End of an era…

This morning started with saying goodbye to Braden and Finn. Braden asked if he could come to South Africa with me, and Finn asked if I was going home to see to mom, dad, brothers and sisters. As they walked out the door, with their little animal backpacks, I had a small lump in my throat and I had to choke back a tear or two.

I headed out the door soon after that, as I had another friend I had to meet up with. After tea and chat up with Leann (or maybe it was juice) I headed to the mall for the last few items I needed. Then I realized Annabel was about to leave for school and if I didn’t make it home soon, I would miss my goodbye hug. I rushed in the door, got a bunch of squeezes and Amanda and her headed out the door.

Annabel and I on "early Christmas"

This meant now I was alone, in this big house, in my empty room, with all my thoughts and my fully packed bags.  And now I have to wait…for the minutes to tick by…

Opening a few presents

Amanda arrived back home, closely followed by Dave and then I knew I had my final goodbyes, and a plane to catch. I hugged Amanda and jumped in the car, I hate long drawn out goodbyes so I wanted to avoid it. Once at the airport I checked in my bags (which were slightly overweight, so I shifted an item or two into my hand baggage. So either way it’s coming on the plane with me) said farewell to Dave and headed to my boarding gate, with a heavy heart. I guess I’m not sure how to feel, I am so excited to see my family, but if I don’t get my visa it means I have to leave this life behind forever.

Cutest. Kids. Ever!

These were the thoughts I was having as my plane took off from Milwaukee. Rain drops were racing down the window, and soon I realize tears were racing down my cheeks too. Torn between two worlds and caught up in emotions, is difficult to experience when you are in such a public setting, but I wasn’t thinking about that at the time.

Recap 2009: One of my first views of America

My last thought when I flew out of New York, was a montage of arriving in New York, my first look at America, and all my firsts since then…Good bye New York and good bye America…

Recap 2009: This was my first real look at America!