on going back while moving forward

I think anyone who would be reading this post already knows that I credit 2 things for the person I have become today...now I know there are countless others...but the 2 things that made me the person I am today are moving every three or so years from birth-high school and going to summer camp.  Yes, NFTY played a pretty big role too...it is why I am in my current profession...yet, I can't say it changed the essence of who I am as a person.

I spent 18 summers at Camp.  By months, over 2 total years spent in the 28510.  I learned about the person I was.  I processed things I could make better about myself.  I looked up to people I strove to become more like.  My pal Steph wrote a post this week about friends and inherently the value of friendship.  It was at camp I developed the most long-lasting relationships...not just with best friends.  It is the place I met the person I plan to spend the rest of my life with.  I love that we share that common foundation, understood values, concrete life lessons.

It is weird to be sitting here, just over an hour from leaving for the airport...after counting down for this weekend for AGES...and to think about what it means to go back.  It has been almost three years since I drove through those gates.  August 1, 2009 I left camp (a week early) to start my job here in Tampa.  I don't remember much of the 12 hour drive...but as I sit here thinking about it I am getting overly emotional.

I am excited to see all of the updates that have occurred since I left.

I am BEYOND excited to see some special campers, turned counselors...

I am ready for a weekend of relaxation with bests.

I have to confess though, I waited almost 3 years to go back, because I was not sure when I would be ready.  I don't know if I am yet...

Something that was such a huge part of my life for so long...it takes a different set of eyes to see its newfound importance.  I guess I just have to prepare myself for what it will feel like to be a visitor at a place I consider home...

Stay tuned!

for now

LM