Last Day At Home

Well... the day is finally here. After so much angst and anticipation, especially over the past year - I am finally taking off to Accra, Ghana. The plane takes off from San Francisco at 4pm today. To be honest, it is a very weird feeling knowing that my life is going to completely be turned upside-down in exactly 48-hours from now. I know I should be nervous, but I'm not. I'm more nervous about the small things like how am going to know where to go once I arrive in the Ghana airport and how I am going to find my way to the University. That being said, I feel so ready to explore and experience whatever comes my way. While I am not nervous about Ghana itself, I do already feel homesick for my family and friends. It didn't really hit me that I was actually going to Africa until I said goodbye to my sister tonight. I looked at her one last time before she got in the car and shut the door because it struck me that I wouldn't see her again for a long while. I wish her the best of luck in the rest of her murder trial. I can already sense by the extra long hugs and the "Let's let Jason decide what he wants for dinner." conversations - my parents are very nervous about my departure. I can't even count how many times my mom has said, "Don't forget to pack this, put this on, remember to do this, careful of this, et." I am so grateful for the opportunity my parents have provided me. It know my trip has been a great monetary and emotional sacrifice -and I vow to make their investment worth it my taking every opportunity to experience new things.

My going away party at home was great. Several of our family friends dropped by and wished me good luck and hugged me tight and were reluctant to leave and say goodbye... like I was on my death bed or something. I must admit that made me a little nervous about leaving. It's funny, in a way it felt like I attended my own funeral with people leaning over and saying goodbye. The irony is that that this is the START of a great adventure and experience, not the end. I told everybody not to worry, Ill be safe and return better than I left. The same was true for my UCSB going away party. I would never have expected the emotional goodbyes and even tears from my friends at school. Thanks you guys for throwing that party - you're awesome! Even though I am only ghan (sad attempt at a joke) for the rest of this academic year- seeing the impact of my departure on my friends from college and home has truly shown me the generosity and closeness of my Fair Oaks and Santa Barbara community. I understand I don't have too many stories yet to share but I thought it was important to post one last message in the States because I don't know exactly when I will be around internet again. I will try and post something tomorrow when I arrive in Dubai for the 8 hour layover. I am about to embark on 23 hours of flight! Talk to you all soon.

J