Turning 40 in the Peace Corps

I have no recollection of what I did on my 20th birthday, but I was in college so it likely involved something super fun and super cheap.  For my 30th birthday, I went to New Zealand, which was awesome.  It was the number one country on my travel wish list at the time, and my friend Rachel helped me live it up with a hike in the land of Lord of the Rings, a soak in hot springs, massages and a good bottle of wine.  It’s hard to top that!

Turning 40 back in the US.

So young... my 30th bday in New Zealand, which involved zorbing inside that big ball. I'd show you a picture at 20 but I'm pretty sure digital photos weren't yet a thing.

Rachel sadly couldn’t join me for my 40th birthday, because she recently had a baby, and none of my other friends from the US could join me either because they all have families, full-time jobs, mortgages, or are currently pregnant.  I however, have none of those awesome things limitations so I booked a trip to visit the Yucatan peninsula with two of my BFFs in Peace Corps!  Two weeks before my birthday, my back went out and I went home for surgery instead.  Ni modo. 

Although I was envious when I saw Facebook pictures from my friends in Tulum, I was excited to spend only my second birthday with my family in AR since 1995.  My aunt got the party started with a 6:30 AM rendition of the birthday song, followed by a surprise delivery of an edible arrangement and balloon from my long-time friend Amy, a coffee delivery from my sister, a sushi dinner with both of my sisters and my brother-in-law, homemade rice crispy treats from my aunt, and a package from my great friend Nancy with a book, chocolates, a new top, a coloring book and a hilarious feather boa!  The following Sunday, I had an official birthday party at a local park where three of my nieces played and played while calling out “Aunt Autumn come watch me go down the slide.  Aunt Autumn watch me cross the bridge.  Aunt Autumn watch me climb the ladder.  Aunt Autumn, wanna see how fast I can run?”  Aunt Autumn felt super popular and beloved.

Picture in Tulum from my friends.  One day I'll make it there.

My niece hand-decorated wrapping paper and a bday card that said "Did you know it's your birthday? Yes, I know it's my birthday" and had a glittery pencil hot glued on top :)

All the kids had fun at my bday party. 

And the adults had a lot of fun too.

So far 40 has been all about recovering from back surgery and trying to adjust to being back in the US, which is no easy thing.  In addition to feeling like I'm losing all of my hard fought proficiency in Spanish, I also struggle for words in English and frequently have what can best be described as "dense" moments.  What qualifies as a dense moment?

• Example 1: for several days after my surgery I kept thinking I had to be really careful on my left side and was laying more on my right side.  Then one day it occurred to me that my suture was actually in the middle of my back.  You know – along my spine – so left or right made no difference. 
• Example 2: for a week and half after surgery I put my pants on right leg first.  Then one day I tried my left leg first (i.e. the leg with more pain and less strength and flexibility).  It’s not just a little easier to start with the left leg, it’s mind-blowingly easier.  I wish I could blame the pain meds for these dense moments but I've only taken 3 pain pills since I had surgery 2.5 weeks ago, so maybe I can blame 40? 

Taking a therapeutic walk and enjoying the fall weather. 

Finding great art while out for my daily walk.

It definitely feels like fall here.

I think birthdays always provide an opportunity for reflection and this year I’ve been thinking about how Peace Corps has changed my perspective.  Mexico has taught me how to be kind to strangers, how to practice patience during times of uncertainty, and how to go with the flow and have faith that things will all work out (even at the last minute when it seems impossible and exasperation starts to creep in).  It’s also reinforced the value of family and loved ones, who I hug and enjoy every day here.

I’ll find out on November 3rd if I am cleared to return to Mexico or if I have to come up with a new life plan on short notice.  I know that things will work out however they are supposed to, and I try to stay focused on each new physical improvement that comes my way.  I have faith that one day I will be able to reach my left foot again and do exciting things like put on my own socks and pick up things that I drop on the floor.  I'm getting really good at picking things up with my toes but you can't pick up an ice cube with your toes.  I dare you to try.