The day has finally arrived and this time tomorrow I will find myself with 30 other people in the Toronto Airport awaiting our departure to Southeast Asia. Some are very excited for this trip but it is actually surprising as to how many of the students are dreading it. For many this trip is an escape from life, others it is taking them away from loved ones. We have those who are recently engaged leaving behind a fiance, those who will be grieving the loss of a loved one while overseas and would rather be home, some who are leaving family situations they would rather not leave, and others who are just not comfortable with the idea of being in a place that they are not familiar with. The craziest thing is that I sit here with the realization that pulling away tomorrow there is going to be a sense of sadness on the bus. It is actually going to be a sad event, for those going and those staying. We will be leaving a big hole in this community and for many this is the last time they will be seeing their fellow students before they graduate. Crazy crazy dynamics I tell ya! But all in all its been encouraging to hear the students saying that they know this is an opportunity of a life time and even though there are many reasons as to why they would like to back out they are going to go because they know that it will challenge them and cause them to become"better people," for lack of a better term right now.
All in all I am able to say that I am ready for this adventure. I have no idea what to expect, but I figure thats the best way to enter into it. It's more exciting that way :) Right?
So... HONG KONG here I come!!! Hurray for extremely long flights and layovers in the airports. Extreme Bonding Time shall begin this time tomorrow.
Adios Canada!
