Big step

One of the hardest parts about leaving Atlanta is ending my formal relationship with my Little Brother, Sergio. We have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2004 and it has been awesome. Initially, I wanted to be paired with a 12-year-old girl (who doesn't love awkward adolescence?) but I ended up with a 7-year-old boy. Normally, they do not make cross gender matches but because there are so many more boys to match and less male mentors, they sometimes make exceptions. It has turned out to be a really great match for both of us. Now Sergio is 12 and about to finish his 6th grade year.

I'm extremely excited and relieved that my friend Clay has volunteered to take over as Sergio's Big Brother. BBBS has approved the new match so they are undergoing the process of making things official. I think it's a great time in Sergio's life to transition to a male role model and I couldn't think of a better person to be matched with Sergio now. Clay has taken us rock climbing a few times and it quickly became Sergio's favorite activity we've done together. This kid has no fear of climbing walls and Clay will continue to encourage him to take risks and try new things. Other friends in Atlanta have also become close to Sergio so I know I'm not only leaving him in Clay's care but the care of Yves, Tina, Bruce and others. I'll be excited to hear about everything when I'm in Guatemala!

Sergio and his whole family have become very important to me and I know that I will stay in touch with them for a long, long time. Here are some photos of Sergio and me throughout our years together. Note that both Sergio and I have had some significant transformations with hairstyles these last few years:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeisforlivingguatemala/sets/72157617019868667/

If you are interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters in Atlanta and finding your own awesome Little, please visit www.bbbsatl.org. To become a Big in your area, visit www.bbbs.org.