Monday 24 October 2016

home

I am sitting in SFO right now waiting for my delayed flight. A flight that starts the long journey back to Malawi.  I thought about writing while I was home, but it was hard. Both hard to fit in and difficult to know what to say.  I didn't realize how much I missed home until I got here. I felt a little guilty about it.

I loved every minute of being home.  Even flying around to 7 cities in 3 weeks and living out of a suitcase.  I saw some of my favorite people (don't worry those of you I couldn't squeeze in, you are still my favorites too) and was overwhelmed with the love and support you gave me for what I am doing. Plus interviewing for something I love to do and meeting others who are just as pumped about it was pretty awesome. It is not easy to leave this and go back to somewhere that I am so far away from all of that.


Examples of support: interview words of wisdom from my mom

I also missed my Malawi family a lot and felt really disconnected from life there.  I was thankful for the texts and pictures from everyone so I still felt a little in the loop.  And the requests for all the goods I am trafficking home :)  It was just starting to feel more like home when I left, so I am hoping it will feel that way when I get back.  It is hard going back knowing that from here I won't be home again for another 9 months. Knowing I'll miss Thanksgiving and Christmas (for the 3rd year in a row) is pretty awful.  But I knew that when I signed up for this and I know the Malawi crew has some fun holiday plans.

Some highlights from my U.S. tour:

residency buddies and skyline views in philly





















Walls of pez in our Air bnb in portland



being cool at portland shows and catching up with an old friend






BFF, beer, and amazing views in portland




























hiking and matching cargo shorts in reno.  Plus tons of dogs including murphy and her fave vodka-themed toy :)





beach views, old and new friends in SD

Plus many many more awesome people and friends and stuff and things that I couldn't capture.  I am eternally grateful to those of you who opened up your homes, offered advice, met up with me to catch up on such short notice. It meant so much to me that I'm traveling back to Malawi with a full heart.  Overflowing.  I know Malawi is where I need to be right now, despite how hard it is to say goodbye again.  I'll miss you all and there is an open room for any of you waiting in Blantyre if you ever want to visit.  






No comments:

Post a Comment