It's crazy how a simple moment in one's life can change the way he or she sees the world. For me, it happened in Tijuana, Mexico, a place where it takes more than just driving through once to digest everything you see. Life happens so fast and because of this trip it allowed me to take a step back and see a different perspective. Two years ago I came on this trip not particularly knowing what to expect. Visiting a third-world country was already checked off my list, but building houses in one was something way different. It was my second year going and I still felt the same emotions as last year: anxious, excited, yet open-minded. I also had my mom which helped a lot. She was the part of home I was able to bring with me. The part of me that taught me to be strong, independent, hardworking. The type of person you can rely on and trust. Traits comparable to a hammer. Capable of many things. We were required to bring many objects on the trip. Some to keep up warm, keep us safe, to guide us, to help us. But one of the most important objects you absolutely need is your hammer. I can firmly say it's embarked on a journey of experiences. From a closet, to a brand new tool bag, to a truck, to LA, to Tijuana, Mexico, to a dirt floor, to around my waist on a tool belt, and finally to the construction of three different houses. Without it, I wouldn't have made such a difference.
Many aspects of the trip were memorable. The people, the generous families, the rancid smell of the women's bathroom, the way the neighborhood kids would awe at you in wonder, the different and sometimes hopeless ways we would all try to communicate to the people in Mexico, the blanket of fire we would have at night after a hard days of work, the wake up call from our leader Donna, singing with her lovely voice at 6:30 am. .
But the special and most significant part of this journey was the final day. .
It started out the same, like every other day.
