Just over 30 hours til take off

I can't believe that I will be leaving my parent's home in just under 30 hours and most likely will not be back for a very long time. I have no idea what my holiday schedule will look like so it is very possible that I won't be back until Christmas and then only for a short time. Even though it seems unreal and hasn't quite set in I am still excited. I mailed 3 boxes to my future address today which makes it seem a little more real. Two of them were kinda heavy (about 15 and 35 lbs), but one was just 6 lbs shy of needing the "HEAVY" sticker on it. (That is required of all packages at and above 70 lbs.) Seems strange to total up the weight of everything I am going to be watching (DVDs), reading, and wearing during the next year. My biggest fear now is that one of the boxes will burst open during transit and who knows if they would be able to find everything after it all goes flying. I swear if you cut the tape it would act like a jack-in-the-box.

I want to thank everyone who responded to my letter. I feel very blessed to have such supportive people in my life. I appreciate all the prayers and notes. This next year is going to be very different but I have always looked forward to changes as exciting and new. As my uncle Merle pointed out tonight he is "happy to see me go because it is going to be a new adventure." It will be a lot of fun being in a city and especially exciting since I am going to be in DC during the election process. So many changes are waiting just around the corner and I don't know if I should just try to slow down and enjoy my last day here or bite my nails waiting in anticipation for what will come. One thing I am certain of is I am not scared. I don't really know how to describe it other than just a feeling of peace. It is like I know I am doing the right thing and God has removed all doubt from my mind. Romans 8:28 just keeps running through my mind, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Perhaps there is a higher purpose to what I will be doing this next year, more than simply tutoring students. I truely and deeply hope that I am able to touch even one student's life in a positive way.