Almost Australia

Leaving

I spent the whole week on the edge between smiles and tears, unbelievably excited about the year to come but terribly sad to leave my friends and family. I have been so lucky to have meet amazing friends over the past few years and recent months and I am especially happy for the friendship that has grown between my little brothers (Josh & Caleb) and I over the past year of living at home. I will miss everyone very much but I can't wait to share my adventures with everyone and send home presents from far away. So I said goodbye one last time to my friends from work, called my other friends one last time and to sadly yet excitedly say goodbye. As I hugged my little brothers before they left for school and I left for Chicago and the other side of the world, a few tears escaped and tricked down my cheek. Attempting to emphasize my excitement instead of my momentary sadness, my heart groaned, ripping apartknowing how much I would miss my boys. On to Chicago for lunch with Meg and to spend the night at my sister in law Heather's house. After lots of wine and some good conversations, I tried to sleep knowing I would be leaving everything familiar the next day but I was excited to see my sister Janna in London though.So once again smiles mixed with tears as I hugged Heather before she left for work then my Dad and baby sister Kaitlyn at the airport. I wonder if Kaitlyn, who is 6, will remember me or even comprehends where I am going.