Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

Today is the day I return to the U.S. after 4 months of being away. I extended my time abroad by a few more days so that I could do some personal traveling before returning home. I am actually feeling sad because I have to say goodbye to all the people who have become my family. As previously mentioned, I’ve never been good at goodbyes so today is a very hard day. I feel as though I have just become accustomed to the Thai lifestyle which makes leaving super unfortunate. I have just become comfortable with having a conversation in Thai, I know my way around Chiang Mai like the back of my hand, and I have found family in the local people who have watched me grow from the shy but curious young girl I was. I don’t like that I have to leave it all behind, but this means I now have reason to return so I couldn’t be any more grateful. I am afraid of what the U.S. holds for me once I return. I feel like everything is going to feel super foreign once I get back. Will I be able to not speak Thai? Will I feel lonely now that my newfound community will be a distance away? Is the U.S. going to be too fast-paced for me now that I have experienced life in Thailand? These are all the questions I have.

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 12/21/23.