Riley Porch. Family Dinners. The list goes on. So for everyone involved, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I enjoyed my time so much, it was indeed difficult to make that first step onto the plane, knowing what I was leaving behind…again.

The biggest difference this year, from last year is that no longer am I standing on the edge of a cliff, not know how high it is or what’s at the bottom. And this time, I can hit the ground running. I have high expectations for my final year with the Peace Corps, and with a better understanding of the language and culture, I hope to meet those expectations.

And so now before taking off, I’ll leave you with some great second hand T-shirts that my mom captured on her trip here last April!