No Bird Sightings Yet

Hello familia/amigos!
It is 1:30 here in Washington D.C. and I am whooped from a long day of staging and we leave for the airport in less than two hours! However, because I care for you all so much I am taking the time to write this blog rather than sleeping. Your welcome internet.

First, I would like to thank everyone who could make it out for my going away last Saturday! It was great to see so many of my friends and family, and it gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I have your support. Plus it was wicked awesome to see the parents (cheaters!) playing civil war with the youngins.

Yesterday was...emotionally draining. It turns out I hate goodbyes more than I thought I would and having to leave behind my family and my brothers and walk alone into the airport was a very surreal moment. It's difficult to describe that feeling other than to say it makes you wanna lose your lunch (or in my case two breakfast burritos).

My fam

Sammie haha

Today on the other hand was emotionally invigorating. I met so many interesting people who come from all walks of life. A lot of California represented here, a couple Floridians, and surprisingly a lot of Michiganders  Even have one person from Montana, which is incredible because I assume that the whole state has like 100 people. It's good to be in this environment where most people are having the same anxieties and we can crisis manage each other. I don't have much to report so far since I'm still in the U.S. but I had a moment of clarity last night as the cab drove me to the hotel; I was jet lagged, tired, and drained but on impulse I turned and looked out the side window. There in the frame was the capitol building across the street and it was a very uplifting sight. It made me think about why I was here and the American image I was trying to promote and create by serving abroad.

Sorry for the short post, but I hope it finds you all well and the next time we talk it will be south of the border! 

(P.S. Uncle Dale thanks again for showing Grandpa this blog, and since I know you are reading this now consider this your shout out, I will send you a postcard soon)