It took 4 Bjerke girls and 3 days to pack my bags, but we finally got them under 50 pounds. I still feel like I brought too much, but I am sure it will be the last of my worries very soon. I'm not sure when or how often I will have internet once in Africa, but I'm hoping I get to check in every so often.
I'm on my way to Cameroon now, sitting in the Brussels airport with many hours to wait until we leave for Cameroon. I am quite intimidated by this blog idea, and I'm not sure I have anything worthwhile to say, but I will give it a shot.
After saying goodbye to all my loved ones, I had a lot of doubt and uncertainty about what I am doing. I already miss my family and friends and am nervous about the unknown approaching. It has been comforting to meet other Peace Corps Trainees. Everyone has a big heart and are very open and kind. Our conversations have gone downhill with sleep deprivation mixed with caffeine. It is quite entertaining though, and makes leaving our loved ones less painful, at least for the moment.
It was difficult to leave my nieces and nephews, especially with their comments before leaving. In a very matter-of-fact manner, my nephew told me, "Aunt Mo, I'm sad I won't see you for two years." My niece went through all the holidays I would miss, "You're going to miss TWO Christmases and TWO Easters and TWO of our birthdays!" Another niece told me, as I said goodbye, "And you'll never do this again, right?!?" I'm nervous they may forget their Aunt Mo, but my sisters reassure me they won't. They drew me pictures of elephants, tigers, cats, and unknown animals which have kept me company for the past few days.
Some of my close family and friends saw me off from my small town airport. It was sweet to have so many loved ones there. I could see the worry in their faces, and allowed myself to break down once more before leaving Helena. I didn't have the heart to tell my nieces and nephew I had to go when they were all hugging me at once. Eventually, my sisters told them I had to go and they let me out of their tiny arms. It was all I could do to pull myself together, walk through security, and wave at them through the glass.
Every time I leave home, I am more grateful of family, friends, Montana, and the U.S. I can't wait to share more with you about my adventures, new friends, and new home. I can't believe the time is here for me to live in Africa for two years of my life. Here's to a new chapter in my life.
