On My Way

I just bought a one-way ticket to Helsinki-Vantaa. I've had a residence permit since late January. I still have myriad Kela and Maitraatti things to do when I arrive, but this shit is real.

I was thinking about how strange this whole thing is, and how I am almost entirely excited and not at all nervous. I suppose, when the time comes to get on the plane and I leave my family and loved ones behind, nerves and a healthy sense of loss will kick in.

And yet I am starting over. I am rebooting my life. I will learn a new language and new customs. I will have simple and affordable access to the rest of Europe. I will learn what it means to be independent of the culture in which I've spent my life entrenched. Plus, I'll always have the support of my husband when I commit a faux pas, or get lost, or need a translator. And I will save my money so that I can visit my family and friends a lot.