Tonight

Tonight is my last night in Turkey. Twelve hours from now I will be on a flying machine, heading to the States. It’s surreal and sad and strange. I can’t believe that this chapter of my life is ending early in the morning. I keep reminiscing about the years I spent here…

Sixth grade, my first year in a “real” school. Social studies with Miss Murphy, science with Mr. Colwell. My one and only romance with Jeremy Bingham. It was a hard year, but definitely memorable.

Seventh grade, one of my favorite years in school thus far. Playing Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island, being ridiculously infatuated with Thad McRae, drama class with Mr. Sears. I had so much fun that year.

Eighth grade, my year of homeschooling again. Wednesday outings to the park with the Clines, Martins, and Bullises. Writing class with Ellen taught by Kate and Char—thanks to them I learned how to write essays and get through IGCSEs and APs.

Ninth grade, a year of insanity. The beginnings of IGCSEs: being the guinea pigs. Losing Cyd. Being diagnosed with depression. It was a rough year, but a year that God used to draw me closer to Him and teach me that intimacy with Him is sweet.

Tenth grade, the purely busy year that had a lot of fun moments. Finishing with IGCSEs, being in Christmas Carol, finally becoming good friends with Nina and meeting one of my best friends, Sarabeth. Spending time with Mallory. There was lots of stress, but I mostly just remember the good.

Eleventh grade, my absolute favorite year ever. Getting to choose classes and really enjoy them. Spending lots of time with friends: poetry picnics, hanging out on Istiklal, youth group with Jeremy leading. My first trip to Romania. Such a great year in terms of spiritual growth, my academic success, and enjoyingmy friendships.

And then Twelfth grade. I need more time before I can summarize it in a concise paragraph. Getting to know people I wasn’t as close to before was awesome. Enjoyed some great classes with awesome teachers. I got to go back to Romania. There was also a lot of negatives, but I’m putting those behind me.

So now I get on a plane and leave this all behind me. I’m going to miss this city, my house, a whole bunch of people I’ve grown to love. But I’m looking forward to the future, going to college and meeting new people…and coming back next summer.