Big Things: Some Good, Some Bad

I have made the decision to return to the United States at sometime in June, a little earlier than was planned, but I am feeling very confident that it was the best decision. It allows me to take two big state tests that would be hanging over my head if I didn't take them this year. Also, it doesn't get in the way with school here, so I can finish out the year here, then get that done. Also it doesn't hurt that there is a sailing trip with some friends when I get back. And that I will see Simon and Max before they go to camp. And in all truth, at that point I will be ready to return back to my life in Bedford, NY. It has been a great relief for me to make this decision, and now I have a few major things I need to focus on: learning as much Italian as I can in the next few weeks, focusing on writing/photography/drawing, finishing up school strong here, and spending good times with Gerlando, family, and friends. All good things to focus on.

Then there is some pretty sad, weird news, that actually made "Il Giornale di Sicilia" right from my town, Favara. On Tuesday as we were walking into school we saw a large crowd outside the door, and the school president was talking into a cellphone sounding concerned. We asked someone what had happened, and they replied "vandali!" Vandals! We pushed through the crowd to the big glass doors that lead into the main lobby of the school, and immediately I saw the damage done. 

I didn't care too much about the fire extinguisher foam all over the ground and the walls, or the red spraypaint on the walls, but when I saw the statue of Martin Luther King spraypainted white and the base smashed, I was disgusted. Something about the contrast of this man of peace, looking so noble and calm in the statue and the hideousness of the spraypaint and mess really angered me. The vandali really destroyed a whole wing of the school, ripping doors off the hinges, smashing desks, spraypainting everything. I feel sorry for the school. 

Anyways, I am feeling relieved to have made this decision, and cannot wait to see everyone at home. And I can drive when I get home. That's pretty awesome.

Zander