Sometimes this whole process is really overwhelming. There are a lot of steps and it’s very much a hurry up and wait game. We started receiving contracts almost two months ago now and things are still not finalized. I jump through my last immigration hoop today: a webcam interview with the Korean consulate. If all goes well we’ll be completely ready to go. I’ve given my notice at work, we’ve bought Jacob’s one way non-refundable plane ticket, and I have a year’s worth of prescription medication. There’s no turning back.
While the contract and immigration process was a bit of a hassle, as well as trying to figure out what I’ll want/need for a year+ away from home, none of it comes close to saying goodbye to every person (and animal) that you know. Our goodbyes have started, we’ve bid adieu to Tim and Katherine a couple weeks ago when we were in Halifax and there’s many more to come. We have 2 parties lined up in the next couple of weeks as well as dates with as many friends as we can get a hold of. Sometimes it’s hard to remember why we’re doing this – so in true Brynn fashion, I’ll make a list.
- If we don’t do it now, we never will. It’s now or never.
- We get to truly experience another culture for an entire year before traveling the better part of the world. I think, and hope, this will not only give us a better appreciation for how the rest of the world lives, but also how lucky we are to be Canadians and appreciate where and what we come from.
- While we’ll miss all of our friends and family at home, we’ll have a really great opportunity to meet new people.
- If all goes well we’ll be able to help someone out. Jacob and I hope to be able to spend some time volunteering in Africa.
- It’s easier to regret going than not going.
- In a strange way, our decision to leave has brought us closer to a lot of friends and family.
- Adventure. Who doesn’t want to backpack across South East Asia and ride a train across Russia?
- I get to do a lot of planning and at the same time throw a lot of everyday planning out the window.
- I’ve always been jealous of people who take time off and travel around (Kelly, Jeannine, this means you). But I’ve realized that the only thing stopping me was me.
- What do I have to lose?
- And finally, and most importantly, we’re going to try and live up to Paul McCartney’s lyrics: “Down in the jungle, living in a tent. You don’t use money and you don’t pay rent. You don’t even know the time but you don’t mind.”
Brynn
Jacob
Mr. & Mrs. Vandebilt + kids 
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