Back home safe and sound

Ok, so I figured it was about time that I write a post ending my DTS experience.

DTS officially ended February 19, 2010. We graduated that evening with a wonderful ceremony that we put together for family and friends that were able to come. The evening was filled with laughter, singing, dancing, memories, testimonies, tears, and certificates. I can't believe it's actually done. During the 6 months there I thought that Feb. 19 would never come. The night ended with tears of joy and tears of knowing that the next few days would be extremely hard. Starting that next morning students were going to be leaving to go home or start their travel around Australia. I left Sunday February 21, 2010 at 3:35pm. Knowing the day would be really hard I tried to prepare myself for all the emotions I knew would come flooding in but I wasn't nearly as prepared as I could ever be. After a morning of exchanging photos and uploads and downloads I got all my stuff in the van and turned around to say all my g'byes to those who weren't coming to the airport with me. Some were easier than others and I left the hardest ones for when I was at the airport. I climbed into the van with Jennelle, Shanna, Eilidh, Roman (who was also leaving for home), Gerry, and Sam who was driving and we headed on the 40 minute trek to the airport.
Once we arrived we unloaded our bags and looked at each other for a second and then the flood came. I couldn't stop the tears as they rolled down my face as I hugged and said bye to my closest friends. When I was able to get my barrings I finally decided that if we didn't go...I would never be able to. So..with that Roman and I grabbed our stuff, said our last byes and walked through the sliding glass doors into the terminal. We were able to get checked in without having to stand in the dreadfully long line and got through customs without a problem. We grabbed some lunch and headed to our gates. With extra security going back to the U.S. we hit our third or fourth check point. Once through we said yet another bye to each other and I boarded my plane.
The flight was 12 hours and 40min and arrived in LA about 40 minutes early...which turned out to be fine - I was able to collect myself, get my things, go through immigration and customs before seeing Nathan and my parents. They finally arrived and the tears rolled yet again. Seeing my mom, step-dad, dad, and then Nathan to top it all off was truly spectacular. We loaded up the car, stopped of for some coffee, had lunch in Ventura and the Urban Cafe and then headed to the beach. ....and from there ...well...that's another post!

Thank you again for all the support and prayers that I know were being sent my way. Thank you for reading this, for chatting me when you could. Thank you thank you thank you.

Cheers,
Sarah