a different kind of mission

two years ago, i (with sobs and heavy feet carrying a heavy heart) left this:

*no, not a cultural hall - my mission*

and i came (still sobbing) to this:

*no, not Haystack Rock - the Pacific NW*

i said good-bye to sisters like them:

and i said hello to sisters like them:

i said goodbye to children like these little ruffians:

and i now chase around the affectionally named "Portland Monkeys":

i had to stop trying to be cool around teenagers like these:

and i had to learn to be the effortlessly cool aunt to teenagers like these:

i could no longer wear clothes like this:

but i am now expected to put something like this on:

i said good-bye to some pets:

but i was greeted with joyful barking and uncontrollable peeing by pets like these:

i ended my mission with a birthday like this:

and i ended two years home with a birthday like this:

happy anniversary.