Looking through this journal of my journeys, I re-read my post from right before I left Chicago last time. I was looking to reconnect to my old self, to answer some questions. Is the feeling the same? Was I ready? Was it the right thing to do? Did I learn?
My former self did not offer much self-revelation, only prescient and perfect advice:
After days and days of social engagements, goodbyes and hellos, hugging many children who probably won't remember my name and some who won't forget it, amid tears and laughter, I was feeling a little emotionally drained. It is difficult to go away, to leave all that is stable and known and safe. This is not an easy decision and it is one that comes with the tremendous responsibility of making time away from loved ones worthwhile. I recognize this.
But I cannot wait, as Stevenson regails, to move my feet. To listen to tropical rainstorms and take beautiful pictures, to see unchanged asian hilltribes and to sample french cuisine shaded by palm trees, and all of the most fantastical experiences I could not begin to fathom yet.
