Matthew and I started off to Chicago Saturday morning, and after moving home in August, it felt strange to be leaving again. (In case you were wondering, the last big "hoorah" in Columbus was a nutritious stickybun breakfast at Pattycake. mmmmm...)The last time I left for a such big trip was when I started my Jesuit Volunteer (JV) year. When my parents and I were almost to the airport, I was in the back seat crying silently, wanting to say "I don't really want to go." But I knew if I said that, my parents might have taken me home and I really wanted to go to Idaho (believe it or not). I'm beginning this journey with a friend, so it's not so scary, but goodbyes are always hard.
As Matthew and I drove away, I was hoping that we didn't leave because I didn't want to have to say goodbye again, and I wanted to really be on our way. So far, the only missing item is Matthew's phone charger. So we jumped into a more simple lifestyle sooner than planned. My phone is at home with my parents and we're left with whatever charge was left on Matthew's phone to call from Miami to tell our parents when we're actually on our way to Peru.
Although I am no longer a JV, I am admittedly "ruined for life" and spent some time last week thinking about the four values that my year in Boise centered around- spirituality, community, social justice, and simplicity. I think I'm going to be smacked in the face with simplicity. Last year, living "simply" was more optional than it will be in Peru. I have been told to bring my own toilet paper for public restrooms and not to count on hot water for showers, even if it's advertised. I will have to pay for water that won't make me sick. I'm not going to have the Internet immediately, whenever I want it, for free. Communicating in another language is going to be difficult. Even so, I'm ready to embrace the experience.
So tomorrow's the big travel day and I'm ready for lots of airport time. We are scheduled to take off from Chicago to Miami in the morning, then from Miami to Lima in the afternoon. We should get into Peru late tomorrow night. T-minus 15 hours before lift-off...if there's room for both of us on the flight. Hasta luego. . .
Hey Sara!
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning...and of course, for the next five months! Yikes! I will heave a huge sigh of relief when I hear that you are in Peru and settled, whatever that means! Please be careful. Can't wait to hear about your adventure! We love you more than you will ever know...
XOXOX
Mom (and Dad)
We will keep up with your adventures on this site, Sara. We remember you as a young girl at Church of our Lady. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and Matthew during your work in Peru. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteWith love, The Daily Family: Loren & Nancy, Cate & Dan
I'm a bit teary eyed sitting here reading your blog. We will be following along with you via your blog during your adventure. Happy and safe travels and please stay healthy! We love you Sara. xoxo Aunt Susy and Uncle Jim
ReplyDeleteHi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we'll be able to keep up with you and Matthew via this blog. I can't wait to hear about your adventures and the work you will be doing. I know you will be a blessing to those you serve.
Diane
Hello you two! I hope that you are having a blast in Peru! You have been there for two days! awesome! I forgot to give you this tip in your christmas cards, so i am going to give it to you now (you have probably already figured it out): drink coca tea! it will help with the altitude sickness if you both start to feel sick (it also helps with other stuff too: stomach aches, putting off hunger, ect). you will probably be offered it a lot (in the restuarants, hotels, locals, etc.). it is good with a little bit of sugar. anyway, just a little tip from me to you. i look forward to your adventures and i really wish that i was there with you. miss ya both! <3 Margarita!
ReplyDelete