July 11, 2016
Today is the day we have planned for, for months. At approximately 8:00am I, Kari, leave for Girls Camp in Pioneer, CA. I am volunteering on the Rappelling and Rock Climbing staff. It is a dream come true for me. I grew up attending Camp Ritchie, it holds a special place in my heart and it is a privilege to be able to return and be a leader.
Jake, the husband, is tying up loose ends at the San Jose, CA house. He is going to get on the road to Sacramento, CA to go see the children. They were taken to Nana’s house a couple days ago to allow Jake and I to get the house and last minute items in order.
This marks our leaving of San Jose, CA. Moving brings all sorts of emotions out in a person. Leading up to this day all five of us dealt with this change differently.
Averi, the eldest, just keeps saying how excited she is. She is a really big help to us.
Claire, the middle child, has a range of emotions normally, so this just made those emotions go a little more wild. One day she wants want to go, the next day she doesn’t want to go. Her choices and decisions change like the wind. Change is hard for her. Giving her extra love and attention to help her recognize her emotions is important.
Tage, adamant about staying in California, and says he is not going at all on this adventure of a lifetime. He only wants to go if it is to Hawaii to try Poi. That is his dream in life. His main reason for not wanting to go: he hates vegetables and rice. So he says… I don’t know if he will be happy with Poi, either.
I struggle with saying good bye to the best friends of my life. The people make San Jose and I met the best there are.
Jake keeps his emotions close to him. When the emotions do show themselves, it is usually a stressed version of Jake. Overall, his demeanor is changed for the better.
This is the day that really begins our adventure, stateside.