Sometimes we just need that push

I would never consider myself as bold or a risk taker, especially when there are too many uncertainties to consider. I'm one of those wouldn't-mind-having-a-set-plan-in-place types. This is actually what made it extremely difficult for me to immediately jump in and go after this opportunity to study and intern abroad. Yes, I hesitated, despite the facts.

The Facts:

1. I'm loving my studies in health communication
2. I want to work with a health organization that genuinely cares for their patients
3. I'm interested in the role relationships play in patient care
4. I have a great desire to help others 
5. I'm more than open to international travel opportunities
6. I've always been interested in human rights issues
   
   ... And the list could go on, really.

My point is that, Little did I know, this would be an interesting season of change and challenges for me.

That's my Uncle Erol surrounded by just a 
few of his "big" nieces.

After I learned about this opportunity, I shared my interest in going after this with some people. I received a lot of discouragement at first, but shortly after, I received a lot of encouragement in big and random ways. My Uncle Erol and Auntie Heather were one example. They came up from Jamaica for a family event, and heard a bit about my interest from another one of my uncles. They pretty much told me to go after it and see what happens, but they said it in a way where you could tell they were confident that I was going. Before I even wrote my proposal to my school about this potential experience and received the academic approval, they generously gave a gift toward my trip. They became my first financial supporters.

How sweet of them.

This was definitely something, I thought. My Uncle and Aunt serve in Jamaica and travel a lot because they are committed to making a difference and changing lives. They are seasoned workers who are well-respected and loved. Their faith is great, and I, as well as many others, really admire it.

After they encouraged me, I felt like they believed in me more than I believed in myself. In fact, their heartfelt, encouraging words and their generous gift gave me a little more direction on my thinking of whether or not I was supposed to go after this experience.  

It was just the push I needed.

And I was glad I got to see them before they left to head back home. I said my goodbyes to them, and ran out of the house to catch my long train ride to the city for night class. It was then that I spent some time reflecting on how everything came to be and, specifically, Uncle Erol and Auntie Heather's words.

My thinking changed from "this is very unlikely" to "I'm hopeful this is possible," and that's when I began a part of my journey to Iraq.

First stop: writing the proposal

#NotAFanOfGoodbyes

I get attached, what can I say?

I simply just don't like saying goodbye.

It's been an interesting season full of transitions. Many doors have closed, while others have opened. This time of uncertainties has left me feeling excited, scared, frustrated, confused and ... more. The idea of not knowing what's next is not the easiest, but I'm thankful that I had a few friends (new and old) to stand by me during this time. Their encouragement and understanding made it easier to look forward to whatever was next.

Being surrounded by new and old friends who genuinely cared was definitely one of my highlights this season. With all the moving and decision-making, I've definitely encountered my share of "goodbyes" and, hopefully, "see you laters" with some of these caring friends.  I can't help but to be thankful for these people. Their support meant a lot. It also made it hard to say goodbye to many of them.

Take a look at some of my last nights in D.C. and Chicago below.

Goodbye, D.C.
After three months, I wrapped up my internship in D.C. and mustered up the strength to say goodbye to some friends. One of my friends planned a fun going away event for me the night before I left. On my last day of work, I packed up my box of desk supplies and headed home to get ready for my last night with some of my D.C. friends. This nice group of friends took me out to dinner at a great Indian restaurant in Foggy Bottom, and from there, we walked to The Lincoln Memorial, which is one of my favorite memorials on the Mall. We spent quite a bit of time in the memorial looking around at ol' Honest Abe, but we spent even more time on the steps of the memorial. We were just talking and laughing late into the night. Before we knew it, it was after midnight and we had our moment of goodbyes. Saying goodbye after a beautiful and fun night in the District with friends was not a bad way to say goodbye. Here are some of the pics from my last night in DC:

Goodbye, Chicago
When I left D.C., I headed home for a week to prepare for my next adventure. It was a crazy, busy week, and there was not enough time to see everyone. I attending meetings and classes, did homework to get ahead of the game, and spent the rest of the time getting other things ready for my trip. Thankfully, I was also able to meet with a few friends to say goodbye. The last friend I saw before I left was was one of my first supporters when my idea of interning and studying abroad was only an idea. She encouraged me to go after my idea, and cheered with me when my idea got approved.

When it finally came to my last night at home before I had to leave, we had a brief phone conversation to discuss a plan. We tried to meet multiple times throughout the week, but nothing really worked out, so despite our lack of energy and both of our busy schedules, we planned to wake up early and meet before her work day. My alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. the next morning, and I definitely wanted to go back to sleep, but when I realized that I had to catch a train in 15 minutes, I got dressed quickly, drove to the train station and hopped on the train to head to the city. When I caught up with my friend, she gave me two options: breakfast or rooftop. Both were great choices, but I definitely went with the latter.

We went up on the rooftop of one of the skyscrapers in the city. It was a beautiful fall morning, and it was an awesome way to see one of my favorite cities. It was also not such a bad way to say goodbye to the Windy City. Check out some of the sights below. (Please also note the coffee in her hand. It was an early morning and she refused to put it down for a picture, so that's why we're laughing. Classic).

Next stop: Iraq

Hello, Iraq  

Well, almost ...

Although I can admit I'm #notafanofgoodbyes, I can't help but look forward to this next adventure. #bringit.