True Love

I do not know where to begin. The past four weeks have been such a whirlwind of hugs, love, and fun. I cannot believe the number of people who have been keeping up with my life and adventures, and who were waiting and ready to see me in my short visit home. I am overwhelmed once again by the support and love I've received from folks I love and that love me back. Thank you so much.

While I was home, I was able to see just about everyone I wanted to see even if only for a minute. I flew in on October 18th. October 20th was Southern Miss Homecoming, and while our football team is not even worth mentioning this year, the party that awaited me in Hattiesburg well worth talking about. Taylor (along with help from Hayley and Hannah) organized a night of Mexican food and fellowship at one of our favorite places. I was prepared to hang out with a few friends for the night. I was shocked when I walked into a room FULL of people. I kept turning to find folks stuffed in every corner of the room. It was packed. I cried and cried. I was shaking as friends literally formed a line to hug me. What a night. To all of you that were there that night, I cannot say thank you enough. Seriously. My life is better because of y'all.

The next day was fun-filled with college football and tailgating. It was so good to sit with friends and catch up a little bit more over the delicious fares of a tailgate in the South, like dips. I love dips. Mmmmmm.

The next week brought dinner with Audrey and dinner with Melanie. Momma had surgery to remove some kidney stones, and I spent a couple of days hanging out with her while she recuperated. I met Russ and Anna for lunch and finally hugged those precious kids of theirs. I of course instantly loved them, so I went to Tupelo to trick-or-treat with the cutest ladybug and bumblebee ever. I spent a weekend with Taylor in New Orleans. We jammed out to Jazz with cold brews in hand. We cheered the Saints on to victory, we ate delicious food, and took in the sounds of the Quarter. After NOLA, I spent another weekend in Hattiesburg and spent quality time with Andy. I had dinner with Sarah Catherine and discussed some details of her upcoming nuptials. She and I are both looking forward to July! Lunch with Bethany and Paula was wonderful, and I am so glad I was able to see Molly, Hannah, and Hayley again.

I spent Saturday night with family and went to church on Sunday morning. We had Thanksgiving early at my grandmother's house with all the trimmings. Last night Kathryn, Kenny, Josh, and I had a Mexican dinner and shared some laughs. I cannot believe my American vacation is coming to an end.

As I soak in the last moments of being in America and think about being away for another seven months, I am so thankful that I was able to make the trip home for a little while, and so thankful that I was able to see so many wonderful people. Momma, Daddy, Andy, Catherine, Grandmothers, Aunts, and Uncles, it was so good to hug you all and catch up. Friends, thank you for being the best friends I could ask for.

I did not intend to come home during my Peace Corps service. I thought I would be traveling around South America. I quickly found out that it was not easy to travel around South America from  Suriname. There aren't a lot of flights and it's expensive. It was this time last year that I told my mom I wanted to make a trip home. I had the vacation days, so why not? Looking back I absolutely think I could have made it two years in Suriname without coming home, but after the last few weeks, why would I have ever wanted to do that? It has been such a great trip.

Since I've been in America, I have of course been talking about Suriname. People have so many questions and are so intrigued by what I am doing, so naturally it came up a lot. I think the question I was asked most often is, "Would you do it again?" My answer is that I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity. I have learned so much about myself and another part of the world. I have met folks from all over the States and have made new friends. I am better because I seized an opportunity and took a risk. And so, yes I would do it over, but no I do not think I will do it again. I know that I will miss it more when it's permanent and I do not live there anymore, however I am ready to make a home in the States. I was not ready to say that before Peace Corps service. I am thankful for all the last couple of years have given me, and I welcome the challenges and lessons to come in the next seven months, but I am in love. I am in love with America, and I am so excited about the life that awaits me when I return to start a new adventure.

Going back tomorrow isn't going to be easy, but it's not going to be hard either. I made a commitment, and I am going to finish service. I hope that I return to Suriname revived and ready to tackle these last few months and finish this thing strong. I have projects to implement and not a lot of time left to get things done. It's going to be busy. I hope that I continue to learn and grow in these last months, and that I take the chances and initiatives to do so. I am going back with memories of a wonderful trip to America and more encouragement from those who love me more than I deserve.

The jungle is gorgeous. I ride a boat to get to my home in the Amazon. The sounds of howler monkeys in the night and shouting Saamaka women during the day are the soundtrack to the movie of my life at the moment. What an adventure! However, I know that I cannot live the jungle life forever. The nerves and anxiousness of what life back in America will be like are quickly fleeting. They are being replaced by a readiness and excitement to start my adult life back in the States. Like I said, I know when it's over I will miss Suriname. I will miss my jungle village and the people I have grown to love. I will think about how beautiful the jungle is, and I will remember what my neighbors sounded like having a conversation. Looking ahead to the days when I'm sure I'll miss Suriname, I will try to appreciate the opportunities and options around me and know that Suriname is still there, and will be when and if I choose to return. And when I really miss Suriname, I will look around and imagine an Autumn day in Mississippi, when the leaves are ablaze with color and the weather is crisp and cool. I will think of the sounds of a jazz band on Frenchmen in New Orleans and all the soul surrounding it. I will look around America, wherever I am, and know that I am home and that I am so blessed, and oh so very loved. Truly.