Home Again

Transitions can be exciting and daunting times in life. In times of big changes, there is often lots of uncertainty, sometimes fear, and the experience of stepping into the unknown. But changes can also be refreshing, re-energizing, and exciting when our lives take new and unexpected turns. But perhaps much depends on context: when change and transition can be faced with confidence, when there is comfort and security, the refreshing and exciting aspects of transition have more space to grow.

I am currently in a period of transition – which explains why I have not entered a blog in several weeks. I have left Honduras, and am back at home in Canada. My last couple weeks in La Ceiba were busy and full of work, organizing, packing and farewells. There were lots of loose ends to tie up, and lots of sorting to do: I had settled in to La Ceiba, and had accumulated the tools and materials of living. All that stuff had to be organized; some of it was packed, some left with friends, some donated.

And then there were the farewells. Before leaving the Adelante office, staff presented me with a beautiful hand-made card, inscribed with thoughtful words, memories and farewells. Even though I was only in their office for a few months, I was always touched by the thoughtfulness and caring of the staff. I also had to run around the city, saying farewell to friends and other co-workers; unfortunately, in the busy-ness of those last few days, some people were missed.

And now I am home. I have visited family, seen some friends, and begun to settle in again. Being back after a year away is wonderful and fantastic and overwhelming and exhausting. So much to take in, so much to consider, so much to notice and be surprised by and reflect upon. So much to miss from Honduras.

Now that I am back home, my plans include enjoying summer in this beautiful place, spending time with my family and friends, and diving in to the job hunt. I have left one life experience, and am exploring options and seeking opportunities for the next one.

During this time of transition, I can’t help but think back to my experiences with Adelante. I remember some of the many women I met and spoke with, after hurdling through the hills of Honduras on a motorbike, visiting Adelante Asambleas. The lives of many of these women were defined by transition. Many lived in precarious and uncertain circumstances, and unpredictability made regular appearances in their lives.

Many of these women, and their families, may not have the security that I have in times of transition. When women in particularly vulnerable communities walk a fine line, precariously balancing and struggling to stay on their feet, guiding their families along behind them, unexpected events and times of change and transition do much to threaten that shaky balance. Many of these women do not have the safety net that I have when confronting transition. They do not have a beautiful place to relax in and enjoy, or a sanctuary where they are welcomed with open arms and do not need to pay bills or rent, while they contemplate their next move.

And it seemed to me, as I spoke with the women I met in Adelante Asambleas, that they face this uncertainty and unpredictability with courage and strength. They access all the resources and support that they can, and use their insight and love for their families, to face the challenges in their lives, always striving to make a better life for their families

So while I confront the challenges of transition in my own life, I think back on these women. I remember their difficulties, and their courage. I remind myself to appreciate the circumstances that allow me this time and space to reflect during my times of transition, and I am motivated to keep working hard and walking strongly forward.