Technology

Luddite - A person who is averse to addapting to technology.

I am a bit of a luddite. I approach technology with reservation, especially technology that claims to make it easier to stay connected with others. For example, I don't really like Facebook. It creates a false sense of intimacy and I don't think it brings any real value to relationships. (Yes, I recognize the hypocrisy of sharing this sentiment via a blog.) Skype, however, is kinda nice. I'm a fan. Last night, while in Peru, I talked to my brother in Kosovo and then my parents in the States and it didn't cost any of us a cent.

In other news, there were two earthquakes yesterday. The first one was big enough for me to jump up from my chair in anticipation of needing to run into the street. The second, a 6.6, made the walls sway for a few seconds. I'm thankful for the technology in this new building that makes it structurally sound.

Kids

These two young gentlemen are Luis, who I call, "monito," and his older brother Diego. Luis is one of the funniest kids I've ever known. We wrestle with each other, he'll cling to my legs or I'll throw him in the air. He loves to be read to and gently leans against whoever might be reading. Those are the few times when he's not moving and instigating.




Carlito. He may be the front runner for the kids I want to sneak back into the States. Remarkable aware and intuitive for a boy of 10 years old, he is quick to help and always has a smile. While it may look like he's just playing in a pile of dirt, he's actually preparing food for all of his friends. He uses old plastic bottles, stick, leaves, broken pieces of tile, anything he can find for free. I don't think it was a coincidence that he created this game the same day his family didn’t have enough money to buy breakfast.

Gratitude

Within the past 18 months of my fairly nomadic life, I've learned a few things. One of the most potent revelations is that the world is much smaller than I once thought, and so am I.

There is something, however, that has become grander, more impressive. There is something, someone, that continues to grow ever more amazing: my mom. During the times when I've needed someone, homesick in Rwanda or juggling grad school applications in Peru, she is without fail the first person I think of and the person I trust the most. She works the hardest to know about my life and believes the strongest in my potential. There is unshakable certainty in her love.

Yes, I've learned a great deal. I've learned, or at least have come to a better understanding, of how incredibly blessed I am to have my mother.