in an airport

I'm in an airport, in an absolutely stunning turn of events.

Today's been a really emotionally draining day: I said goodbye to my wonderful host family, two wonderful women (and an adorable cat) who I've lived with for the past two months. I've loved my time in Brazil, I've learned so much and even picked up enough Portuguese to clear customs (which, yeah, that happened) and I cried and I laughed and at some point I'll understand how to make it not hurt when you leave but that time is not today.

I can't thank the people at ELO enough, nor can I thank Brazilian Experience for finding me my placement, or GMU for offering the program. I really hope to return someday, perhaps as a full worker rather than just an intern.

I am sad, and I am happy, because I am leaving one host family behind, but I am going to see another, one I haven't seen in three years. My brothers will be three years older; my parents three years wiser. I have missed them sorely, and am thrilled to be going back to visit.

My biological parents will meet my Peruvian host parents for the first time. My parents trusted these strangers enough to take care of their daughter for a year, and now, three years later, they will finally meet.

Will I cry? Definitely. There's so many emotions running through me I think I need to invent a new word for how I'm feeling--excited and sad and lonely and crowded and so full of love I feel like it's about to start spilling over.

This is what exchange is about, making human connections that you wouldn't get as a tourist. These memories, these experiences...they make the pain of saying goodbye alright.

And it's not goodbye, not really. It's until I see you next time, a promise I intend to keep.

So maybe the fact that I'm in an airport isn't that stunning at all. I dunno. You decide.