one week out.

One week out and I’m feeling overwhelmed, surreal, numb. All at the same time.

In one week, I will be on a plane, and then away for four months. To the USA, to Africa.

Four months. In my mind I’m like, it’s not really that long – and it’s not, I’ve been away for much longer. And it’s certainly not enough time to justify the incredible going away parties I was thrown this week! I have great friends, did I mention that? Great ones!

how beautiful is this!

rocking the blindfold mullet.

Certainly does not make it easier to leave.

One week out and I’m freaking out about transition. About wedding – planes – new country – classes; all of which happens in a 48 hour period. (not my wedding by the way!)

And then USA – Africa, which happens without going home.

Next week I’m going to arrive no doubt, jetlagged, sleep deprived, emotional and very overwhelmed. Without any textbooks, no appropriate clothing – I only own shorts and tee shirts – and I’ll have no idea where to go, what’s on campus and who is who.

I plan on standing in public places and using my accent to coax people to help me. I have been watching this, on repeat – as training.

I’m excited about going. About travelling again. About re-visiting America, a new part – the land of wonderful things, like racoons for example, and Walmart.

I’m prepared. I’ve watched many back seasons of greys anatomy, I have a visa in my passport, I’m packed a week out, and I even have presents (wrapped) for all the friends I’m visiting. 

read it.

pack me.

I’m scared, about leaving and missing people and not knowing anyone. About a new school, unfamiliar systems and studying again after so long. About cultural differences, culture shock, and struggling with food, and finances.

I’m leaving some friends for four months, and another – very special one – I won’t see again for two years. I’m missing 21sts and weddings, and significant others significant dates. This hurts.

I hope that the whole semester turns out exactly like the plot of Grease, that I somehow make the cheerleading squad and re-live Bring It On, and that the American population are so wowed by my talents that they skip the whole citizenship thing and allow me straight onto Survivor. If it happens, I will win.

One week out and I’m really appreciating my family, my friends, my home, my city and my country.

One week out. 

my "thank you for leaving" card from my churchies. cute.