...for just a moment while I complain. I really try not to grumble too terribly often (except when it's hot, in which case I'm a total baby). I like to be as positive as I can. Just ask my dear friend Andrea. I sometimes frequently get made fun of for it.
But I loathe packing. Packing and unpacking are 2 of my least favorite things in life. Unfortunately, when I do one, I know the other isn't too far behind.
I'm pruning my closet (can I say that?), and as I pull things from the hangers, I'm trying to decide which clothes I really love and ditching the others here in Austria. I made this crazy goal of going back with one less bag than I came with. At first, I thought I was nuts, but I think I'm actually going to make it!
Two last things: I was sorting some of my workout t-shirts into the throw-away pile, when I almost tossed my sole article of orange clothing. Then I remembered I'm going to OSU now and better keep that sucker. Also, who would have ever imagined a pair of socks could have sentimental value?
The goodbyes began at church last Sunday. I feel like I've done this too many times considering my few years on this planet. The funny thing bummer is, though, I haven't gotten any better at it--the tears still flow freely. So much for practice makes perfect.
A sweet little anecdote from one of my yesterday-goodbyes: the sweet little boys and their parents who joined us on the young adults retreat are heading to the States for a couple months, so we had to say our farewell. Tobi is the most precious little boy I have ever met in my life. We became friends over playing černý Petr (Tobi is half Czech) and snuggling in the comfy chairs in the front room of the cabin. I had him on my lap yesterday after church, getting ready to say goodbye. He took a big gulp of lemonade and lunged at my face. Thinking he was going to spit it at me, I blurted, "Tobi! What are you doing? Were you going to squirt me?" He just looked at me with big, innocent eyes, and said, "No, I was just going to give you a kiss!" I didn't object after that. I mean, look at this face:
Through the beginning of this new round of goodbyes, I've been thinking of the goodbyes I've already said at the ends of my adventures over the last 8 years. It makes me feel better. You see, it hurts a little now, but I know from experience that this isn't for forever. Those special people who have come into my life, to whom I've given a little piece of my heart...I'll see them again. That's why I don't mind scattering those pieces; I know I can trust these people I love to keep them safe, until the next time I see them.
Two weeks ago, I had a 4-day weekend, and those 4 days make up the best weekend I've had in Austria. Not that my other weekends (and days, for that matter) aren't fantastic--because they are. But those other days and weekends aren't spent in a mountain cabin with my incredible friends who make up my church's Young Adults Group. YAG has been my solid social connection, but it's been so much more than that as well. They are my family away from family. They've filled the niche that my APU community created in me during my 4 years there.
The best adjective to pair with that weekend is filling. I just felt like I was so filled with love and joy that there was little room for anything else inside me. The background to this perfect painting were the beautiful green mountains with fields and wildflowers and animals, and in the foreground were people I love.
We just...were. We didn't necessarily do a ton. We just did life together.
We hiked and cooked and played cards.
Lunch at the top
After lunch, Ji Eun played ukelele, Petro broke out the shakers, and we sang together
On the way back to the cabin
Monopoly Deal was a hit
We climbed trees, picked wildflowers, rolled down hills, and skipped through fields.
We got up at 6:30 to sing, and pray, and have good conversation in the sunshine and long, early morning shadows.
I made new friends and played a lot ofčerný Petr with this sweet boy.
I don't think the ukulele spent much time in its case. Nobody complained.
That weekend is absolutely one of my fondest Austrian memories. I won't be forgetting it anytime soon.
