Winter Holiday 2008

I am back at home, and have been for the past three weeks. Its been a little awkward, since I don't know what to do around my folks. My parent reunited (they never split unofficial, but were giving each other the silent treatment), but I am still having issues with their dilemma. I have kind of kept distant, but in the next 2 days, I will be far away in Ethiopia...so space is no concern. Some good things have happened these past three weeks. I spoke to PAM! yeah! She has been absent from my life for a long time, but we finally spoke. It was a relief to hear her voice. We did not actually meet up, but I heard her voice. Another cool thing is I found a long lost gift. I knew I always had it, but now I know I have it...it relaxes me to know that it is always close by. haha! Finally I have made numerous friendship bracelets. About 3o. My hope is to make on for every orphan at the Layla house in Ethiopia. I have 120 to go...yikes! I have also been keeping myself busy with all the scholarship, and internship essays due in February. And since i will be gone till April, I have been doing it all now. almost done!!!!
The internship in Ethiopia is exciting. I am finally getting out of here...far away. It has been 6 years in the waiting. I can't wait to leave and see the world. I will have to through three airports...and I hate airports. After the Denver airport experience, which was after 9/11 I feel watched and watched for my every step. I am dreading this part of the journey. However, I am excited about the Layla House. I know I will make the most out of the trip. I am trying not to have expectations, so I can just thoroughly enjoy my time with the kids.
My friends from college have been oh so very nice. Rachel send me 3 mixed CDs with some of our favorite music...very thoughtful! I am sure it will be a great pleasure to listen to on the 16 hour flight. I know will miss the Cougs (jenny, rachel, amelie, anna and caitlyn) but I need this journet to regain perspective on my being, my goals and identity. It will be helpful to have this new experience.
Anna has connected me with a family friend in Addis Ababa name Alula (alex). He sounds very enthusiastic about meeting up with him and his friends. He seems like a very genuine guy. I am excited what he has to show us about his home country!!!!
Its been a very up and down holiday season. It snowed 1 ft. Trapped in the house. Christmas was just another day, and tonight (new year's eve) will be just another night, but day after tomorrow...i will be on my way out...out of salem, out of Oregon, out of the USA, and to a new and unkown culture....its finally here...yeah!!!!!