Home

Being home since Thursday has kept me out of blogosphere, an excuse I'm happy to give.

I have to leave in three hours. My sister is still sleeping; my mom is working this morning. As I write this, the reminder of having to leave after such a brief visit is almost physically painful. I don't want to leave my family, and I feel guilty for moving so far for a job. In many countries, it would be unnatural to leave them. Children are charged with staying close and taking care of their parents. In Thailand, Ben and I met students who were obligated to attend college near their families and, after college, they didn't leave.

When I was little, I thought I couldn't leave my hometown faster. I was proud when I attended college in Minneapolis. Many of my friends didn't move to the "big city."
But now, I'm happy and very comfortable to be here. If I didn't have a job beckoning me and plenty of stories to write, I would gladly stay here an much much longer. I'd run a lot, go on evening walks, visit my mom's best friend at her coffee shop, meet with people I haven't seen in a long time, go to my aunt's store, and hang out with my family.

At least I've had the last three days. I've been fortunate enough to be a part of my friend's wedding, se Ben's family and stay with mine. I've seen aunts and uncles, cousins and my grandmas. Yes, I consider myself very lucky.

And as much as I don't want to leave my family, I know I'll be back. Never soon enough.