I cried the entire time. The entire time. I cried so hard the counselors put me in time out. I refused to participate in activities and I refused to make friends. I think I remember one song from that week (something about Joe working in a button factory).
I am sure none of those counselors would believe that twenty-three years later, that same homesick girl would move to Alaska, all by herself. Knowing no one.
Sometimes I am not really sure I believe it.
Obviously, I still get horridly homesick. Half of me can be a complete homebody, at ease only in familiar surroundings. But the other half constantly wants to know what is on the other side of the fence. Or on the other side of a mountain. Or on the other side of the country.
Basically, I always have that mental turmoil. I want to settle down forever and I don't want to settle at all. One thing is for sure, as much as I have loved Alaska, from Day One I knew I couldn't settle here. Sure, I wavered every once in a while. Thought about giving it another year.
But let's face it, I am constantly thinking about other people and other lands...back east.
But I did it. I did it without too much kicking and screaming and crying. No one had to put me in time out, although I am sure some people thought about it. I made some great friends and I took more wonderful photos than I ever thought I would. I learned a lot about the culture and the history of Alaska. I survived the winter. I did something I have wanted to do for over ten years...see what is on the other side of that mountain.
So we're at the end folks. I leave in just a couple of days. A few things:
*All pictures and stories are MINE and I can easily prove they are mine. If you are wondering about the pictures please leave a comment below....I still get them!





