I just have to say that saying goodbye is really hard, even when its only temporary. I have always hated goodbyes. Even the word goodbye upsets me. When I was little I used to cry like it was the end of the world every time I had to say goodbye, even if I knew I would see the person again the next day. So this past week I have spent time with my loved ones, but avoided saying that word as much as possible. But today it was unavoidable.
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| Thanks to my friend Angela for the photo :) |
Today was my last full day in the USA, for at least 3 months and I spent the day finally forcing myself to say goodbye. I said goodbye to my family who I know I will see again in 3 months. I also know that I might get horribly ill from being separated from them (homesickness is a real thing you guys). I said goodbye to my friends, one of whom is leaving on an LDS mission just a few weeks after I'm gone. All the goodbyes were really hard for me, even if I managed to keep up a tough face. But I have known for weeks that the most difficult goodbye would be saying goodbye to my primary kids.
I have taught the 8 turning 9 year old primary class at church for the past year and today was my last day in this calling. Before I accepted this calling, I believed very strongly that I hated children and that I would never want to have any of my own. But after only a few weeks with my first class I realized that I loved them more than I had even known I could love anyone. I cried like a big baby when I had to say goodbye to my first class.
Then I got my second class, who had a completely different dynamic and at first I thought I could never love them like I had loved the others. But once again I was very wrong. I have learned so much from those kids and I love them with all my heart. Every time they express admiration for me they make me want to be a better person, so that some how I can be worthy of all that they bring to my life.
Today I taught them my final lesson, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I think it's fitting that I had this last opportunity to learn and teach about rebirth at a moment when my life is going to change so much and when the kids are going to be getting a new teacher. I know she is going to be a great teacher for them and I am so grateful for her. But please, please, please, someone keep me updated on how the kids are doing and keep an eye out for them while I'm not there.
Because it was my last day I brought treats and we had a bit of fun as well. I had to make it a little fun or it would have just been a big crying fest. Not for the kids-- Just me. I've gone from hating kids to a mushy gushy ball of love who cries like a baby over saying goodbye to a few 9 year olds. But if you knew them like I do you couldn't blame me. Teaching all of those kids really changed my life. They were a milestone for me. They brought out a side of me that loves nurturing and teaching, which was something about myself that I didn't even know existed. And though I will very much miss them, I do know that it's time to move on to the next milestone-- Germany.
I won't be posting on here again until after I arrive in Germany. My flight to Newark, NJ leaves at 6:30am tomorrow, which means I'll be waking up in the early hours of the morning. Anytime before 10:00am is early for me truthfully, so if I get there at the ideal time (two hours before take off) it will be nothing short of a miracle. My flight from Newark to Hamburg leaves at 5:45pm. I'm not sure exactly what time I'm meant to arrive in Hamburg (most likely around 7:30 or 8am), but I do know that my cousin is meeting me at the train station. After that, you better believe that I will fight the jet lag like a glorious hero prepared for battle. Germany is 9 hours ahead of Las Vegas for anyone that's wondering, so I will be losing a day.
Thank you to everyone that has helped me get to this point of my life. I love and appreciate all of you, and I will miss you. Friends- please take care of my family while I'm away. Family- please watch out for my friends while I'm away. Everyone- please make sure Vegas stays standing while I'm away. I may not love Las Vegas itself, but I sure do love some of its people and I have no idea what I'd do with out them.
Love Always,
The Wanderess
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