Hoy es el día: {Today is the day}

July 20, 2013 has been running through my brain for months now, looming in the future. But after today, I will think about this day in the past tense as the day when I left Cary, NC on a 5 month adventure in South America. I have been thinking about how I would communicate my thoughts and feelings as I prepare to leave this country, but I am still lacking the answers. When asked how I am feeling, I just smile and say, "a mixture of everything." I told my dad this morning that as much as I remind myself that I will be gone for 5 months, it has become evident that I don't really know what that means. As I finish saying goodbye to the people I love, I might cry, I might laugh, I might smile. My emotions and expressions are unpredictable, but what I can predict is that my life will look a lot different when I step back into this city in December.

In case my goodbyes have come up short and I haven't effectively expressed my love for you all, let me just take a minute to talk about this summer. I was thinking back on my summer yesterday and was reminded of how great it has been. It has been "the summer of being loved well." When I came home looking for a job, this community loved me well and provided me with ample opportunities. When I told my parents that I was going to spend my last week in the US at a camp in Virginia, they loved me well and let me go, even when it was hard. When I continued to fail by losing my phone, getting a ticket, and making mistakes, I felt continually loved and cared for by my family, friends, and Christ. I am so grateful for the people that have been walking through life with me. We will continue to walk together over the next five months, it will just look different. I have also felt loved my my host family who is preparing to welcome me when I arrive in Montevideo. Talking to them has provided me with peace and has made it easier for me to let go.

Here are some fun facts about my home away from home:

-Uruguay is slightly smaller than the state of Washington
-You may think it is hot here, but it is currently Winter in Uruguay!
-They are known for meat, rice, wool, and leather.
-Uruguay won the first World Cup.
-Although I am taking a 9 hour flight from Miami to Montevideo, there is only a 1 hour time difference.

I will do my best to care for you all by keeping you updated on my life and allowing you to share in my adventures with me.

Much love,
Courtney