So much in so little time. Around 11:30pm PDT I was sitting on a plane as it took off from PDX (Portland International Airport), about 5 hours later it landed in Boston, I got off, went through security again, boarded another flight and about an hour later found myself in Regan Washington National airport. A brief wait at the baggage claim, and the forth bag to pop out was mine, I grabbed it and started the trek through the airport to the metro station, paid my fare, went through the turnstile up the steps and waited to board. I counted the stops, and after the right number, got off and switched to the red line, as I waited for it to arrive, my mind darted back to a time when I was even further underground, in a mine in DR Congo. It was humid down in that mine, just as it was in this metro station, except here it was also humid up at ground level as well…
I got onto the red line, counted stops again, though this time hearing the station announcements more clearly, got off, walk to the turnstile put in my fare card, and proceeded on out and up a very long escalator, and then a short walk to the corner and the awaiting university shuttle. As the shuttle made its way to American University, I met a few others who were also heading there for Bread’s national gathering and at one of the final turns I once again had brief flash backs of DR Cong… as the bus turned right, the driver honked and kept going right at a car, that was in the left turn lane, making the car back up, never slowing… not quite like the experiences in the Congo, but still when already thinking of the copper mine, brought back memories…
Soon, I would find myself checked into my dorm room for the next few days, and then into the gathering. Resources in a bag on my shoulder, name tag hanging around my neck, and a very expensive key (if lost) in my pocket, I started to explore a bit, started to meet people, and started a energizing adventure, though one I wish there was no need for. An opportunity and experience that I am grateful and thankful for, but for a need I am extremely sad exits… hunger and poverty…
stay tuned for the next part…
Peace,
— Lyle II