Isn't the most interesting part of some stories "the backstory"? In considering my reality of sitting in LAX waiting for our flight, the backstory seems a requirement. Six months ago, a group of students belonging to the USD Medical Brigades club planned a trip to Panama to participate in an experience with Global Brigades. At the last moment, a University Advisor was unable to travel with them. From there, the Student Organizations International Travel Policy was born. As I met with the leadership of the group last May, I shared that they would need to have an advisor attend their upcoming Brigade to Honduras. As they needed to finalize their list of faculty/staff to ask, but wanted to purchase airline tickets now, I committed to go with them if they were unable to find another staff person. Perhaps, it was a prophetic statement, because less than 4 weeks ago I called the student leader to let him know that their faculty person was now unable to attend. Less than 3 weeks ago, I got the green light that it would be me.
We arrived at USD this evening at 7pm. It has been an interesting experience so far... There wasn't enough room in the one van that was rented for all of the luggage and people, so the organization president had to brainstorm a solution to get all 15 of us up here. As we were gathered around the van, I asked the woman next to me, "Are you coming on the Brigade?" Come to find out that she is a physician in the San Diego area that is volunteering her time. (P.S. She is delightful!) When the truck to transport our luggage arrived, there was a quick scramble to get everything loaded and we were off!
I should disclose here that these students are not all that convinced that I need to be here. There is an aloofness to some, and a direct coldness from others. But, there are also several that have greeted me with a smile and excitement. We walked over to get a snack during our 2+ hour flight delay and 5 of us sat around a table and laughed. They are mostly interested in each other, but certainly made room for the old lady at the table.
As we sit and wait for our overnight flight to Houston, I am struck by a few things.
- Four students in this group have been on two other brigades. They are the experienced ones. It is a challenge to be a participant, but also a joy. When the luggage problem happened, no one looked to me to solve it. And, I didn't jump in. A new role for me on both accounts.
- I am mindful of the level of need that we are entering as we land in Honduras. I am not sure if those traveling with me know what they are going to see. My hope is that I am a point of strength and a place of reflection for them to consider all that they will see.
- As we drove up to LAX, there were two different students who took phone calls from what sounded like their parents. No matter how rough and tough these students may seem, they are someone's baby. Worried parents (including mine) exist even when we present as independent and self-sufficient. It is a point where we are all vulnerable together.
May God bless us and keep us safe and healthy to show his love and compassion to the people of Honduras.
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