Saying goodbyes...

Is much tougher than I ever thought. In a way I dreaded the last few days when I'd have to say goodbye to everyone that means so much to me. It's bittersweet because I'm leaving to start an amazing journey, but at the same time I don't want to leave all my friends and family here. Sometimes I wish the distance were a little closer, close enough to come home for Christmas or Easter. But it forces me to go and travel while I can, to make the most of this year. I'm excited for all that is to come, I know once I get there and settled with some of those worries sorted out I'll feel better about everything.

My going-away party last weekend - thank you to everyone that came! 

I keep telling my friends and family that it'll just be for 10 months, that it'll fly by faster than everyone thinks. I know in part it's to reassure myself, but for others too. I keep thinking to myself, enough with the goodbyes, it's only a "see you later"! I've never liked the word goodbye. I remember sitting on the edge of the couch as a kid, peering out the window and trying to hold back the tears when close friends or my cousins that live far away were leaving town to go back home. I never liked saying goodbye to them, I just wanted our fun, happy times to go on forever. But as I grew older, I realized the times that are hardest to move on can give your life more meaning and teach you so much. I'm hoping this will be the same way. Change is a good thing, and now is the time to embrace it and make every bit of this next year count. Luckily for Skype and Facebook, I can still feel connected to everyone back home too!

I'm excited to share with everyone all that this adventure brings me. I'm excited for the postcards and letters going back and forth. I'm excited for everything to feel new again, like the first months of high school or college. It's a new beginning, and guess what? I've always liked those! My flight in exactly 4 days marks the starting point. Until then, time for camping with my dad, brothers, step-siblings and boyfriend! A fun last weekend here we come!