¿Vale la pena?

Peace Corps Panama quarterly puts out a newsletter. My buddy Adam recently had me rolling with one of his columns, click here, then April - June 2007 under the pic, page 42. You can view older editions here.

The conference really went well. My guy got a lot out of it, even though he was completely overwhelmed at times. My patience got a work-out, as did many's, but it was worth it. An inspiring, amazing new friend of mine says, "Vale la pena," or "it's worth the embarrassment," and I'm glad my guy was willing to take the chance to attend.

I'm now on the way home hoping a package comes in tomorrow, and hoping I can finally design this aqueduct of mine. This part is always the hardest; going back home after a week with friends...

I can't begin to explain this emotional roller coaster - the burning behind the sternum, meeting eyes with a fellow volunteer and feeling their pain, joy, goals, loneliness, and their smile begging to break. The hardest become the softest, the weak become the strong. We are walking on top of a wall, and the slightest insult, compliment, song, dream, expression, or reaction sends us plunging to either side - for better or for worse. What do they see when they look into my eyes? ¿Vale la pena?