Flat tire

As a college graduate I followed procedure. I studied hard, got good grades, interned, and networked like crazy. I was told that if I put forth my best effort that in the future it would pay off. This was the true beginning of my 'Camino'.

Camino, in Spanish, means path or journey. Let me tell you a little about myself and then I can better explain the purpose of this blog. I am a recent college graduate from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in International Marketing. I gave my final presentation of my college career on the last day of July and from that moment on dedicated myself towards what everyone calls the real world. I moved back home to Connecticut and went to New York City in search of my career...

Like thousands of other people in the US I was in search for the opportunity that would allow me to utilize all of the knowledge and education that I had just received at my University. I was told,.... "be patient"... "times are hard"... "you will find something". The hardest part of this process is that I did not know what I was being patient for! As a 22 year old graduate I was just as confused as every other graduate. I was still in the process of finding myself and what was important to me.

During the months of August to December I did the following:

-Applied to entry level marketing positions and interviewed

-Applied to teach English in China

-Applied to the Peace Corps

I’m sure that this lists shows that I wanted to do something with my time; I just wasn’t sure what. Let’s just say I hit a pothole in my Camino, got a flat tire and was stuck. What happens when you get a flat tire? You get out of your car, take off the flat and replace it with a donut...

I spoke with my sister, Juana Maria, and she gave me the only advice that actually made sense. She said, Nena when you don’t know what to do and you are feeling overwhelmed and down on yourself, take yourself out of the bubble for a little bit and focus on something else.... and all of you who know me so well know what that means! VACATION! I worked long and hard helping my cousin with her cleaning business and working some part time gigs as well. I put together enough money to fly myself to the Dominican Republic. My original plan was to get away for New Years and bring in 2010 with a smile on my face and above all, to relax.

I arrived on the island and did just that. My New Years Eve was amazing, but after a week I felt like I hadn’t experienced enough---So what did I do? I pushed back my return date.

During this time I was able to explore this beautiful island. I traveled from the north to the south and the east to the west, emerging myself into a culture so rich and full of life that I can honestly say that I experienced some of the best moments of my life here! But, as they say, all great thing comes to an end. It was Jan 12th when I felt the tremble of the earth, the same tremble that destroyed so many lives in DR´s neighboring country, Haiti.

It was the night that I heard the news about the effects of the earthquake that gave some clarity and insight about my life. I did not have to think twice about the decision I was about to make, I did not have to convince myself that it was a good thing to do... It came naturally. I did some research and found a Dominican organization by the name of Moschta. It is a small organization that does volunteer work both here in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti. I gave them a call and said one thing, I want to help...they gave me their address and here I am.

I will be traveling to Haiti tomorrow, July 19th 2010, to assist with the disaster relief of this devastated country with Moschta. I am traveling with an amazing group of individuals, each one unique in their own way. Doctors from around the world, logistics specialist from New York, energy and water sanitation experts from France, local professional rescuers, and last but not least myself, a retired lifeguard and recent college grad. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel with such an incredible group and hope that you will all help and support our efforts.

I must admit that at first I was nervous and scared and questioned myself. Yet today, when I confirmed with the director that I was leaving with them tomorrow my hands were still. That’s how I knew I was ready for this journey, but it is only with the support and encouragement of my family and friends (all of you) that I can face this challenge with courage.

Going to Haiti is my donut tire... I am not sure this is exactly what I want to do in life, but for right now I know this is what I am going to do. I hope that in my efforts to help I can find the importance of my life and also impact all of yours.

I will keep you all updated of my travels and progress. Please if you have any contacts that can provide us with supplies (food, water, or medical supplies) please contact me at elenabargo@yahoo.com. If you would like to make a donation please visit www.moschta.org. I can tell you first hand that your donations are being utilized immediately. We received $4,000 yesterday and a team of 5 of us went to buy medical supplies for our mission trip tomorrow. Please take the time to check out the site as well.

Also, along with my updates through emails and blogs Moschta is providing LIVE updates via facebook. If you have not yet become a fan of Moschta on facebook I recommend that you do so.

Thank you all again for your support and please keep Haiti in your prayers.