The day I flew home, we had our Christmas production at school. All the staff then spent a few hours working on materials for our upcoming fair, and then we were free to go. Maria and I went and got an ultimate hair wash and ate at Viva (I think...this feels like years ago). Then we had some time to kill before it our driver came to take us to the airport. I looked around at my room. The room I had just painted. I had pictures put up everywhere and London souvenirs on everything. It was all me. My room, my home, was in Cambodia. I thought about the last time I was about to get on a plane. It was July, and I was a complete wreck because I had no clue what I was getting myself into. All I knew was all the wonderful things, and people, I was leaving behind.
This time was so different. I knew I would miss Cambodia while I was gone, and I knew how wonderful it would be to spend time with loved ones in the US and then come back to my new home.
After 24ish hours of traveling, I arrived in Dallas. I had time to quickly get some Subway before boarding for Shreveport. A guy complained about his cookies not being fresh enough and a woman yelled at the girl making her sandwich. I guess she meant business about extra lettuce. Anyway, it was a good thing I had just come through customs and was on an America high. They have this awesomely cheesy video full of cowboys and front porch swings and iced tea and a really moving song that makes me want to blaze the Oregon trail. It just makes me feel so proud (to be an American...sorry), which is the point I guess. I always want to fly back into Dallas just so I can see that video.
I'm sorry to everyone on the Dallas flight with me who witnessed the first time a human has ever inhaled a sandwich. It's possible, it happened, and it. was. glorious. Subway in my belly. Happy girl on a quick flight to Shreveport. I arrived to a welcoming party of my parents, aunt, and two cousins. They had signs, but more importantly, they had a bag of CFA. You know that part when the Beast is being a slob whilst eating his soup? It was like that. Except nuggets and fries.
I didn't know that one day would be spent building Wesley's new ping pong table with some of my favorite guys. I got to play on the old table one last time, and then we got to break in the new one. If you aren't aware, playing ping pong at the Wesley is how I met and became close with some very dear friends. It was also a great way for me get connected when I was too scared to talk to a room full of strangers. Oh, I've come so far. It was also what kept me sane during the internship, I think. Ping pong breaks were an essential part of every hour...um..day. Anyway, it was really fun.
be afraid. be very afraid.
That's Gavin! He wasn't supposed to be born until a few days after I was going to come back to Cambodia, but he came early. He was born a few days before I left Cambodia, and I am the proudest aunt in the whole world. Because he's the cutest baby ever, and I'm not just saying that. I know every says that, but I'm not. He really is. Just look at the perfect wittle face. I don't know how to type out the baby voice I'm making, but just use your imagination.
my brothers: Reed is holding Gavin, and Ryan is the baby daddy.
My parents kept saying over and over again what a blessing it was to have us all together, and it really was. The whole time I kept having to remind myself where I was. You aren't dreaming, Meredith, you are actually in Wal-Mart. Or, you aren't seeing things, that really is Diet Dr. Pepper for sale. It was all so surreal, but it was all so great. I was right, I did miss Cambodia. Leaving the US this time was so peaceful because I knew I was coming back to exactly where I belong.
<3M
