Home for the Holidays

For the first time in my life I won’t be home for Christmas. Not just this Christmas, but three Christmases. It’s an idea that’s hard to swallow, particularly with a mom who takes the holiday so seriously and in a family that’s never been apart come December 25.

I knew going into the Peace Corps that I would miss a lot of things—many of which I’ve already written about here. But I was still hoping to spend one last Christmas at home with my family.

Luckily, my parents planned accordingly.

This weekend my aunt and uncles, cousins and even baby Julian, rented a van and drove from western PA to Roc City to help us deck the halls and trim the tree. So what if it’s October? I’m leaving tomorrow.

It was a chance for us to see each other one last time and to celebrate the season (and the birthdays) I won’t be here for. We caught up over glasses of wine and plates of food. It was a reminder of what the holidays are really all about—family.

Sure I won’t be home for Christmas. Already I know it’s going to be hard (does Namibia even have pine trees?). But my mom, dad, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends have given me a 365-send off with enough memories to last me until I make it back in 2010.

Thank you.