Today is the day! I’m leaving everything and everyone I know. I’m excited yet, terrified. I want everything to work out. But, if it doesn’t, I know I can always come home.

I’ve traveled out of the country before. But, I’ve never lived out of the country.

My parents dropped me off at the airport.  They made sure that I had everything I needed. My passport, camera, money, credit card and house keys. The house keys are just in case I come back, unexpectedly, and need to let myself in. I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m also sure that I would be calling for them to send me money and buy me a plane ticket. So, no need to worry about me not being able to let myself in.

Before I got out of the car by mother said I can come back whenever I get scared.

My father said that it will be an adventure and don’t be scared.  He said, “Life is about living. Go and have an adventure. New people, places, food and not knowing what each day will bring. That’s what life is about. And in case the adventure gets scary, here’s some pepper spray sweetie.”

I said, “Dad, I don’t think it’s a good thing to bring pepper spray on the airplane. It would be considered a very bad thing to bring pepper spray on an airplane.”

With that, I handed it back to my dad, kissed him and said, “Güle güle baba!”

From behind me, I heard him say, “What the hell did she just say, Mary?”

My mother said, “I heard gooly gooly baba. I have no idea what any of that means dear. It’s like a foreign language.”

My dad said, “I’m pretty sure it’s a foreign language considering she’s going to a foreign country dear. Jesus.”

And with that, I got into the line to be searched like a thief in the night and wait for my plane.

Turkey here I come. Please love me the way that I think I’ll love you.

 

Picture courtesy of @aussiegingersnap