I’m pretty sad about leaving Isla Pucu. The people here were cool, and I got connected to them quickly. I enjoyed every minute of being there and even though leaving was hard, I now realize it would’ve been so much harder if I stayed any longer. Traveling there was such a pleasure, and if we had stayed longer I honestly don’t think I could leave. I’m really nervous about going to Santa Ana because if I get as connected there, I won’t be able to leave Paraguay without being in tears.
Tonight we had the dinner where we first met our new host families. These are students from the Colegio San Jose who join us to volunteer in Santa Ana as a kind of exchange as well. When I first got to my host family’s home, I was excited but extremely nervous because were told that these students came from rich families, and I didn’t think that was something I could connect with. When I met my host brother, I didn’t think we would have anything in common, but we had more in common than I thought we ever would. We like the same music, games and have a similar sense of humor. Meeting the parents was just as surprising. I didn’t think that I would be as accepted as I was, and I really didn’t expect for my host brother to actually want to share a room with me and get to know me.
I’ve learned from the host family experience that everywhere you go, someone will remind you of something dear to you. I’ve learned that people can build trust extremely fast, like genuine trust. I’ve learned that even in two weeks you can build the kind of relationship where you’ll stand up for someone the minute they need support. And most importantly, I’ve learned that LSI is a family.
-DiAnte’