I’m leaving….
on Shona in Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone), 24/Jul/2011 18:21, 34 days ago
I think it has just dawned on me that I’m leaving Sierra Leone in two weeks time. I’ve known my leaving date for a while but I think I’ve been in denial. I’ve said goodbye to so many friends who have already left Sierra Leone (there is now only a select few of my NGO friends left here) and it seems strange to think that in two weeks time I’ll be the one getting on the Pelican water taxi to start my journey home.I’ve been having a tidying up session this morning, throwing out things I know I won’t need, and sorting everything else into piles of things to take to the hospital, things to leave behind for friends and things I’ll take if I have space (clearly the blue dresses come first!) I’ve been listening to a mixture of Scottish and Salonean music and it’s making me both happy and sad.I’ve also been looking through cards and messages that friends and family gave me before I left and letters I’ve received while I’ve been here. It makes me realise how lucky I am to have all those people at home and how grateful I am for their support.It’s strange thinking back to when I left the UK, leaving home for a year. I know a lot of people thought I was crazy (I’ve thought this myself a few times). In the weeks leading up to leaving I was completely distraught at leaving my husband but at the same time I knew it was something I had to do. I cried all the way to the airport and kept trying to remember what on earth possessed me to put my husband and me through so much pain.What a journey I have been on since then.I’m so excited about going home to see my husband again, and to see friends and family from home. At the same time I am going to miss Sweet Salone so much; I have grown to love this country and the people, and I really enjoy the simplicity of life here. Once I get over that initial excitement of being home I guess I might find it quite hard to slot back into my life in the UK (particularly at work). It will take a while to hit me exactly how this year has impacted on my life. I guess I’ll need to take some time to reflect on everything I have seen and done and try to use all those experiences in a positive way when I get back home.For now, it’s back to sorting out my room, enjoying my last few weeks left here and looking forward to the next journey.