The last time I left for a long term trip, I was going for something new.  I wanted to experience other places, and have fun doing it.  I was going to ‘play’ as my mom called it (and play I did).
I only cried once.  It was the night before I left and after having spent the last few months planning and getting excited, I had a “What the hell am I doing?” moment and broke down on my dad’s deck.

This time it’s different.

I’m going to work, pay rent, live (I’ll a bit play too) – basically the same thing I’d be doing here, but in a different country.  Of course I’ve been excited to go, but I’ve been equally sad this time around too and it’s made saying goodbye even harder (with a lot more tears).

At least it was until I walked off the ferry this evening. I realized there’s nothing left to plan or organize, and only one more goodbye to get through…everything’s DONE! I don’t have to worry and can just be excited!

I get to go on a 16 hour flight with airplane food and my own mini tv! I’m aware that most people don’t look forward to those things, but I was raised on an airport – it’s in my blood.
Then I get to see Matt, live with Kiwis, and have a fresh start in a country I LOVE.  So I’m in no way complaining, even if leaving my family and friends has made me cry more in the last 3 days then the last 3 years.