Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Good Evening Folks,

Well, this is it. Tomorrow, the second day of the second month in the year of our Lord, 1999, we board a great metal bird to fly us away to the not to distant land known as the United States of America. One part of me is rejoicing in the fact that once again I will have a soft bed to sleep, warm water to shower and shave, a room that keeps me safe from the elements, and food that doesn't cause me gastrointestinal distress. But on the flip side, I am sad that I'm ending one of the most rewarding chapters in my short life. I will come away from this adventure having learned new things about the world, about life, and about myself.

While here I have silently hated, forgiven, and learned more about the people I work with. I have refined the never perfected skill of seeing things from someone else's point of view. To understand your enemy, can make him your friend...or at least not your enemy any longer.

I have learned to be more adaptable, for here failing to be flexible will drive you to insanity. Semper Gumbi. Everything is Etched in Jell-O.

Never pass up the opportunity to take a nap in a hammock on a hot day.

I have learned that you always should wear your party hat.

I have been reminded once again that truth is stranger than fiction. I've seen things here that I never thought existed or could be done.

I now know that a lot of things I used to call morals and values were just things to hide behind when experiencing new ideas and things. I now know that life is for living. Don't live in the past, don't worry too much about the future, and live for the Now. Now only happens once, so you better enjoy it.

I have learned that small pieces of candy can make frightened children like you.

I have found that Things can happen to you, or you can make things happen. Making things happen is a lot better. Life is easier when you control what's going on around you.

As I have said before in a few of my previous letters, I have grown to become very thankful for the life I have. The people down here live in horrid conditions (at least form my standpoint) but they don't even realize it because they have known nothing else.

We went back to the medical mission sights and did the post Psyop assessments this past week. We covered towns all the way in Sonsonate in the West, only five miles from the Guatemalan border. We went to towns in the far eastern towns of San Miguel and El Cuco. I have seen and done many things that I will never forget and have changed me forever. I have watched a man climb a palm tree barefoot with a machete in his teeth I have seen him chop the coconuts away in two swings of the sharp blade. And I have drank the cool water from the freshly sliced open fruit that was presented to me by that same man. I have gratefully eaten food offered to me by poor families, when I know they work hard every day just to feed themselves. I have listened to the ramblings of the town drunk/crazy. I have found that no matter where I go in this country, the drunken and the crazy and sometimes even drunken crazies will seek me out, find me, and relate all there troubles and life stories to me, all while trying to persuade me to by them a drink or give them money.

It's growing a bit late for me here in the land of Cumalopa. The Z monster is out there, stalking me silently, waiting for me in the dark. I think he is lurking somewhere in the vicinity of my cot. We have a long day ahead of us. There will be much to do and many miles to travel. And when it is all done, I will be home again. And this will be a good thing. Goodnight everyone.

Love,
Kurt