Grateful

I didn't plan on writing again until I was outta here, but I felt it would be very ungrateful for me not to. I am so lucky for (what I call) my 'People'. It is overwhelming to stop and realize how many fantastic people are part of my life. Maybe it is the 'you don't know whatcha got til it's gone' concept, only in this case, I know exactly what I've got, and I'm missing it before I'm even gone.

Sure, my mom thinks I'm crazy for running off to the other side of the world, and I know she worries about me, but she has been wonderful at being excited for me as well. This is, by far, the longest I'll be away from home, and the longest I've been away from my Momma. Mom, I hope you know that I'll miss you every day. Bill, enjoy the empty house while you can, feel free to walk around in your underwear now, I just ask that you guys don't turn my room into the naked room.

Tonight I said goodbye to one of my very best friends. Elyse, is one of those friends that you can go a long time without seeing, but the minute your back together, you're laughing and talking and having such a good time that it feels like no time has passed at all. Girl, I'll miss you so much, but I promise I'll do my best to keep in touch, and I can't wait to see you again.

My last goodbye will be to my best friend, Shandice. She is a superstar and is heading to an amazing job interview in Seattle, and fate was on our side when it put or flight departures only a minute apart. Shandice probably understands my need for adventure more than anyone, and I'm not sure I'd have had the courage without her there to back me up. It will be so hard to be away from my BFF, especially since she'll be a Mrs. very shortly after I get home. Shandice, you're about to kick some interview butt, and I can't wait to see what is in your future.

I have so many special people in my life that have been so supportive of this adventure, and I can't thank you all enough.

Here I go!!!




Love, Kelsey