Consequences
As I boarded the bus this evening it dawned on me that I have not yet fully realized the consequences of my decisions. This is a big ordeal – Haiti wasn’t exactly a stable place before the quake, and it is a disaster zone now. We’re putting ourselves directly in harm’s way to help others. I’ve always thought of myself as a selfish person, but perhaps there’s hope for me yet. I’ll try not to think about it now… it’ll only make me anxious.
Met up with Zac and Jeff.
Jeff seems like a nice kid. I can hear the nervousness in his voice, but that’s to be expected. It’s not every day that you pack up your shit, get on a plane, and fly into a disaster. I’m playing non-chalant right now like Adam would be. Pretending is the only way I keep my head on straight, but inside I know that landing in the Dominican is going to bring on the panic and anxiety in my head. Just hope I can hold it together on the outside.
It’s supposed to be 95 with scattered thunderstorms throught the course of our stay. Not the best conditions, unfortunately, but I hope there will be at least some sun so I can take some decent photos!
I’m going to miss home, but I’m going somewhere with purpose: to not live my life as a completely selfish person for once, and to help others. I hope I can make my friends and family proud of me.
Be safe little buddy!
Never have we ever thought of you as “selfish”. We all are very proud of you, but this is not the only time we have been proud, Justin.
A.Patti xoxo
Hi Justin – I’m Zac’s aunt . . . .loving your detailed postings – as a writer, poet, former journalist, I remember my first impressions of working in underdeveloped countries . . . keep the news coming; you are doing great work.
Ellen, thank you so much for the kind words! I’ll be posting full details on our trip very soon and I hope you enjoy them.