It's 16 December and it's hot.
And there's a beach outside my window.
And all the cars are driving on the other side of the road.
And there are no green dollar bills in my wallet.
And I live in a flat.
And I have roommates.
And I have to dial a lot of numbers to talk to my family.
And all the electrical sockets look weird.
And I talk differently than everybody on the outside.
...And did I mention it was hot?
That it was hot in December?
So I'm missing home a lot. I think this feeling started back in October, because October starts my favorite time of the year. Fall, football season, cooler weather, leaves, scarves, hot drinks, grey skies, holidays.
At least, that's what it's like back "home."
It's different here in the RSA. A lot different.
I am learning so much. Different isn't bad, it's just...different. It is what it is. I wanted to experience a new place, and I am experiencing it to its fullest - in all its difference.
It's hard, it hurts, and I miss you guys.
I love the packages and letters and cards that you send. They give me the strangest feelings - joy at hearing from you, hurt that I can't be with you, determination to finish this thing, sadness because I miss you more than I thought possible.
Since we're telling the truth here, I should say that sometimes when I open the packages, I go through them and then I have to put the stuff away for a while, just because it makes me so sad. But don't worry - a few days later, I always come back to it and appreciate it even more.
Adjusting, learning, trying, seeking, working, missing, deciding, doing, breathing - living.
Love you guys. I'm going to try to get back into the swing of writing in here, so expect more of these, okay?
-Tara.
