Wow! These past couple weeks have left me floating around in this weird space. The premature nostalgia began a few weeks ago when I took my daily walk though the alley on East Market Street from the parking garage to work and passed the wonderful smell of Giorgio's Pizza. They bake fresh pizza in the morning and the smell is awesome. If you haven't tried the cheese slice here, its a must. I guess I started noticing the little things i'll miss about my routine: Ike from Quizno's (although I don't eat there, Quizno's is located in my former job's lobby). Ike is always outside on the corner, along w/ Bobby (who is one of our homeless neighbors) giving out hugs and smiles. These random, sort of strangers, who are both as genuine as you will find, put a smile on my face every day. I also think of all the wonderful and great things about Indianapolis. Ah, the community of Indianapolis--it really is a very big, small town. I love the nonprofit world I have become so acquainted and at home with in Indy. We know how to make each other's programs successful and have fun while doing it! I can tell you is leading the way for community development, green living, human services, youth development, violence prevention, and so much more. AND, I can tell you where the best happy hour or fundraiser or volunteer opportunity is happening. I will miss that connection which I know will be harder to build in a much larger city where I am moving.
And when it comes to saying good byes to all of my amazing friends? Well, I have to admit, I have the very best of friends. They all came out of the woodwork these past few weeks: hosting yard sales, farewell parties, loading Uhauls, packing my kitchen up last minute, providing the most meaningful gifts, loaning their vehicles and condos for temporary usage. When you make a decision, such as moving out of the country, all of these little things overwhelm you at first. My biggest life lesson in this process was learning that if you make a decision this big, you just put one foot forward. You don't have to have all the answers up front. You don't have to have the entire process mapped out. Your support and loved ones step in and make it happen for you. All of the little moments I have had with all of these friends and family along the way have left me honestly overwhelmed with the love and support I have felt. The cards expressed so much love to and for me that I am left speechless. I do not think I realized how much I was loved in my world here. Do any of us ever stop and realize that? I feel so lucky and so blessed.
But, as we all know, this journey of mine was a long time coming and was innately right. As we are always sad to see a loved one move away, I know most of you were happy to kick me across the pond. So, here I go. Thanks for the gentle and loving push.
AND-where would we be today without technology. Most of you have my contact information. I hope you will Skype with me. Go to www.skype.com to download a free internet phone service.
Skype: angie.turk
Gmail: angieturk@gmail.com
Wendy reminded me today that fear and excitement evoke the same physiological response and since I have it coming on both ends--you can only imagine how I'm feeling!!! But, without moving into and through fear, its hard to continuously grow and evolve.
My friend, Dan Somers, stated eloquently today that, "Time and Space are illusions. Love has no boundaries." Nothing could better wrap up my amazing relationship w/ Tom, who has been the most incredible support and source of excitement. We have managed to have a meaningful and rich relationship in two different countries for over a year and a half. This is evidence I will be able to cross those time and space barriers and stay close to all of you as well.
Jason Melchi broke the seal. As i've watched so many of you get teary-eyed these past few weeks, I have held on to my emotions. Today, when I finally had all the small details finished and my suitcases packed and ready to go, it hit me. I want you to know that I cried too for my loss of being able to call my beautiful friends up at any given moment and get a coffee, go for a run/bike ride, just be with each other. But, like you all have expressed, it is a happy and sad cry. A very bittersweet feeling. I will miss you terribly. I will see many of you in London! Thanks for everything and I mean EVERYTHING!
Be Well,
Angie
