Third Time is a Charm

I’m sitting in SeaTac waiting for my plane to board. The guy next to me is eating something that looks like it’s from Panda Express and smells delicious, so I’m fighting against the temptation to go get my own. But I know how much they feed you on these flights so I can’t give in to the urge no matter how tasty it smells or I’ll regret it later. My feet are already freezing and I’m wondering about the amount of clothes I have. Hopefully I’ll be warm enough on the plane. In retrospect, maybe Jamba Juice on a cool Seattle morning was not the ideal send off for someone whose lips and nails turn blue in a casual breeze. However, considering Dave Mathews attended my sendoff maybe Jamba Juice was a good call.

Leaving Seattle this time doesn’t seem as hard as it was the first two times. Maybe it’s because of the rain that came just in time to say goodbye or because I’m more used to leaving or because I got a whole month at home with my amazing friends and family and while a month is not enough, I got enough love to last me. Probably all three things make this time easier. I can’t believe how nice the weather has been and I’m glad it decided to cloud up because flying high above western Washington on a sunny day (unless you’re about to land) is a bit heartbreaking.

I still don’t have a seat on my flight and I’m praying I don’t end up sandwiched in between people. I tried to get an assignment from the gate desk, but they told me to come back later. Hopefully I’ll get paged soon. It’s hard to imagine that in 24 hours (give or take) I’ll be back in Kenya and laying down to sleep in Nairobi. This month seemed to stretch on to infinity when I first got back, but it all seems like an amazing, happy blur now. I will never stop being amazed at how much support I get from my friends and my family and how much love I feel when I get to see them. I know I said it last time I came home, but I’m going to say it again because it feels even truer now, I have the most amazing friends in the world. Things may not always work out in life like we want, but having friends and family around who love and support you makes everything seem easier. I am an extremely lucky girl to be able to travel and do something as amazing and exciting as Peace Corps and still feel like nothing has changed at home while I’m gone. Every time I come home I have a greater appreciation for how lucky I am.

Well, until Kenya…. I love you all and can’t wait to see you again in 11 short months!!