I woke up with the sense of belonging. I am comfortable in my bed, my room, my view of Mt. St. Helens (a novelty I've appreciated at my parents and while living in Vancouver), my family, my friends. I'm hesitant, yet excited for today. It consists of packing/cleaning/errands/paperwork/Clark County Fair/a "See you in December" bonfire with loved ones/probably little sleep/church/lunch with family/Plane ride/Anchorage/meeting all new people-- today runs into tomorrow. Somehow, somewhere in that schedule, I'll have a few hours between saying goodbye to everything I know to meeting a brand new place. In one plane ride I'll be transported from familiar hugs to foreign hellos.
My life for a year is packed in:
2 boxes (bed/bath/kitchen)
(clothes/winter gear)
1 smaller box (books, lesson plans)
1 suitcase
1 guitar
In Anchorage, I'll buy lots of dried food and supplies to ship to the village. It's much cheaper with subsidized shipping from there, rather than the Lower 48.
Mom has been drying fresh vegetables for me to take in my suitcase.While I'm in Anchorage for a week and a half, I'll have new teacher training and district-wide training. So far, the only person I've officially met is the HR director who hired me. I haven't met anyone who will be living in my village yet, but I'm sure I'll get to know them very well by the end of this trek.
I'm blessed to have this journey ahead of me. People have asked me so many questions about the village, the culture, the school, etc. You are wondering what adventures I'll experience and what stories might paint the walls of this blog. I am, too.
In all honesty, I'm a little overwhelmed. If I could have it my way, I'd like to make it through the day without any tears. However, that spell was broken already at 9:45am. It's hard to avoid emotions when you don't know they're there until they spill down your cheeks. Today, this quote will be in my head on replay.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
-Annie
It's true.
Tomorrow, I leave behind wonderful people, places, and friendship. But, I'll take with me memories. And, for heaven's sakes, I'll be back before I know it!
Dad took me for a little cruise on his motorcycle.
My home.
My mom's beautiful plants!