Homesick: the weight of missing home, friends and family.

I’ve had so many conversations about homesickness, with friends, family, random strangers, and everyone in between.

What I’ve realised is that it rarely hits right away. Sure, there might be a few tears on the first flight, as it sinks in that you’re leaving everything behind to chase a dream. Maybe a few more when you finally sit down after a full day of travel, exhausted and alone in a new place. And definitely a wave of emotions after those first FaceTimes with loved ones back home.

But the real weight of it, the deep, aching homesickness, tends to creep in later. Sometimes weeks, maybe a month after you’ve started your brand new adventure, it sneaks up on you. One moment you’re walking down a cobblestone street or pulling pastries from the oven, and the next you’re longing to share it with the people you love.

Being immersed in a different language, culture, and rhythm of life has made me realise just how much warmth and grounding my friends and family bring me. I’m beyond grateful to be here, but still, a croissant would taste better if I could hand one across the table to someone I love.

I find myself wanting to ask the girls back home: What’s the plan this weekend? Staying in? Movie night? Fannie Bay Super Pizza? Heading out? What are we wearing? Monnies for 1?? I miss the adventures we’d get ourselves into, late nights, long calls, the dancing, the drinking, the love.

I know this isn’t goodbye forever. I left to follow a dream, to grow, to challenge myself, to build something. But it’s a bittersweet thing, leaving everyone you love to chase what you love.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s how vital it is to keep in touch with the people who hold you together. I don’t know if I’d have made it this far without the unwavering support of my friends and family, cheering me on from home with every step.

Although I may be a world away, I carry your love with me every day, in quiet moments, in busy kitchens, and in every bite of something beautiful. I can't wait for the day I get to hug you all again and share these stories in person.

With all my love, from Willoh.