Packing has never been my strong suit

So, here we are, less than 48 hours before I leave for my trip. And my packing skills, well, they leave some to be desired. When I start packing, I know my trip is going to become that much more real. However, right now, I'm content at home.

It does feels odd to think that all my friends have already left to go back to Truman. It feels different to not be going back to Truman this semester. Though I know I'll have a great time, I'll miss Truman too (as detailed in my last post).

This past week has been full of goodbyes. I've been trying to see everyone and visit with them a little before I leave. Lucky for me, Joey was able to come back and visit again one more time before I leave. He came on Thursday night and stayed until this morning. I am so lucky to have someone so wonderful in my life. While he was here, we got to go out to dinner with his brother and sister in law who were also in town, visit with my family, and just spend some time together. This morning, saying goodbye to him was extremely hard. In the almost year and half we've been together, the longest we've gone without seeing each other is 3 weeks to a month. Now, it's going to be almost 7 months until I see him again. Needless to say, this morning was full of a lot of hugs, tears, and I'll miss you's. Lucky for me, I had my mom to turn to after he had gone. Having a mom you can talk to be about anything is really a blessing and I don't know where I'd be without her.

However, the day turned around quickly because my mom and I went shopping for my trip. Then, we got to go see Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Gina, and Uncle Jerry. Uncle Jerry made some delicious sangria (I was lucky enough to get a whole lunch the day before, which was wonderful). After a glass or two (or three or four....) it was time to say goodbye to everyone. This will be the longest I'll have been away from my family.

With the trip coming up so quickly, I've been a flood of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, worrying about homesickness.  Though I'm nervous, I'm excited to be out on my own, thrown into a new culture. It will be a very trying experience, and I know I'll gain a lot while there.

If anything, the one thing I learned over the past few months is how much of a help my parents are. I really don't know what I would do without them. I know this trip wouldn't be possible without them. They have always supported me and I don't know if I'll ever be able to find the words to express to them how thankful I am. I sure am thankful that both of them will be there to see my off when I go to the airport on Tuesday.

Well, my next post is probably going to be from Seville. Once you see that, you all will know I'm safe!

Hasta luego!!