Merry Christmas

I somehow managed to smash all of my stuff into my two allotted duffel bags this morning.  I am still surprised it all fit...all except for the 6 boxes I left at home to be shipped.  They are very heavy and I am trying to figure out how I will carry them around after spending the day in limbo.  I am sure I will make it.  So here I am sitting in the "terminal" waiting for them to tell us what we will do.  They are not very specific about times and that is for our own safety.  After a long week of hurry up and wait, it seems they wanted to finish in a similar fashion.

A couple of things about this week.  First of all, I have met some great people.  I would have been a basketcase without them.  I am going to post a photo at the end of this post so you guys can see the group.  About half of us are headed to Iraq and the others to Afghanistan.  I have been given all sorts of pointers from them this week.  Somethings I wanted to know, some I didn't need to.  Nevertheless, they have touched my life and I hope to never forget the time I spent here this week.

Second, we had a little fireball named Ingrid who took care of us and made sure that we always had the papers we needed and knew where we were supposed to be.  She is very good at her job and made this week of transition as smooth as possible.  She is in the middle, front in the photo.  I probably would have made it without Ingrid and the others, but I cannot imagine how.

Well, I am sitting in a huge room watching people.  Some are taking naps ( I am saving my nap for the flight), some are talking to their friends.  There are people relaxing and reading, using their computers, and saying their final goodbyes on the phone.  It is Christmas Eve and everybody is missing their family and friends.  The atmosphere is subdued.  I have had plenty of time to think both last night when I couldn't sleep and today while I am waiting around for something to happen.  I have been thinking about how fortunate I am.  I have been able to go some great places, meet some amazing people, and have unbelievable experiences...and I am still relatively young.  I'm a lucky girl.  Having said that, I know that my sense of adventure would not be so bold without people like you.  People who may roll their eyes when I get some big idea to go someplace new, but in the end, give me a hug and send me on my way.  Additionally, you send letters and care packages while I am away and welcome me home whenever I return.  Indeed, I am lucky.  So on this Christmas, as I am flying to a very different part of the world to begin this next stage, I will be thinking of you. Know that I am thankful for all of the love and support you have and will continue to give to me.  Merry Christmas to you and yours. 

Love,
Matia