I'll be home for Christmas

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Written on 12/19/2015

(2 DAYS LEFT!)

As anyone who has been following me on social media knows already knows the news - I am going home for Christmas. I've been counting down the days since my Dad bought the tickets six months ago in July. The day I am reunited with my family for the holidays is almost here and I couldn't be more excited to spend time with the people I love.

I want to be clear. I love Madagascar and I love my work here, but being away from my family in this difficult year has been the most challenging thing I've experienced in my life. It was heartbreaking not being there when there was bad news, and still, painful if the news was good and I couldn't be there to give a celebratory hug.

The honest truth is that at some point during Peace Corps service you realize that the world in the eyes of the people you love is changing - evolving - without you and it hurts a little when you feel like its impossible for you to be a part of these changes, and sometimes you don't realize things are changing until everything is completely different. 

It's easy to say you're okay, and that everything is going fine, and hearing that other people are is always comforting. Even from half the world away you know its not all rainbows and unicorns in the states...or here. But, knowing that I will be able to see my family thriving in their "fine-ness" has been keeping me going. Times are tough, but me, my family - we are tougher - and I can't wait to be " just fine" with them in a few short days.

I am so incredibly thankful. I'll be home for Christmas...and I won't even be dreaming.