Phew. Packing is just about done. It seems like I am taking so much with me (particularly clothing) but when I remember it's all packed in two large and one small suitcases, I suppose it isn't that much after all.
It has been a fun, though busy, week. I had a chance to catch up with a few more friends and run last minute errands before Thomas arrived on Wednesday. We had a great few days packing, eating at favorite Jersey restaurants, and just enjoying each others' company (he also went snowboarding for a day, which you can bet I did not accompany him to...), and then he left this morning for two weeks of training in Dallas and Madison. Saying good-bye at the airport was wonderfully easy--no tears, no terrible turning feeling in the pit of my stomach, or wondering when we'll be seeing each other again. He'll be joining me in Cape Town in about three weeks time. Piece of cake when six months is the norm!
Friday night was amazing. I had a going away gathering at Dave and Busters and was blown away by the turn out. Friends from pre-school, middle school, high school, college, and beyond and in between. Apologies to everyone at dinner that the service was slow. I didn't mind--one, as a former server, I don't know how one person was taking care of twenty-six (by my count) people, and two, it gave me a lot of time to make the rounds at the table and chat with folks. I know there were a lot of people I didn't get to spend much time with, but I was so glad to see all of you there who could make it!
In general, I hate good-byes. As some of you know, I'm a sensitive person and am pretty quick to get teary at happy or sad occasions. I'm doing my best not to dwell on how much I am going to miss the amazing folks I have on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. So far, I've been pretty good about holding it together, though I certainly had trouble getting to sleep after the party on Friday night thinking about it. The way I look at it: I am truly blessed to have so many people in my life whom are so difficult to move away from.
Thankfully, come tomorrow morning, the good-byes will be over (save for Jennifer, my wonderful friend/"sister"/mentor who is joining me for my first week in Cape Town!). From then on, I'll be saying hello to my loved ones via webcam and email, and I'll be starting a whole new adventure. Plus I'm looking forward to possibly making some new friends in the coming months.
Truthfully, I have been feeling next to no anxiety. Partly because I have been preparing for this change for some time and because I know that this is the right thing for me right now (even if it is sad some times). I constantly have my dad's voice in the back of my mind, telling me that no matter what I imagine about the future, it will be different than what I picture. I find that to be freeing and exhilarating! The coming years can go in so many different directions, and yet I have faith that I will find my way.
We should have internet once we get to the apartment on Tuesday. Stayed tuned for updates and pictures.
Here we go, folks!
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