Every time, I read the word "uneventful" in your comments--Nance, Lisa, Jenny, Nicole, Steph, Jeanie, and J--I felt like you were sending me a coded message of support. Ever since I shared that I was worried that my social media alignment might make things sticky for me at immigration, you all have been so kind about sending good wishes. It's a sign of the times, I suppose, that no one thought I was overreacting. And in a way that escalated my anxiety, because I could see it wasn't all in my head. Even three months ago, most people wouldn't have considered my fears legitimate. Engie was quite positive I'd be ok, and I'm glad she was right.
Anyway, I made it through with a watermelon charm hanging off my backpack, my kuffiyeh and other Palestinian solidarity materials in my suitcase, and without scrubbing my social media. It's part of my resolve to be true to myself, not to "obey in advance," and to participate in "good trouble" when I can.
Pic: On that note, I headed for the Palestinian solidarity march yesterday (half a million strong, by some accounts) and got this photo of Palestinian flags waving under the blue sky and Big Ben's tower. + I met up with someone I met online back in October when we were being onboarded as instructors to teach students in Gaza. KK was just as lovely in person and we had a nice chat as we marched for close to three hours.
21 comments:
I don't think you were overreacting at all. Glad it went smoothly.
I had hoped you would be fine coming back but was concerned so delighted to hear it all went very well and without event! It has felt that while this trip was wonderful in many ways with terrific students, good talks, wonderful occasions, it was also very stressful in terms of the world situation, both at home and in India; missing family; a tornado and more. So I'm glad you are back in your safe place with people who love you. Now, have that Mother's Day celebration!
HOORAY!!! Honestly, I was pretty sure you'd have no problems, but at this point it seems like anything can happen. I hope you have a day or two to decompress and recover from the jet lag. Congrats on such a successful trip!
Welcome home! ❤️
-Steph
Enjoy.
Oh, hooray! Welcome home. I'm glad you're back with no stressful stories to tell about your return. I'm proud of your refusal to Obey In Advance. You won your Victory For Humanity with your actions.
Hooray! You are back! I was pretty sure you would be fine but one never knows!! I hope you are settling back in and not too jet lagged!
Yay! You are back! What a trip. Happy reentry!
Welcome home, I am sure it felt great to be with your people and puppies and sleep in your own bed, and you have adventures to share as well. I will confess to being a little worried about your reentry, so am relieved that you are home.
Yay! Thank you, Nicole! XX
Thank you, Steph! (You're right and I felt a jolt of dread just reading that!)
Thank you, Jeanie! And that encapsulates all the things that impacted the trip so perfectly. Seeing them all together is a good reminder that I did my best. Thank you for seeing that! Mother's Day, Yay!
Thanks, Jenny! I veered between "it'll be fine" and "I''m going to El Salvador" Haha
Thank you, Steph :)!
Thank you, Gillian!
Thank you, Nance! I have to be able to live with myself... One small step for myself... (to paraphrase a famous Ohioan!)
Thank you, Lisa. No jet lag at all. Given my weirdass sleep patterns, what would that even look like? Haha
Thank you!
Thank you, J! Being with fam has been lovely. (And not having to guard my passport is such a relief.)
Oh, I was so happy to read this! It is reassuring to hear your account that the border crossing seemed normal. (I also hate that I have been worried about it!)
Wait! Not you too!
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