@Shidababe: Thanks so much for telling your story – leaving home is never going to be an easy thing and I respect the hell out of you for making the decisions you’ve made. Knowing you a little bit, I know you’re always ready to make great decisions. Talk soon.

But to unromanticize it a little bit, the leap to move to Finland wasn’t done at one leap. it was several leaps, the initial ones were failed attempts cos there were too many other thoughts in my head. I wanted to jump, then got cold feet. You see, I was entirely comfortable with my life at home. Being surrounded by friends, family and a job I loved – life was good. The thought of uprooting my life never crossed my mind. Till that phone call. Then I decided to take the plunge, make the leap, said yes. The job was worth it. But those pesky little voices – they really can eat away at you. And so they did to me. But eventually I did get on that plane, months later, crying and wondering why I am doing this. (why months? this is another dramatic 2nd act, for another time perhaps)

Today I have an answer for myself – Leaving home was the hardest leap I have had to do, but also the best decision I have made.

The thought process and survival through it all was an tumultous journey of self-discovery, and digging deep into my faith for comfort and strength. There were many down periods of missing home, of having to be independent, of having to come to terms with being alone or being lonely.

But there were as many up sides of realising what I am made of, drawing closer to my family, seeing the great big world and getting to know so many more people who are smarter than I am and really getting a kick out of working with them.

Through that leap, which was instigated by someone who knows me so well, I, in turn, got to know myself.

And that was, and still is, the destination.