People

4 weeks to go and I'm busy buying gifts, wrapping up work stuff, checking things off of the "things to do before I go" list. My joy at the thought of being home is growing by leaps and bounds. Skype is becoming a less and less satisfying way of communicating with the people I love. Each moment with my host sisters is feeling more and more precious. Its a process of letting go and moving forward.

And of course, because this is me we are talking about, I've been pondering my fair share of deep thoughts. How did this year go by so fast? Has it really been a year since I've see all the people I love and rely on most? How have I changed? Will people see a difference? How should I say goodbye? Where am I headed? What will the future be like?

I think I most struck by how many absolutely wonderful people I have in my life, here and at home.

Here, I'm blessed with a host family, co-workers, and friends who love me, encourage me, put up with me, and laugh with me all the time. They will be hard to leave behind.

At home, I have great parents and family who are preparing to welcome me back. I have friends who have been in my life since elementary school and probably know me better than anyone besides my parents. I have friends who I met at Whitworth scattered all over the US now, but keeping in touch.

That's a lot of people. People who have changed me, loved me unconditionally, been an example to me, and argued with me when I needed to get over myself. I'm so, so grateful. It's an amazing blessing to know so many great people, now spanning two countries. So as I enter this time of transition, I'll be thinking of all of you. With you supporting me, how could I fail?

On a lighter note, here's 10 things I'm looking forward to besides people:
1) Driving my car again, who I am rechristening "Mabel" because she is getting along in years
2) Drinking a glass of milk- a lifelong daily habit that I have had to put on hold
3) Sleeping with a comforter, snuggling up in my bed
4) Sleeping in past 8am
5) Moving to Seattle!
6) Having an oven at home- eating food that isn't fried or boiled
7) Eating salad- uncooked veggies, yum
8) Wearing jeans
9) Wearing jackets/sweaters- being cold in general
10) Having the ability to wear my hair down without it being disgustingly sweaty by the end of the day