So excited! But so sad :(

My pending departure is getting to me more than I expected. I'm not afraid of going to China, I'm afraid to leave Pella behind. It feels as if I will miss so much here. I know I will be having amazing experiences of my own, but the people and things I leave behind weigh heavy on my heart. I'm going to miss my family and friends so much. I don't want the distance to come between us. I'm trying to leave things in a good state here, and I'm not sure how they will fare without me there. Not that you guys cant function without me, I just like being a part of your lives and the things going on here. I don't want that to not be the case anymore. I hope that we will all be able to keep in touch and that the distance wont seem so far. I guess its good that I'm so happy that I don't want to leave, but I know this trip will be a very important chapter in my life. I just wish I could take you all with me! I don't have to travel far to find myself because everything I need has always been right here. That sounds like a cheesy line from the Wizard of Oz, but oh well. It's true. I will certainly grow as a person, but I like growing with you. I hope you all know how much I care and that doesn't change just because I'm not there.