When I woke up this morning, I was overcome by one of those moments. It wasn't what I expected though. It was about a surreal moment I had about seven and a half months ago...
It was 5:30am on March 31st at the Spokane International Airport when I was saying my "see you laters" to my mom and walking up the ramp towards security. I remember feeling so many things that seemed in contest with one another. Looking back at my mom's face full of tears and not wanting to walk away from her but also being so excited about what was ahead of me that I wanted to run and get it. Having to fight back my own tears of both sadness and happiness at what I was about to do. The desire to stay locked in that moment forever but also the urge to push forward. It was the start of this adventure - an adventure that has brought me here, to have so many more emotion-filled and surreal moments. It's something I will never forget.
The surreal moments are what make Peace Corps service so special. They are the memories that we will always hold dear. They are the smiles, the tears, the wonder, and the exhilaration that carries us through. They are a reminder of the risks we have taken. And they are the moments that remind us what really matters.
I remember that moment in the same context that you do...wanting you to stay and wanting you to go. Missing you and you hadn't even left yet, but knowing once you walked up that ramp, and through security, both our lives would be different. I miss you each day, and I love that you're having this experience. It was a surreal moment for both of us. I love you Tija...Mom
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