9 years

I know this will be my second post of the day, but I could not finish the day without saying that today 9 years ago I arrived to this country. I left Bogota, Colombia early in the morning and headed to the airport to take the flight that would change my life forever. I was nervous, sad and excited all at the same time. Sad for leaving the nest and leaving my loved ones, nervous because I had never been away from home for more than a weekend, and excited because I was going to see another country and learn new things. I arrived to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta Georgia at around 2pm, anxious and confused because I did not understand one pickle of what the immigration and security people were telling and asking me ( And I though I knew English when I left? What was I thinking? I knew nothing! I forgot all the little I knew...). I arrived to the house of a family that warmly welcomed me, and which to this day I thank for every little thing they did to make me feel comfortable.

It was December when I arrived. It was the holiday season, Christmas, New Years, that special family time I was not going to have with my own family. I had a  really hard time and I secretly cried in bed the night of Christmas. I never felt so lonely... 

Time went by and everyday got easier. I got better at English and eventually learned it well. I could speak it and I could also be understood! Woo Hoo! Many different things happened as the years went by. I met new people, found a job, got my first car...etc etc. I was faced with different challenges but I overcame them all and became stronger and smarter. 

Today December 4, 2010 nine years later, I comfortably sit at home, married to a wonderful man and mom to two precious healthy boys. So many things I've gone through these nine years, some easy and happy, some difficult and sad, but I have to say that I don't regret for one second the decision I made to take that flight and expand my horizons...I am thankful for all.