Today's the day

I had no idea how much it would hurt to say goodbye. I knew it would be sad, but I kept it together pretty darn well the last couple of weeks. Right up until we pulled into the airport parking lot I was calm, cool, collected, and stoked! But then the butterflies came. And the nausea. And the tears. Never ever in my life have I been so emotional in public, but I was a blubbering mess when I said goodbye to my daddy at security, and heard my boyfriend's voice on the phone one last time. I know it will get better, and like I always say - 83 days will go by in the blink of an eye! But for right now, it might as well be a million years.

Normally I love airports, like LOVE airports, but that's cos I always have my best friends - my family - to keep me occupied while I'm waiting to board. Today, I feel more alone than I have in my entire life. So alone. Gaaaah it sounds so depressing, I know. And to be honest I'm not that depressed. I'm happy and excited to see what God has in store for me - so keep praying! It's just going to take some getting used to...

With love,

23 / praise God!

The trip has finally been approved by the university, although quite overdue. Praise God nonetheless! Now begins the long and tedious permit process, but we only have three weeks to get it done. Oi vey. Pray that it goes smoothly, and quickly, considering that I leave in three weeks and two days. 

As excited as I am to go, it's getting harder and harder as the reality hits me: I am going to be away from the people I love for three months. Sure, we will be able to Skype, talk on the phone, email, and hopefully text, but electronics and technology can only get you so far. I am going to miss hugs, cuddles, kisses, hand holding, and just feeling those people next to me while we're watching a movie or doing homework. I am going to miss seeing them every morning, driving them to school, and eating dinner with them. I am going to miss cracking jokes with my siblings behind my parents' back, hanging out with them after school, singing with them in the car - who am I going to do all these things with?! And my parents, who guide me and love me more and more everyday - who am I going to talk to late at night and use my lawyer skills against? I am going to miss my boyfriend, who is the best man in the world for sticking with me and supporting me on this journey. He is my best friend and I am going to miss his goofy faces to laugh at and his hand to hold during scary movies. There are so many more people that I will be leaving behind and missing so much, it's disheartening to think about.


But in the span of my lifetime, in light of all eternity, 3 months will be over in the blink of an eye. Also, who knows when I would ever get an opportunity like this again? This experience is truly a blessing. I am so grateful for it and I am very excited to go, even though it will be hard being away from all those I love. Pray that it will get easier to deal with being away from home and that my transition in Tanzania will be smooth and welcoming!


With so much love,