(Two weeks away was really yesterday. Pretend that I posted this then. I wrote it while on a bus to/from Aqaba, but because the bus didn't get in until 2 AM, this hasn't gotten up until now.)
It's hard for me to believe that it's coming so close, and so quickly. Days are flying past me. I'm already completely done with one of my classes (three to go). Last week, I had my colloquial oral/presentation/skit exam on Monday, and colloquial written exam on Wednesday. Bam! Done. Also on Wednesday, my formal Arabic listening exam, followed by a Thursday oral presentation. All that's left in the written exam for formal Arabic on Sunday, and then my Arabic is DONE for the semester. Well, classroom Arabic. I'll still keep using my spoken Arabic until I step off my Royal Jordanian flight in Heathrow.
From Arabic on out, my schedule gets pretty blank. My Area Studies classes that week are cancelled on account of teacher absence. Remaining obligations: farewell dinner Wednesday evening. Cultural re-entry training Sunday (the 16th) morning. Arabic post-test Sunday afternoon. Area Studies finals Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and... khallas. Done. I fly out Friday around noon and I get back to the US very very very late on Friday.
Wow.
But beyond the dates and the exams, what does "two weeks away" really mean?
It means I need to pack. There was some free space in my suitcases on the way over here, but I may need to do some serious maneuvering to fit everything in for the way back. Gifts take up space. (After purchasing gifts for no less than twenty people/couples/families yesterday, I know this to be a fact.) (And no, that was neither the beginning nor the end of my gift shopping.) Fortunately, CIEE runs a clothing drive at the end of the semester for just this reason. Also because most detergents here contain bleach and tear up clothes, but, anyway. It's a good thing all around. The clothing we donate goes to local refugee camps. And when I need to buy new clothes in the US, my consumption will stimulate the economy. Zing!
Two weeks away also means that I need to shift my cultural mindset, and quickly. I guess this is why we have re-entry training next week. Some of my friends are extremely worried about what returning to the US will be like. Some aren't worried at all. I'm in the "wait and see" camp - assuming that the adjustment will be big, but not stressing myself out over what form it will take.
And what else? Two weeks away means that I need to start saying goodbye to things here. Maybe exiting will be harder than re-entering; I don't know. Maybe it won't be too hard to go back to my American life, but I'm sure that it will be hard to leave my Jordanian one. I'll keep you updated on these last two bits as they develop. Because from here, I can't foresee at all how they're going to turn out.
We'll see in two weeks.
Just two weeks??? Where did almost five months go? Seeing so many new and exciting things, being part of a new family, rappeling, etc. etc. I am really looking forward to seeing you and learning more of what you have added to your life experiences. Thank you for writing so faithfully. I'll miss your blogs. How about keeping them up state side?!! I love you, Gram
ReplyDeleteSo you made it to Aqaba! I do believe you have covered the country!
ReplyDeleteAnd your Arabic classes are finished! (for this semester)
Good luck with your packing! And with preparing both to exit and then to re-enter.
I have no doubt that it will be difficult to say good-bye to your life there in Jordan. Please be sure and tell your wonderful family there how much your family here appreciates all of the kindness and love they have shown you.
And please be sure and share any re-entry guidelines that it will be helpful for your parents here to know!
Counting the days until you arrive home... currently at 11!
Much love,
Mom