3 days and counting...

Picture: Jack, Matt and Owen with their cousins checking out the perch they caught out on the lake with their Uncle Jim.

The boys and I are a bundle of emotions as we get close to our departure for India. John has been there since last weekend and seems to be eagerly awaiting our return but I won't lie - there is a part of me that wants to stay home. It's just a part.... the other part is anxious to get on with our adventure, get back with John and jump back into our lives as expats. I'm predicting tears from Jack because he has been thoroughly reminded of all the things he misses most - especially his friend Christian. In some strange way, I feel like those two are even tighter friends after being apart for 4 months. Much like I feel with my friends here, I don't think they missed a beat. My prediction with Matt and Owen is that they will be sad but the excitement of seeing their dad will outweigh any sadness. Matt is anxious about the new school but I don't think he realizes how quickly they will be starting school - that's a good thing. One issue at a time right?

The things I'm focusing on right now include...

1. getting the gifts together to bring back to folks in India (no pashminas!)
2. deciding what things we don't have there that we should bring with us (chocolate chips, brown sugar, white navy beans, cook books)
3. Simplifying what to bring back with us. Even then, it's A LOT of stuff.
4. Seeing as many friends and family and having as much fun as possible.
   

I know I shouldn't be anxious about the new school - but I am. It's still the drive for me. I have to get over it. I find myself thinking about it more than I should.

I'll keep you posted but I expect my next blog entry to be from India - Phase 2!