A year ago yesterday it was raining when I woke up, and I ran outside to save my already soaked clothes from the line. The clothes that I didn't pack into a plastic bag and stuff into my suitcase, I left with my roommate. When the rain ended she put the clothes back on the line. I don't know how long they were there, but those clothes are pretty sun-bleached.
A year ago yesterday, I said goodbye to jeans for 3 months. When I came back, they didn't fit right.
A year ago yesterday, I pulled almost all the money I was going to use for the next 4 months out of my bank account. I was afraid to interact with my bank account after that.
A year ago yesterday, I got into a truck with a woman I didn't really know as she drove me to the airport. Actually, with 3 women that I didn't really know. The driver I still don't, the others I came to.
A year ago yesterday, we got pulled over in the truck. The cop let us go because we were on our way to do service work. God blesses us every day.
A year ago yesterday, I used my passport for the first time. It was definitely not the last.
A year ago yesterday, I made one last phone call and got one last text before I turned my phone off for 3 months. When I opened it 3 months later, I hadn't missed any calls or texts.
A year ago yesterday, I had the best meal on a plane that I'd ever had. Up to that point. It's a toss-up now.
A year ago yesterday, I flew over Japan. I hummed a little 'happy birthday' to my cousin who is still serving his mission over there. It's his birthday here today.
A year ago yesterday, I landed in the Korean airport and hand-printed a page out of the a Korean early learning book. I still have that. I'm going to hang it in my home.
A year ago yesterday, was the first time I had Pho. It was also the last time I would pay $4 for gellato. The spices I got used to. I miss them now.
A year ago yesterday, was the first time I'd heard Korean instruments live.
A year ago yesterday, I landed in an airport where I didn't speak any of the languages that were written on the bathroom signs. It got better as the airport went on.
A year ago yesterday, I got my first passport stamp. And a signed visa.
A year ago yesterday, I was greeted lovingly by people I had never seen before. People that absolutely loved me. They greeted us in voices that defied all logic. High and nasal, but clearly audible from a distance.
A year ago yesterday, I had dragonfruit for the first time. It was pink, not white.
A year ago yesterday, I slept on the firmest mattress I had ever imagined. I slept well. I can't say that for all of the nights I slept there.
A year ago yesterday, I was the farthest away from home than I had ever been. I was the farthest away from a temple that I ever hope to be.
A year ago yesterday, my impulsive idea became my life. A spontaneity that cost a lot, and was worth every cost.
A year ago yesterday, I was more nervous to go to school than I had ever been. And I was the teacher. I had nothing to run with.
A year ago yesterday, was the last day for months that I would be surrounded by people who spoke my language. And I haven't spoken nearly as much since.
A year ago yesterday, I was dropped into a culture that I didn't understand. But I love.
A year ago today, I shared a bed with someone else for the first time since I'd left home.
A year ago today, I spent 45 minutes buying a bike. It didn't really fit. And the roads were unbelievable.
A year ago today, it was the first time I rode my bike to my new 'job'.
A year ago today, I met the most heart-breaking children ever. They break my heart every day. Broke it even more when it was there.
A year ago today, I played with God's most vibrant souls. And they played with me.
A year ago today, I stopped hearing fluent English.
A year ago today, I went to my first market. I got used to the flies.
A year ago today, I witnessed the sweetest Primary song performance.
A year ago today, I learned names that I couldn't pronounce.
A year ago today, I began a very grand adventure.
A year ago today, I was naive.
A year ago today, I was excited. Beyond anything I'd ever thought.
A year ago today, I was terrified. Bringing meaning to things that are "Great and Terrible".
A year ago today, I moved into my new room.
A year ago today, it was hot like you wouldn't believe.
A year ago today, I unpacked my suitcase and my clothes were a little wet still from the rain that was....
somehow 2 days ago.
But if that was today
and the other is farther than nearer
than the ones in the middle didn't really happen right then.
But if that puts those today,
would Today be tomorrow?
And then Yesterday would be today.
But some of yesterday really was Yesterday.
Yesterday felt like it was one day, not two.
Today felt like two days,
Two years,
Two worlds.
Sometimes Today feels so close.
It could be Today today!
Yesterday always seems far away.
Today's heroine is different than Yesterday's.
Other times, Today feels like a dream.
Something imagined out of Eat. Pray. Love.
But I didn't see Eat. Pray. Love. until I was in Today's world.
It's a weathered door to foggy memories.
They're all dreams
Until I bow at the checkout counter
And a small child clings onto my leg.
It may be that today is really tomorrow,
But it can be Today for me.
And I cry all over again just reading this and remembering . . . that day and every day . . . keeping track of what time it was for you and looking for signs of life from a world away and knowing that although your Dad is AWESOME, he's not Liam Neeson and he doesn't have "that skill set" and that there was really not an earthly person truly watching out for you in a way that made me fully comfortable and how it felt like the only thing I could really do to help was to go to the temple as much as I could because that's where I could more fully implore for the watchcare of Heavenly Guardians and it started the months that I have spent more time in the temple than any other time in my life. Somehow it helped being there telling the ladies at the temple about my daughter a world away and that I was there for you. And I vividly remember that last phone call from the airport and the first one when you landed back on American soil. And we were/are blessed. Eternally grateful.
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