The Beginning of the Journey

Nine and a half years ago I embarked on my first journey to Latin
America as an adult. As I sit on the plane headed towards Nicaragua, I
study the notebook I used during my second week of that trip, studying
Spanish in Xela, Guatemala. I had no idea at that time what the next
decade would bring me. I wouldn't have guessed I would become a
professional administrator and fundraiser for nonprofits. I didn't
imagine I would get the bug for Central America, so that this is my
fifth trip to the area. My younger self writing stories in Spanish in
that notebook would not have guessed I would be returning again, this
time working for a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives and
environment of campesinos.

Shortly before I left I spent the evening with some friends. We have
the habit of getting together and sharing stories in some way or
another. This time Kim wrote questions for us to pick out of a basket.
Mine asked what my vision is of my life ten years from now. And I'm
equally unsure as I was when I left for Latin America with Tony nearly
10 years ago. The details are fuzzy but there are a lot of "still"s. I
still want to be sharing my life with Tony. I want to still be a
little in love with people and things. I want to still be dancing,
learning, exploring. I want to still be on the path to improving the
world, while having the flexibility to enjoy the process.

This trip is a diving in to my attempt to build my "Legacy Project."
About a year ago I started searching for the project to devote the
next many years to. I searched for a project established enough to
have a vision but young enough for me to come on as an equal partner
in building its future. EOS International and I are tentatively trying
out whether we are the right fit. I started in November as Director of
Development and this is my opportunity to meet the rest of the staff,
in San Isidro, Nicaragua. I hope these three and a half weeks will
help me crystallize whether this is the project that will structure
much of my next decade. Will it feel meaningful enough? Can I see the
potential for growth and impact? Are the people and work a good fit
for me and my idiosyncrasies?

I look forward to finding out.

PS Special thanks to Ashly and Brooke for their 4am pajama goodbye. It
was a perfect kickoff to the adventure.