Reflexions on leaving

A short entry about leaving Chimbote, written from the hostal in LA Paz, Bolivia, the first stop on my month long travels. So far here I have visited the ruins of Tiwanaku, pre inca civilization (interesting but far from impressive in terms of remaining structures) and gone on a downhill mountain bike from 4800 m to 1200 m on the world`s most dangerous road ( for cars -- now open only to bikes), a blast and beautiful.

Apart from goodbyes to family, leaving Chimbote was the most painful parting from a place that I can remember. As the bus pulled away and the 12 or so folks that had gathered on a Thursday morning to see me off waved their farewells, I snapped a couple fotos and then cried. Packing the day before, I had to catch my breath thinking that the missionary life in which I was so happy was coming to an end. In truth, I found amidst the dust, heat, and pollution a peace and contentment that has escaped me in several other places I have lived. As the reality of my departure set in, I didn`t want to leave. It`s true that my heart longs for the reunion with my family and to see old friends back in the US, but it`s hard to imagine what my life will be like back there. This trip is a good chance for reflection.

I arrived in Lima on Thursday the 10th, my Chimbote departure being postponed a day by the removal of the toenail from my big toe -- it had ingrown and become infected. Not the most convenient thing to have to change dressings on the road, but so far so good, no infections. On the 10th my friends Sisters Pilar and Mirella invited me to join them and friends at a folkloric dance/music night, which was fun -- we left `early` at 12:30 am because we were all tired. The next day I made the trip to Susan`s house in south Lima to visit and have lunch with her family -- she also moved out of Chimbote this week to return to live with her folks. As is common in Lima, we had trouble connecting at a meeting point (I got off a the right supermarket chain, but in the wrong town, about 25 minutes too soon). She came to pick me up and eventually we ended up at her house, an enjoyable visit. I am happy to see her again when I come back to Lima on October 10.

I hope to return to Peru, at least to visit, in the near future. Leaving was harder than I expected even just 6 months ago. I am grateful for my time in Chimbote, and I pray for the people, friends, community that I left behind. I hope we can stay connected.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 15 Sept, I explore La Paz markets and museums before traveling to Potosì tomorrow night to spend a couple days. So far, Bolivia has been an enjoyable and intriguing country to visit.

Hasta Luego!