Family-Friends-Faith

The beginning of my adventure has begun.  My last night with my parents was Thursday as they had the chance to go to New York for Communicon and Liberation meetings.  It was difficult for them to be away my last weekend home but it gave me the chance to spend time with my brother and grammy, plus I will be reunited with them in New York for the night tomorrow before flying out to SA!

Even though I've had a few moments of crying like a toddler and only wanting my mom or dad... getting to spend my last weekend home with my brother was a huge blessing.  Saying goodbye to him tomorrow will be tough because I look up to him in so many ways and will miss calling him for advice or to talk whenever necessary.  I think he has the most confidence in me as I'm about to leave for the next 4 months and I couldn't be more grateful.  Looking at him reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to because I've watched him suceed in so many more ways than he is even aware of.  Michael gave me a note to read before going to bed tonight, and I don't think he has ever made me feel prouder, more sure of myself, or more loved.  His biggest pieces of advice were to remember that I'm so, so loved and that the biggest gift I posess is the prescence of Christ in my life.  I couldn't ask for a better brother, friend, or role model. 

And Michael is right I am so loved and I'm so thankful for all the love my family and friends have given me.  Saying goodbye to my Grammy was another reminder that I am so very loved and will be no matter where in the world I am.  I know Grammy will be one person who will really miss me as she doesn't do the whole internet thing and I will miss her soo much in return.  However, I'm so thankful I will miss her so much because it is a good kind of missing one another we both decided.  My grammy is so amazing and saying good bye to her reminded me that I am so, so blessed to have so many people that I will miss because that does not have to be a bad thing at all.  So here on this night I have been waiting so long for my family, friends, and faith are my reminder that while this will be hard at times, it's exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.  Thank you to my family for filling me up with love so that I am full of it to give out when I'm in South Africa!  I miss everyone so much already!