Wowza!

Wow. I leave in just 2 days. Where did this year go?! I remember getting on the plane in August and being so excited and so nervous. I was excited because I knew that this year was going to be amazing, but I was scared because it was a new place, new people, new experiences. But here I am, just two days before i leave with my bags packed and I'm wondering where in the world the time went? It really feels like I just got here a few weeks ago.

For this blog I decided to make a list of things I'll miss, won't miss and things I've learned...

Things I'll miss:
1) The awesome sweets! Cookies, cakes etc..

2) Riding my bike

3) My friends that I've made here

4) The open markets

5) Seeing all the families doing things together. Family is so important here and I love it

Things I won't miss:

1) The bluntness of the Dutch

2) The rainy, yucky, dark days

3) Riding my bike in the rain

4) The smell of Pot. Yuck. I still haven't gotten use to that gross smell

5) The not understanding what people are saying all the time ( Dutch is a tricky language to learn!)

Things I've learned:

1) That I can capable of going far away and surviving

2) Not to ever doubt God's goodness and his faithfulness, it's been proven to me over and over and over again this year. Why do I doubt?

3) That the world is a LOT bigger than I thought it was when I left the States. There are more things, important things, than what is covered in the U.S. news.

4) It's ok to stand up for yourself. And there is a difference between being rude and standing up for yourself.

5) It is possible to see a lot on a dime. You can travel for cheap if you really set your mind to it

I have so many memories from this year. It really has been incredible. I was reading my journal entry from the night before I left for this great adventure and I was so nervous and excited. It's like I"m reading from another lifetime. I think I've grown so much this year. This experience has changed me for the better I think. I'm so excited to see what's in store for me in VA next year. I have no idea why I'm being led to this family in VA, but I'm excited to see what's next!!!

Well guys. I better keep packing those last minute things. I also need to look for a few hostels for while I'm traveling with Josh these next few weeks. Whoo-hoo! Take care and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!