• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 228 0

saying we look like a couple of apes picking parasites from each other, but we've yet to find an actual sign of lice or anything. And I'm a little miffed with Andrea for not wanting to come out to the dump with us. Tricia can't help it since she's desperately needed in the kitchen at that time of the afternoon. But I thought, at least Andrea and Josh could make a better effort. I mean, all they've done is work on construction sites, and even though I know they're working hard, and Andrea keeps complaining about all her blisters and aches and pains, it just doesn't seem to me they've had all that much contact with the people. But I suppose that's kind of judgmental on my part. So I won't bug them anymore.

Saturday, August 25 (adios, amigos)

I can't believe we're done with our mission. Where did the time go? And how will we ever know if what we contributed really made a difference or not? And who will feed the dump kids after Alex leaves next month? And who will hold my little Rosa and count her fingers and toes for her every morning and make her laugh? Oh, I'm so incredibly sad. I'm just keeping my nose in this diary and pretending to be all absorbed in my writing, and yet I can barely see the words because my eyes are so blurred with tears and the pages are getting too soggy to even write upon.

OH, DEAR GOD, PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILDREN. PLEASE HOLD THEM IN YOUR HANDS. PLEASE FEED THEM AND SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM. AMEN.

(later the same day)

I am feeling a little less blue now. Beanie and Zach have been good medicine for me. They understand. Perhaps even better than I do. Because I know both of them have come from difficult home lives. I guess growing up in a fairly secure and happy home, I just didn't fully realize how much pain and suffering there is in this world. But like Zach keeps pointing out, those kids weren't unhappy (at least the ones in the orphanage). And the dump kids weren't really all that unhappy either, they were just hungry and so glad to get food, and they probably will have brighter days ahead. In fact, I'm sure they will because I will not rest unless they do!

And here's something that surprised me yesterday–who do you think joined us to go to the dump? Josh Miller! Yes, at the last minute he came running over and climbed into the backseat next to me and said, “Let's go.” But I'm sure he had no idea what he was letting himself in for, and once we were there and he saw what we'd already become accustomed to, I noticed the same look on his face that I'd worn a week ago. I tried not laugh at him or appear smug because I will never forget that feeling as long as I live. But a little part of me was glad or relieved or whatever that someone else was feeling it too. And even though he tried to be helpful, he mostly just stood around with his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. And I'm sure back at the compound he took a really long shower too. But I'll spare his dignity that much and not ask him about it. Still, I'm glad he made the effort to come. It's something we all need to see, even if only once.

So now, back to reality. After hours of driving, we've crossed the border back into the good, ol’ U. S. of A. (And let me tell you, I'm glad to be coming home again–this is one great country we live in, and I know I didn't fully appreciate it before seeing how others live.)

But now, of all things, we're stopping at Disneyland for the rest of the day and evening. Of course, we all knew this was our big reward after the mission was accomplished, but somehow it just doesn't seem quite as exciting as it did a few weeks ago. I mean, talk about your harsh contrasts–starving garbage dump kids, then Mickey and Minnie dancing down the immaculate streets of Disneyland! Of course, my dismay might also have something to do with the fact that I've only got a couple of bucks left to spend. Oh well, at least my ticket to get in is already purchased. Greg took care of that before we ever left home. And have I mentioned that I do miss home? A lot! I miss Mom and Dad and even Ben (in fact, I miss Ben quite