el regreso

back to quito, fed, cleaned, weary, and gearing up to go out tonight for a last wild night of dancing and bonding with fellow Ayuda'nians.

what do i want to express in words at this point...surely the most impressionable moments and stories will remain in my memory for quite some time. those ephemeral thoughts and feelings are those which i want to relay.

Campo Amigo was quite possibly the best experience i've ever had in the capacities of education (both teaching and learning), personal connections, bonding, sharing, taking on the responsibility for kids and their salud, cross-cultural smiles....

mis chicas are so incredible in their strength, their determination to know as much as possible about their condition, and the love that they shared with their amigas at camp and...with me. i don't have words to describe the way they looked at me last night, as they handed me a letter with personal messages to me, or this morning, as we said goodbye...with such love and admiration and gratitude in their eyes, as i sit dumbfounded presently with tears rolling my face wondering how all this could happen in six and a half days.

it's not about the numbers, although they came in with a few 300-400s per day and left with a rare 300 after a meal. it's about the connections they made with each other and the strength they gained. it's about asking a young person for the first time, "how much insulin do you think you need?" from my own personal experience, i believe that to ask these questions and to educate kids with diabetes or any chronic condition and allow them begin to think how They will maintain their condition as opposed to a doctor or parent, is one of the greatest sparks to promoting an independent, healthier and happier life for these kids in the future. a small change, an open door to take control of your own body and personal future, is ultimately what was accomplished this week. the curiosity will remain as to how this experience will impact their future...but i will say for myself that any effort in the future to empower kids and to help them attain happy days will find some root in this experience at campo amigo...

juntos somos mas fuertes,