The Night Before

'Twas the night before leaving and all through the house not a creature was stirring  - just kidding. My heart is beating faster than I think is recommended by a physician.

After receiving my VISA only 18 hours before my flight which I had already paid for (wishful thinking?) I said good-bye to my dear friend Brianne and her darling baby and was off to spend my last evening in Canada with my parents. Left on the agenda:

• Mom practicing driving my car. (Dad: It's a car. It has 4 wheels and a motor. Mom: But I need to know how to turn the windshield wipers on!)  
• Re-packing my suitcases since I've destroyed the top layer of each of them trying to find things to wear over the last few days.
• Trying to sleep tonight (hello Tylenol nighttime) 

Here's what I know for sure:

• Someone from the school will meet me at the airport and drive me either to the school or to my apartment. He may or may not speak  English. 
• I have to learn some basic Korean on my flight.
• I will have moments of wonder.
• I will have moments of freight!
• I will have many more moments of joy. 

As I fought back tears leaving Brianne's house today I kept saying to myself over and over again: The pain in this moment will not last and will be worth it in the long run. Your return after this journey will be full of love and welcome. And, your time in this journey will help you learn and grow. My life coach friend, Sharon, told me that while I will change when away, everyone else here will stay basically the same and that I have to be prepared for that when I come back. Good thing though, because EVERYONE close to me in my life is amazing. The support and encouragement from everyone that has brought me to this day has been astounding to me. 

Shout outs to everyone who:

• threw me going away parties
• bought/made me gifts 
• helped me move out
• helped me clean my carpets
• bought me lunches and dinners
• gave me so many hugs
• took pictures with me
• gave me Canadian flags to take with
• texted me to tell me this is going to be amazing
• Facebooked me to tell me this is going to be amazing
• told me there is a Pizza Hut in Seoul so not to worry
• set me up with people to talk to in Korea

I will keep you all posted as I move through this journey. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers! 

Also, did you know I like lists?

K Bye! 

Alli