See you later

Saying goodbye to my family and friends is probably one of the hardest things I have experienced in a long time. Friday night, some family and friends came over to wish me well and give me their final words of advice before heading out the next morning. It was a little overwhelming, but I am glad that I got to see the people that mean the most to me before leaving for 10 months. It felt so strange, saying goodbye to people and thinking about how I wouldn't be seeing them soon- not when I wake up in the morning, not when I go to school, not during the holidays. It is the realization that 10 months is a long time to go without seeing someone who would normally be part of your everday life that hit me the night before. And I was stressing out about my luggage being overweight and wanting everything to go smoothly. 

I got two hours of sleep before waking up at 4am to get ready and leave for Boston airport with the family. We arrived and made our way to the check-in counter for American Airlines. We checked my two big bags (one of which was over-weight *sigh*) and made our way towards the security line. Mom tried to delay the goodbyes, because boarding wasn't until 8:50,  but my stomach was in nervous knots of anticipation and anxiety about getting through security and finding my gate and the rest of my travels so I wanted to get it over with. I hugged Mom, and started to sniffle, then I hugged my Dad and started to ball. Then I took a breather to get it under control. I hugged Tyler through more sobs, then Mom and Dad once more. Hesitating, I took my carry-on and made my way to security. Luckily, it was a simple security day; I didn't have to remove the liquids in my carry-on, my laptop, or my shoes on my feet. I was so grateful for that! I got through and grabbed my things. I turned and had a perfect view of my family on the other side of the security ropes. I was a hot mess after the tears and all, but I managed what I hope was a reassuring smile, a wave, and gave an I love you sign with my hand before using all my willpower to turn and walk around the corner to find my gate. "That's it," I thought, "I am officialy embarking on this journey." 

I found my gate in no time, sat down with relief and fixed my eye make-up. It didn't seem like a long time before I boarded the flight. Despite the pain of manuvering my carry-ons through the plane aisle and getting them in and out of overhead bins, the first flight went well. I tried to nap a little bit too. I arrived at the Miami airport on schedule and decided that I wanted to find my next gate first. I had to take the skytram from one end of the airport to the other. Once I found my gate, I went to the bathroom and reorganize my carry-on so that I didn't need to get into the overhead bin during the next flight. I then went to buy a water and something to eat. I asked for a chicken ceasar salad and realized back at my gate that they had given me a chicken salad sandwhich that did NOT taste good. But I didn't have much time to be upset because I went to put my stuff down at the gate when I notticed two Rotary Blazers behind me. I went and sat down next to two girls from the US who were on the same flight to Guayaquil. We talked about where we are from and what cities we are living in for the year. It was nice to know that there were others that were going through the same thing and would be there through customs before finding our host families. 

While we were talking, a woman across from me noticed my Ecuador flag patch on my blazer and asked me if I was from Ecuador. I explained that we were exchange students going to Ecuador through Rotary. She asked the girls and I what cities we were going to. When I told her I was living in Machala, she got excited and said she lives in Machala. She asked me who I would be living with and I told her the names of my host parents. She was even  more excited to tell me that she is a friend of my host family. "Es un mundo pequeño" she said. I agreed. Meanwhile, the other girls sat there not really knowing what we were saying. They were impressed with how I understood and talked with the woman all in Spanish. From then on, I ended up translating questions for the other girls and answers for the woman. 

Another two girls with Rotary blazers came to the gate and then it was time to get on the plane. We boarded together (even though we didn't have seats together) and it was nice to visit with them for as long as posible. I took my window seat next to a Cuban woman visiting Ecuador for the first time and an American who was visiting Ecuador for 3 days. We finally took off, and I silently said goodbye to the United States- my home and my comfort zone- as we ascended into the sky towards my new home and new country. 

"I will carry you with me 'till I see you again."- Carrie Underwood