December 08, 2004
Ain't we lucky we got 'em...Good Times
Last night was the final night of the New Directions youth group for 2004. They are now on summer break. I’ve been helping out for the last few weeks and have really enjoyed getting to know the kids. Last night we had a big party; I brought brownies. I know it may be difficult to believe, but for many it was the first ever taste of brownie. We also had karaoke, which is always a hit.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the end of things. We are ending up a lot of things at church this week and in the next few. Last night the youth finished, tonight is the last night of a class I’m teaching, tomorrow is the last craft group. This church even stops services after the special Christmas service. I don’t think we have service again until January. The last one seems a little strange to me, but all of this closure is helpful too. We are leaving Launceston sometime after January 21st. It still feels far away but is coming up on us rather quickly. We’ve seen quite a bit of this state and now we’re getting ready to leave it.
I’m trying hard these days to think of all the things I want to do before we leave. There are still a lot of national parks I would love to visit, but I know we won’t have the time. I still want to learn everything I can about pattern making before I leave my fashion designer friend Ann. I want to learn as much as I can on my violin because my teacher here is so great. I want to have fun with our friends here as much as I can before we leave them.
At the same time, I am starting to get excited about New Zealand. I love the idea of it: living in paradise. I’m excited about having a new home and discovering a new place. It’s strange, because it still feels new here and we’re already leaving. In a way, you never really feel settled in when you know you’re going to leave soon.
I’m thinking about what to pack, what to forward to NZ, what to ship back to the US, and what to throw out or give away. I’m thinking about all the details we need to start worrying over, like taking new visa photos and filling out paperwork. I’m thinking about the last time we moved and trying not to be sad about all we have already left behind.
As I am looking backward and forward, I am thankful that I have been blessed so well around the world. I love you all and I miss you.
Posted by at 4:47 pm
Good blog entry erica. It is hard to feel settled when you know that you are leaving soon. Moving is always bitter sweet.Rob () - December 09, 2004 at 06:11 am
