Valpo Voyager

Student Stories from Around the World

Date: September 20, 2010

So Short, Yet So Sweet

In response to my most recent post, God brought this blessing into my life:  http://bit.ly/99Z2nQ

In short, I am committing to feeding two beloved children a month.  Until another opportunity arises in which I can give on a more profound scale, this will be my commitment, my sacrifice, yet my greatest joy over the next few months.

“Give, and it will be given to you” –Luke 6:38

Whether you are abroad or home, I challenge each and every one of you to commit to something that challenges you; whether it is financially, emotionally, timely, or physically.

The Hourglass

Approaching five weeks, I already feel as though I’m running out of time. The calendar suddenly feels much smaller when you think in terms of weekends rather than days or weeks. It then gets even smaller when measured against the ambitiously naïve list of destinations compiled at the outset of this adventure.

Where the heart leads, the wallet stubbornly remains. The dollar sign—or pound sign rather—looms hauntingly in the backdrop of every travel scheme. Energy, the only currency that matters, can be hard to find if one doesn’t know where to look. The fabled virtue of patience also seems to depreciate these days, while fear of the steadfast hourglass slowly grows with each grain of falling sand. If I’m not careful stress will soon settle in, and much like sand, stress will find its way into every crack of the human consciousness.

But I do feel my priorities shifting. I feel resigned to the unshakable truth that I will not see everything I want to see or visit every destination I wish to visit. The only comfort I get is from my own fervor to make every second count and confidence that I will be back. After all, there is not much else I can do.

I think that once the end of the semester arrives, everyone will have the initial conviction to come back and experience what they missed. The challenge is to not allow that conviction to pass into nostalgic regret—a veritable list of things “I should’ve done.” Ultimately, if one makes the most of every opportunity, then there is nothing more anyone can do.

Sunset over the Thames.

Mexico City (Part II: Out and About in the City)

View from the top of Torre Latinoamerica-maybe it’s not as grand as Chicago, it still look my breath away!

Despite a lively celebration of Independence Day and birthdays, I was able to see a lot of the Mexico City and gained an overall view of the city. On Wednesday, my friend Ciceron and I traveled to the Historic District. There was an anticipating energy throughout the city as everybody prepared for the Independence Day. We visited the Torre Latinoamerica (Latinamerica Tower). This is like the Sears Tower in Chicago; you realize the grandness of the city-it’s spectacular!

Thursday night we went to the Zocalo, the center area of Mexico City. This is the heart and soul of Mexico City and includes the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. Every September 15th, the president gives a speech to the citizens of Mexico to thousands of Mexicans celebrating the independence of their country.

The buildings in the Zocalo were covered with bright lights-here is the headpiece of the Aztecs.

The entire plaza was decorated with colorful light designs including historical figures such as Hidalgo, Morelos and the pyramids of the Aztecs. There is nothing like the Zocalo, you can just feel the pride and energy of Mexico all in one place!
On Friday, our group went to the Museo de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum). The museum is extremely well organized with an outside plaza with the different areas for the cultures of Mexico. An excellent representation of Mexico’s history and a must for those traveling here! For more information about Mexico City check out this website: http://www.mexicocity-guide.com/.

Palacio de Bellas Artes-a famous place for the arts from around the world (and you thought Mexico was a third-world country!)

During the five days I spent in Mexico City with Ciceron and his family and friends felt like a mere two days, I got a sense of the energy of this city but of this country as well. In Mexico City, the energy is evident as the buildings were dressed in red, white and green colors but also through the energy of the people. Mexicans love life and their country. I felt so honored and privileged to be a part of the celebrations with Mexicans. Like the US, this country fought hard for its freedoms and continues to do so. The enthusiasm of the culture and people make this country very contagious…so Viva Mexico!

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