Dark Days in Paradise

Here's to you, my friend.

This week was just tiring. And, no, it is not over. And no, it's probably not going to get a lot better.

I decided not to go out with Omar last night because I wanted to get up early and do homework all day. Just kill it today so we can go to Taxco tomorrow or Sunday. So, my roommate (my best friend here), and I decided to drink wine, eat some crackers and cheese, some dark chocolate, and watch a chick-flick, than go to bed early and do all our homework together today. Last night was great, I couldn't have wished for more. And with today's events, I am so grateful that she and I did that.

I did wake up early and was excited to write my thesis on my paper. Finally a start. But, at 8:30 I went back to my room and found my roommate packing. Her dad has been battling cancer for a while now, and she has considered going home early before. Her stepmom called for her this morning, which means that her dad is going through the final stages of his life. Since then, I have been helping to organize her trip, pack, print off influenza-screening forms, etc to get her home today. I'm glad she will be with her dad. I just feel so much for her situation. Not only is she returning to her dying father, but she has left unfinished plans for a mural, her novio, two weeks of the program, and much homework. It is so difficult to be torn from something, and with such a reason, even more tragic.



Additionally, my other close friend was asked to return home by her school. So she will be leaving on Sunday. I hear today that there is an upheaval in DF about whether or not this really is an epidemic, or whether it is a legitimate epidemic. Personally, I am appalled by the U.S. and media response which has blown this way out of proprotion with there over-protective measures. I don't mean to minimize the situation, but can we please be realistic? Can we please consider someone other than ourselves for once? consider those are losing precious wages, customers, travel plans, education, etc. because of this...Please do not fall prey to further stereotyping Hispanic or Mexicans because of a flu virus. The people are not responsible and it is no reflection of their character. They are your sisters and brothers. They are dignified beings just like you. Treat them, in your thoughts and in your actions, as such.



Did I mention that my host-mom also left for Texas today? I couldn't go see her yesterday because her son-in-law was sick, and I think in general she was preoccupied with news of the flu and getting ready to leave. I do not know when I will see her again. I have lost the immediate presence and support of 3 of my dear friends this weekend.



I have not accomplished much homework today. I will not be going to see Omar, nor will I be going to Taxco tomorrow. Tomorrow I will spend another day at my computer, hoping to accomplish that which I could not accomplish today.



While outside the sunshine may be, my heart is heavy as a raincloud, and it is raining here. I am full of sorrow for my friend and her loss, her situation. I feel remorse for myself because my two closest confidants and play-pals are leaving this weekend and I have two weeks of this program to survive. Instead of late-night pillow talks and laughter, I will sleep next to an empty bed, alone for the first time in months. No more salsa dancing with "my girls" because my girls will be gone. No more opera singing, no more running late to class because we 'had' to have coffee, no more sporadic debates or movie dates.



Besides revelling in how precious and limited our lives and our time together is, I also realize how quickly I too will be called home, back to the U.S., back to a life which I so willing left behind. Seeing as I am sobbing now just thinking about that day, I know that I will not be ready when it comes. How could I be?



I suppose these are some of the challenges of study abroad, of these brief instances in another time and place, in another culture, another way of being. I cherish these memories and these feelings. I am learning more and more what it means to be human. I am learning more and more how much I need God, how much God loves us, and I am trying to call upon the wisdom of Christ and the Spirit for strength.



Esperame, te regreso.Guardanos en tus oracciones. Con mucho amor.

Wait for me, I return to you. Keep us in your prayers. With much love.



aly