The thing about time is that it never stops. Sometimes its a good thing. Sometimes its bad. But in the end, time keeps ticking away--life goes on. January 17th is slowly drawing nearer and nearer, and on that morning I'll get up and head to the airport. I'll say goodbye to my family and won't see them for 4 months. Of course, I'm excited to prepare for this journey ahead of me. And at the same time I'm scared out of my mind. I wish I could freeze time here, at home, go on my adventure, and then come back, where nothing has changed. Time seemed to slip past me. I feel like I didn't get to say a proper goodbye to anyone--friends and family alike. Yet, big tearful goodbyes make me sick. I'd rather just pack up and be off with a simple "Until next time...".
And I can't help but thing, when I come home how much is going to change? By the time I step foot back into my house, my baby brother will have been accepted to and decided on what college he is going to. My sister will have a date to the semi-formal and have a dress all picked out. She'll be getting ready for high school. My puppy will have grown up [and hopefully out of his chewing habit]. There are birthdays and holidays I won't be here to celebrate.
Mind you, there will be so many things in my life that have changed too. So many experiences that my family will only be able to understand through my pictures and scattered thoughts.
When I was in 10th grade, my English teacher told us life was like a loaf of bread. Together each slice makes up a loaf of bread, but we must remember each slice of bread is individual, like a memory. There is a slice for preschool school and high school graduation and college and birthdays. I'm just realizing my semester abroad is another slice in my loaf.
I know this semester will be nothing short of amazing, but its bittersweet to think that my family won't be able to be at my side throughout it all [expect for in the emotional/spiritual sense]. And it makes me wonder: how much will I have changed when I come home? The friends I make and the experiences I have abroad will stay with me forever and I hope they change me for the better. I hope I come home with a new love for the cultures around the world.
So to finish today's post I have a few words: There are no needs for goodbyes because in a few days I'll be seeing you again. Don't panic--time will keep moving on, but it doesn't mean you have to be overwhelmed by it. Take each day for what it is and enjoy what life has to offer. And remember, distance is only as far as you make it...a cell phone and computer can be found anywhere. Trust me communication is the key to any relationship.
Words of wisdom: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow, a mystery. Today is a gift--that's why we call it the present."
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