Back to Alaska

Hi all,

It feels weirder to be here than it ever felt to be away from home. Mostly because I feel like I am at home. Because I just left for Edmonton, and it feels like just around the corner from that- I went back to Detroit. I got there and it was like I had never left. The flight here was uneventful. I went straight into class from the flight- jumped right into things. It was good because if I would have had the whole night to think about it I would have gotten nervous. This way I didn't have any time to think about it and the girls were really happy to see me I think. They had made me a bunch of signs and written welcome back on the board.

After school I got 'home' and it felt comfortable. Not much had changed there either. I did my thing, ate supper and then thought it was time to go home to my family. And then i realized that it wasn't possible. It's not around the corner.... or even driving distance. It's like my 2 worlds had merged in my mind somehow.  It's not the first time that has happened to me but it was pretty disconcerting. I barely said good bye to anyone. It was nothing emotional. Just bread and butter... facts of life.... the way the world works. I'll be home soon enough anyways right? Weird.

As the plane touched down I could see that it was snowing outside. A lot. It was pretty cold. It's 32 degrees Fahrenheit here but hopefully it will go up over shabbos. Meanwhile there is still snow on the ground, and the imprint of a snowflake is burying itself in my heart because I need to remember the uniqueness of this opportunity and focus on that- rather than the fact that its still snow and ice.

I was so glad for the vacation though. Spending time with family over sukkos was really nice. I haven't been home for the chaggim in a few years and so this was really special. You know its home when it feels like you never left. Like time just warped and everything stayed the same while I was off changing, growing, and having adventures in another country. Cool right? Vacation also really helped me get perspective on a lot of important things. Trying to hold onto it.... yah.

That's my life.

Miss you all so much.

Love,
shayne