One last time...

I titled this one last time because it hit me that I have done a lot of things for the last time (not for forever, but at least for a little while).  I hung out with friends for one last time, at the beach with the Bronski’s and Medfords, Allison House drove down to hang out, and of course dinner at San Jose’s with Sally, Mandy, and Rachel.  Ate my dad’s BBQ chicken one last time.  Not only did I drive my car for the last time before it got parked for the next 2+ years, but I drove myself somewhere for what could be the last time in a very long time.  On Wednesday I will use the cell number I’ve had for the last 10 years for the absolute last time.  I repacked my suitcase for hopefully the last time.  Gave my wonderful Grandmother what I hope is not a last kiss and hug.  Said my last goodbyes.  Ate my last meal in an American restaurant.  Ate one last pint of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food thanks to Gina!  I will have been surrounded by the sounds of mostly English for the last time.  I also packed away the last box of my stuff and put it in the extra room at my wonderful parent’s house.  

If I didn’t say a last goodbye to you I apologize I simply ran out of time and goodbyes.  Just know that I have thought a lot about the people who have crossed my path over the years as I packed away all my possessions and attempted to ready myself for what just might be the craziest thing I have ever done.  If you had asked me a year ago what’s the craziest/scariest things I had ever done I would have answered moving to Minnesota when I had never been there and didn’t know anyone.  I find it pretty funny that I’m choosing to do this again, except now I’m adding in a new language.  The next 27 months should be interesting.  

Only 19 days to go....YIKES!

It seems like just yesterday I drove away from Lutherock knowing (for the 2nd time) this was it for me, my last summer on staff, my last summer spent hiking into breakfast, enjoying the beautiful views, and watching both the campers and counselors faith grow, as well as my own.  Back in 2008, when I reluctantly left at the end of the summer I knew (or thought I knew) this was it for me, that it was time to get a real job.  However, that didn’t quite work out since I was layed off after a year and like so many others had a hard time finding another job.  Sometime, during the search I began seriously thinking about Peace Corps.  At the time, it seemed like a crazy thing to do, to contemplate leaving everything/everyone behind to go work in another country for 2 years.  However, the more I thought about it, it seemed like a good idea.  What better time to do Peace Corps than when I’m not married, don’t own a house, and wouldn’t be quitting a good job since I didn’t have one.   

Thus, here I am sitting at my parents’ house, packing up everything I own, trying to figure out what to take and what to leave, and completing my very long to do list, including starting this blog.  It’s hard to believe that in 20 days I’ll be in D.C. to start my Peace Corps adventure.  This of course means I also only have 20 days left to get everything done, to have a little more fun with friends and family and to say the rest of my goodbyes.  While I know I will miss out on a lot while I am gone, I know that this is my perfect chance to go out into the world and do something like this. 

It seems perfectly fitting to me that I would once again spend my summer working at camp right before leaving since I know the only reason I ever contemplated doing this is because all those years ago Hillary and Allison Smith talked me into being a camp counselor at Lutheridge.  It is because of that first experience and all the people I’ve met there and at Lutherock that I’ll be flying to Mexico August 29^th. 

So I would like to say thank you to all the people that are the reason I am doing this.  I would especially like to thank the 2012 Lutherock staff for reminding me why I love camp so much and for sending me off to Mexico with peace in my heart, a smile on my face, and many new friends that I can’t wait to send mail.