Pack, unpack, repack.

It has been about three months since I got accepted to the English Language Fellow Program and signed up to go to Indonesia. However, this last month has been hectic, exciting, full of anxiety, and now I'm starting to count down the days left before the big move across the ocean. It's finally happening!

Moving out of my old apartment was a piece of cake. The new tenant bought all of my furniture so I didn't have to worry about moving it or storing it. I just had to get my clothes and books out of the place, pack some boxes with trinkets and random stuff, and start picking and choosing what to take with me to Lombok. I have probably packed my suitcase about twenty times, going through everything that's in there and deciding that I don't really need this or that, rearranging the contents, and making sure that I have everything I will need in the other side of the world. But what do I really need? The question pops into my head and I realize that even here in the United States I have always tried to live minimally and I don't need much to subsist. A change of clothes and a toothbrush and I'll be fine. Stop worrying.

The last few weeks in Carbondale have been great, and I have been making sure that I enjoy every minute of my time here. Swimming in the lake, hiking in the woods, cycling to the river, hanging out with friends, visiting CESL (my old workplace) and helping out with an opening event for its 50th anniversary. Nothing too different from what I regularly do, but I am taking it all in, knowing that in a few days I'll be in a different environment, surrounded by new people, customs, a strange language. Everything will be new, so it's time to bask in the familiar places, sounds, and faces. I will surely miss Carbondale and the people here. This place has become my home and claimed a spot in my heart.

Now it's time to finish packing and see some dear people one more time before I leave. I'll be somewhere in Indonesia the next time I post something. xoxo.

A hike in the woods with Jen and Aya. I'll miss these ladies.