T minus 11 days

So it really hit me tonight. I was sitting outside at the picnic table with my girls and it hit me. I am really leaving. 11 days from now I will be on a plane flying over the ocean on my way to Africa. I am so excited and yet my emotions are very mixed. The last almost 5 years here in Blacksburg have been an amazing season in my life. It has been filled with hard work and studying, but also with the best of friends, great neighbors and fun time on the river and trail. The best times have been right here in what we girls call Utopia. No we never read the book, just heard somewhere that Utopia is supposed to be just wonderful and filled with happiness and goodness, and that is exactly what this place is. It has truely been a gift from God. So back to the picnic table. I am sitting there watching the almost full moon rise in the sky, feeling the cool fall breeze, and listening to my girls fill the evening air with laughter, and it hit me. This is one of the last times this will happen just like this. I have to admit I got just a little melancholy at the thought. Even though I know as I step into the next season God has for me, it is hard to close the page on this one. I cant thank the Lord for the wonderful girls he has had in my life during my time here.Special hugs and farewell tears to Debi,Danette,Janna, Kippin,Lindsay,and Lori. I will miss you more than you know!