Personal Narrative: Go Backward

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As I went to bid farewell to my parents they asked me, “What is your plan?” To which I responded, “I don’t have a plan, I am just going to work things out.” They tried to persuade me that I shouldn’t leave, but I was adamant that I needed to start a new chapter in my life. “Why do you want to go backwards?” was a question they both asked me, and one I couldn’t answer. I had already made up my mind. By choice I left behind a life of comfort with only a backpack and a suitcase. It was Christmas day 2008, and I was on my way to Samoa. When I stepped off the plane I was welcomed and embraced by the horrendous humidity. Drenched in sweat, I happily made my way to the unknown. Voluntarily leaving behind all the common comforts with hopes that things would figure themselves out. I felt as though I was an intrepid vagabond ready to further my new adventures in life. With no plan on what I was going to do I confidently smiled, for this moment was one to treasure. All I knew is, I was meant to be here at this pivotal point in my life. With meager funds I set out to start anew in the island home of my father. My initial plan was to stay for only a few months. Needless to say, that plan didn’t turn out so well. Here I was in the heart of Polynesia, a place many would consider paradise, living with limited funds, no electricity, and no running water. Oh how I coveted the comforts of life I enjoyed in America. “What have I done?” is a question I started asking myself as I started to doubt my decision. It was then that I needed to make a choice. Whether to press forward and fight to find my way, or tuck tail and cower like a scared canine. Needless to say the latter doesn’t description doesn’t fit my calibre. I had to change the way I thought, in order to overcome the ordeals I willingly put myself through. I felt as though I had warped back to a Neolithic time. For a short period I was living by candlelight. Every morning I needed to fetch water from the fresh water spring, which was to be used for drinking and cooking. Firewood needed to be stocked constantly as we cooked over an open flame. When there was no money to purchase food, we would use what we could from the land to make a meal. It wasn’t easy adjusting, but I knew that as I adapted to these situations I would overcome my fears. . It isn’t always easy to give up your comforts. Sometimes you just need to let go of everything and walk away. It is easier said than done. I know that when are able to do so, you are opening up the door to many opportunities. Now I can honestly answer the question posed by my parents before my journey, “Why do you want to go backwards?” In going back I was able to better appreciate all the things my parents and ancestors have done for me. I literally learned the value of hard work, because when you are only equipped with a machete you begin to use your ingenuity to get things done. This one tool became a lawn mower, axe, shovel, hoe, and many other things. You have to work with what you got, and then you make it work. All the small things people take for granted aren’t truly appreciated until you have experienced them yourself. Though cooking on an open fire requires a lot of preparation, the taste of food cooked on an open flame has no comparison. You learn that you control the flame, and that flame is you. The simple cuisines prepared from root crops and vegetation teach you to be grateful that you have something to fill the void in your belly. The appreciation of water, especially in times of drought, teach you not to waste a most precious commodity. When you don’t have running water and you have

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