just the beginning...

Today was a little difficult, and I know it is the first of many more to come. Hopefully not TOO many, though.

This morning I said goodbye to Katie, my wonderful roommate who I have been so lucky to have worked with all day everyday this week, and it was hard to hug her knowing that we won't see eachother again until June.

My parents came this afternoon to see my one last time with Natalie and Grandpa Wil too. Throughout the morning before they had even arrived, my anticipation of the goodbye's brought tears easily, and more tears came when it was actually time for them to leave after dinner. Mom gave me a small album of photos of friends and the family for me to bring along, I gave hugs to each of them, and dad prayed for my safety and strength. And then they were gone.
Nate was waiting with ice cream and warm chocolate chip cookies when i got back, and he sat with me as we ate the comfort food together... I am really going to miss him.
Sarah, I missed you alot tonight, I definitely felt like an important part of our family was missing! I hope youre having a wonderful time at Winter Camp though :)

It is starting to hit me now, without a doubt. When people around campus ask me how I am doing, I explain how I am more than ready to go because of how LONG I have been waiting for this, but if I could just skip these next few days of goodbyes and just get on the plane right now, that would make it a whole lot easier. The going is fun, but the leaving is so hard, and that is the only thing I am worried about.

Between now and Thursday will be a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster, so I am ready to get through it and on to the next part.