The final countdown! So here we are. It’s 5 am and we once again are being stirred from our less than sound sleep; this time to make our way back to the States. Those of us brave enough to shower commented on how easy it was to wake up when there was no warm water. It was another quick ride through the streets of Guatemalan City to the airport. Someone on the street corner asked me through my window what I wanted and that he could get it for me. I decided to pass. We finally made it to the airport and found our way to check our luggage. Once again we were met with inefficiency at the ticket counter. After about 45 minutes without moving, we were ushered to an open counter and quickly passed all 9 of our group members through. For those of you who caught it, yes we do only have 9 people in our group now. Unfortunately we lost 6 on the bus ride; just kidding they’re on their way to Belize and we are all jealous and wish them the best of times and can’t wait to hear about their trip.
Moving on, we boarded the plane after Dr. Rust was chosen for the random security screening, and then we took off for the USA. Good times were had by all. It was another uneventful trip as we touched down in Miami and we disembarked on to the land of freedom, opportunity, and water that won’t make your hands dirtier when you wash them. We made our way among the crowd through the checkpoints and customs until we decided we needed to indulge in some good ole fashion fried American food, i.e. Chili’s. We forgot that people here can actually understand us and we got some odd reactions as Jennie walked up to Dr. Rust and said “Mom wants to know if you paid yet” (referring to Dr. Northrup’s familial role during the trip). I believe the reaction of people at neighboring tables was something in between confusion and bewilderment. Anyway, our new age family found our way to the security checkpoint where Dr. Rust was immediately escorted to the super secret fun room. We are not sure why Dr. Rust was selected for security screening twice over a span of several hours today, but it could be payback for all the work he made us do this semester and during the trip. Just sayin’. We eventually made it back to Boston in the wee early hours of the morning.
All in all I believe the entire group feels that they have had an experience of a lifetime and, for many of us, our eyes have been opened to a world we never knew existed outside the Natural Geographic channel. We all wish to say thank you to Dr. Northrup and Dr. Rust for putting up with us for the 12 days. We might not be the easiest group to handle sometimes, but you have to admit we are the most entertaining. Another big thank you is needed to the people that made this trip possible. Without us there would not have been anyone to go on the trip, but without you there wouldn’t be a trip to go on. Like they said at the mission, it’s not what you do when you’re down there that will change the world it’s what you do when you get back. Fun was definitely had by all. Goodnight everyone we’ll see you soon.
Author: Nate
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