A Rubber Duck Lesson on Leaving
I have forgotten many things from pre-field training, but there’s one image that is seared onto my brain. It’s a picture of two rubber ducks. Let me explain. These two rubber ducks represent the paradox of transition and life overseas. Pair ‘o ducks… paradox. Get it? Silly, I know, but stick with me. Packing up, […]
The Not So Pretty Side of Leaving
I was sitting on my bright orange couches in my small apartment in Durres, Albania and broke down in tears at thought of leaving a place that I love and that has become home for the last 3 years. I recently became engaged and made the decision to move back to North America to be […]
Made in China
I used to think that I wasn’t a person who was so attached to “place.” When I went away to college my horizons were broadened and a wanderlust was planted in my heart. Somehow, somewhere the idea of staying in one place had been painted as negative. Plenty of people stay where they are and […]
Surrendering Opportunity
I used to believe it was easier being the one who left. Maybe that was because when I first moved overseas in 2011, I did a lot of leaving. Every time I visited home from the field, saying “Hello!” at the airport was such an uplifting time. At the same time, saying “Goodbye!” was also […]
What Would You Tell Me?
When we woke up that morning, we had no idea that we would be making the decision to leave. We were a day away from moving down the street to a new house that wouldn’t flood during rainy season. I had yet to pack any boxes and found myself frozen in decision making. My husband […]
Finding the Courage to Leave
My list of what I currently hate: transition, moving, goodbyes, and quitting. There are other events I could add to the list, including finding a giant spider in my shower, but this is what is topping out the list at the moment. “Will you be available to teach for the 2015-16 school year?” My gut […]
How Did You Know It Was Time to Leave?
Today I joyfully introduce you to a woman who held my hand through my first month on the field and who I now get the privilege to call my teammate. She’s one of those women you just need to meet. She’s full of wisdom, resources, connections, and grace-filled advice. Lisa Ingle has lived and served […]