It's shocking how long I've been away from Blogger! And the thing is I love blogging. It keeps me connected and I love seeing what everyone is reading and up to.
But this is May and at my school we call it May Madness. Crazy, crazy busy and it's not even over yet. There are yearbook, grades, plays, parties, field trips, portfolios, organization, and goodbyes.
Yeah, the goodbyes, they're the tough ones.
I've been overseas now for 9 years. Next year will be our 10th and I'm getting really sick of the goodbyes. It's getting hard to let go of those friendships. You know, the ones where we have our kids together, hang out in the backyard, do Christmas' together because our families live on the other side of the world and then bam! They're gone.
Not fair.
I had 4 goodbye parties last week (and my husband's soccer party too). But don't worry, more tears ahead. I think there are at least 6 more upcoming.
So I'm sad. And hoping that maybe next year will be our last overseas for a while. Because I need some hellos. I miss my family too. And the grocery store.
So pass the tissue box. I'll be needing it for the next few weeks as I keep saying goodbye to close friends. We'll email and Facebook, but it's just not the same, is it?
Note: The picture of the sunflower was taken on top of a landfill that's now a park called Haneul Park. There are gardens, windmills and all sorts of interesting stuff there.
11 comments:
In some ways I'm very jealous of you--I had planned to teach overseas before I met my husband and decided to stay here with him, instead. But you are right--there are difficulties in living overseas. Goodbyes are hard, but they do lead to more hellos!
Goodbyes are horrible. But you are daring. And what a wonderful experience to have lived in another part of the world.
:) cyber-hugs.
*hugs*
Goodbyes are hard.
I'm so thankful for emails and blogs and all the rest so that even though the goodbyes are inevitable, it's still possible to keep in touch and maintain friendships. And you and your family will have amazing, wonderful, life-enhancing experiences to look back on when you do move back to the States. I think of you every time I go to a big grocery store or a Walmart Supercenter or Super Target. :-)
Beautiful flower picture!
Good luck to you, Christina, with all of your goodbyes! I hope you can come back home for some hellos soon!!
Thanks guys for the hugs and encouragment. You are awesome!
When I lived overseas, I got really tired of saying goodbye to my family every time I had to go back. But saying goodbye to new friends each year, man, that must be really really hard. Hang in there! We're here for you too :-)
Sorry you're having to say so many goodbyes this year. I think it's so cool you're living in another part of the world. What an adventure! Just keep thinking about how wonderful those hellos will be.
Hang in there.
Awww, I bet those goodbyes are hard. How long are you planning on staying there? My daughter is leaving for YWAM next month and her last 3 months will be spent in SE Asia. As of now, we still don't know where she will be going. I'm sure it will be quite a culture shock for her.
Good luck with the rest of the stuff you have to finish up the year.
Oh, and I LOVE the picture of the sunflower!
I completely understand. I've been in Frankfurt for the same amount of time and I am always having to say goodbye to friends.
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