I’m sitting here next to my dad at the Dayton International Airport, getting ready to step on a plane and out of Ohio for the next 11 months. We’ll spend the next few days in LA before he drops me back off at LAX Monday night to fly on to the Philippines. Is this real life?
It has certainly been a whirlwind of emotions and realizations, to say the least. The last couple days have been a rush of running around with my head cut off, trying to fit my life into a backpack and touching base with all my friends and family before the big departure. I know so much of this has yet to sink in, and I still hardly believe that it will be 11 months before I see these people and walk these streets again.
I guess any big transition like this is always tough for a number of reasons. Trying to make the most of these last moments with people I love, and trying to figure out how to best spend that time, and what sentimental words will fit the moment. We’re raised on fairy tales and well-scripted movie speeches that make it seem so easy to find those words that will resonate with the people you’re leaving. I said plenty of awkward goodbyes getting ready for this, and my farewell festivities were hardly movie-worthy, but I guess it’s never about the goodbye.
I’m thankful for all you reading this that I’ve been blessed to share community with over the years. I’ve been blessed with incredible people to speak into my life, who have invested in me and were a crucial component to who I am today as I get ready to step on this plane. Thank you.
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logistical stuff….
I will officially be shutting off my phone as of Monday before I head off to the Philippines. This blog will be my primary point of contact with the world, and I’ll probably also be checking my emails ([email protected]). If you have a pressing question, better ask it in the next couple days if you want a prompt response. My skype name is tguido3, so add me on there if you want, too. I’m sure I’ll post at least another blog this weekend before the big departure, but until then…I got a plane to catch.
“I can’t see tomorrow, because today is big enough
and I will leave Ohio, before dusk.
So good-bye, Miss Ohio,
ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.”
-“Miss Ohio” – Joe Anderl & the Universal Walkers
