Josh's Ramblings About Leaving

Upon arrival in Chicago on Wednesday I did what everyone does when their plane lands and checked my phone. I had received a text from my dad which stated, "You are so loved." I replied with, "I really feel it." That message, albeit simple, texty and understated, represents the weeks leading up to our departure. Following the usually chaotic deplaning, we enjoyed a leisurly layover which included a visit with our good friends Ariel and Ron (who happened to be routed through Chicago on their return from honeymooning in Hawaii). Shortly after take-off on the following flight to Los Angeles I revisited the text and my reply. As I reflected, amidst intermittint conversation with Zach (ie. "My ears haven't popped at all yet dad" and "Isn't the wing ginormous on this Boeing 767-300 series dad?"), my thoughts turned to all of the goodbyes and well-wishes. I have never experienced anything comparable to the outpouring of kindness, and love from students, friends, and family. The attention and emotions were overwhelming in a way far different from any other major life event up to this point. Every word of encouragement, card, and hug has been a ray of sunlight, which collectively, warmed my soul. So, yes dad, I DO know I'm loved and there is no better, more humbling, more fulfilling feeling on earth. Throughout my travels I will cherish, carry and try to pass on that collective kindness...


...There has been much anticipation, planning and excitement leading up to this day (7-13-11). We repeatedly cleaned out, sorted, threw away, sold, and gave away our stuff until it had been whittled down to that which could fit in to a closet-sized wooden crate and our suitcases. We filled out paperwork (ok, Lena filled out paperwork) for official passports, visas, and customs documents. We sold our house and as I mentioned most of its contents. We talked about each step with students, friends, family and sometimes even strangers. We researched feverishly all about southeast asia and especially Burma. We booked flights and hotels. We emailed and skyped with future colleagues and students. We even counted down the months, weeks and then days until our departure. However, there is a massive difference between planning for, thinking and talking about doing this, and actually doing it. I will never forget the moment it hit me; we are really doing this. Zoe and I had fallen asleep on the floor, our bellies full of In-n-Out burger (yummmmm) in a nearly empty gate at the international terminal of LAX. We awoke to the sharp buzz of conversation in unfamilar languages. I slowly stood scanned the room and said to myself (or maybe it was aloud), we are really moving halfway around the world.