15 May 2015

15 May 2015 - Friday

Today we walked over 12 miles gathering surveys from the youth in the area of Libertad. We are trying to get as much feedback as possible for our future project proposals, seeing what a good sample of youth from the region wants and needs. We had about ten youth walking with us, bravely approaching people – many older than them – and asking them to fill out a fairly detailed form. It was fun to watch them become more bold, more excited, and more willing to help. Youth is a wonderful time of life, with such desires to make a difference in the world and a willingness to do it in small contexts. I am blessed to be working with youth during this month.

A few of the youth we worked with on the long walk in Libertad -- Yeison,
María, and Paloma.

One other thing which made up for the long walk was the beach. The first town we visited was built on the beach, not within view of or overlooking the beach but on the beach – we entered the town through fields and trees and exited on the shores of the Caribbean. Fishing shelters dotted the shore and boats the sea, small outboard motorboats and little wooden canoes with fisherman leaning out and spreading nets into the sea. The waves were soft and calm, moving as if the warm climate left them just as dozy as the people onshore. And the warmth of the water – it made me want to fling myself into the welcoming waves and swim far from the shore. But considering my jeans, shirt, and long distance from a change of clothes, I decided that would be unwise. So I walked through the shallow waves instead, drinking in the salty breeze and watching the youth joke and laugh on the beach. I treasure those moments.