It’s beginning to dawn on me. This will be the last time I will see California for over a year. This will be the last time I will get a chance to spend a significant amount of time with my brothers, friends, and parents for a long time. This will be the last time for many different things. Soon I’ll be in China. Soon my whole world will change…
And I’m really excited. Acknowledging every little thing (eg, last sight of CA’s mountains for at least a year) is allowing me to feel more like I’m saying my goodbyes. The relationship I have with “goodbye” is really bitter sweet. I don’t like the idea that I won’t return for a long time, but saying goodbye makes it easier. Also, I’m looking forward to the new experiences while abroad. I’m looking forward to building a new familiarity with a culture that I’ve read about and experienced only tidbits.
But at the same time, I have Skype, this journal, Central college, and other threads through which I can keep touch with my friends in the West and use English..
