Sarah's Home

Carling and I are back in the US now, and have also parted ways. I have gone to stay in Bryn Athyn, PA over Thanksgiving and Carling to her house in Kempton. I thought I would write a little something about being home, sort of a final post for Sarah.

The plane flights weren't as bad, or as long, as they were going to Australia. Michelle, Angela and Margaret Heldon had seen us off at the airport and gave us some gifts for the flights home. The girls had made us a scrapbook of photos, with comments, of our good times spent together. Such a precious gift, thank you ladies. It is different being back because I no longer have Carling at my side. The first morning I woke up eating cereal and sitting on the couch just wasn't the same. I have my niece, Adara, to play with, she is such a joy. She had learned to walk while I was away so I've had lots of new tricks to catch up on. The weather is very cold here, and since all of my stuff is packed and distributed at different houses, I haven't found a coat warmer than a jacket. My sister Denielle, has kindly given me some gloves and a scarf, which I bring everywhere.

Thanksgiving is coming and I am thankful for it. Its great coming back to the States with over a week to adjust, get rid of jetlag, hang out with friends, and see my family. My parents are coming out from Michigan soon and I can't wait. I think getting back into the swing of school won't be as bad as I imagined, but we'll have to wait and see.

I do want to thank everyone who has read this blog. Carling and I loved putting up new posts and pictures, and looking to see if anyone had commented. I recommend making a blog, or at least keeping a journal, if you plan on traveling because it is a great way to look back and see all that you did and experienced. I also would recommend planning a visit to Australia one day. It is an amazing and beautiful country, with friendly and welcoming people. I'm just waiting for the next excuse I get to get back out there (possibly a wedding?).

Now a little note to my significant other while on this internship: Carling Wyncoll. If you don't know this girl, just imagine a talented, joyous, and relaxed person. She and I got along so well I couldn't have asked for a better person to have gone to Australia with. We knew each other before leaving the US, but not all that well. It turns out we are similar in many ways, we both love to dance and laugh. Our friendship is so strong now that I know we'll be there for each other in the years, hopefully decades, to come. Thank you Carling, for coming on this trip with me and for our many talks, laughs, dance parties, and cries. Keep a lookout for the wombat.

Glad to be back at home,
Sarah Marie Elder

Shoutouts:
To Michelle and Angela- thank you for the scrapbook, I will treasure it forever.
To Margaret- thank you for your love and wisdom.
One day we will meet again...