Going Home

After several weeks of living out of a backpack, paying for showers, eating only bread and cheese and sleeping wherever we happened to find a bed (the word bed is being used very loosely here), Erin and I were exhausted, stinky, and ready to go home. I am not sure if there have ever been any happier girls than we were as we traveled back to The United States. The journey was filled with energetic conversations of how much we loved America, and how excited we were to be going home. We really understood why Neil Diamond was so happy when he sang “We’re coming to America, Today!”

When we got off the plane in Newark we had to pick up our bags, go through customs, and then return them to the belt that would take them to our next airplane. As we went through customs, we gave our passports to the agent; after the little man looked over them he gave them back to us, smiled and said, “Welcome Home.” Both Erin and I kind of melted in that moment. Never had 2 words sounded any sweeter. We were back in America, and on our way HOME. As we walked away form the customs agent, we both giggled with excitement, knowing we were almost there. We then got in line to put our bags back on the belt where they would be shipped off to our plane. When we got to the front of the line the airport worker asked us where we were flying to, with all the joy and enthusiasm of my soul I blurted out “SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH!!!” Erin just kind of stopped and stared at me then looked at the man and said, “No, we’re flying to Seattle.”

I was instantly crushed. I was supposed to be on my way home, to the place where I belong, and in my mind that was Provo.

Since that day I have come to the harsh realization that Provo holds a very deep spot in my heart, and it is going to take a long time before I stop yearning to be there. When I left I don’t think I really understood what I was leaving behind.

My first week living in Seattle was a little rough, though it was exciting to be here, I still felt very much like a stranger in this new land. I felt very isolated and alone. However, I was very thankful to have a cell phone that allowed me to talk to Lily for several hours every day.

On Tuesday morning I went on a run, on these trails that are really close to my house. It was amazing! The trees were thick, and were showing evidence that autumn has arrived, squirrels darted in and out of the trees and across the path, and a light drizzle of rain continually kept me cool. Everything seemed to be just perfect, like I was dreaming. As I ran I was filled with such peace and happiness. And then I realized that I had finally made it home.

I am happy here. I love my program; there is so much to learn. My classmates are awesome. I live in a crazy-fun hose with 9 girls. Each roommate is so individual and I am so excited to get to know them all. This place is gorgeous; I have my breath taken away on a regular basis by the beauty that surrounds me. Institute and my ward are wonderful. The city is so fun and full of activities and excitement.

Sure I can’t run and grab Café Rio whenever I want it, nor can I go party hopping on a Saturday night with Mark and Lily. Whitney isn’t going to be sitting in my house when I get home, and there is no Doll House just around the corner. The conference center isn’t an hour away and I can’t drive up the canyon to see the colors. But that is O.K. Provo was great, it was home, and I don’t think I will ever really stop missing it or the people there, but I’ve realized that this place holds many wonderful treasures as well, it is just a matter of uncovering and embracing them.