It is still really hard for me to think about leaving for an entire year. I have had so many things happen in my life in the past year. I have also been able to see how much I have grown in the past year, so that's kind of exciting to see how the Lord can take one year and change your life. I can't even begin to imagine what 2012-2013 is going to be like. September 1st is a date that has been marked on my calendar since before Christmas, and it still feels so unreal. I have started looking at tents, sleeping bags, and other gear that I know I will need. As I have mentioned before, I have a degree in English from A&M, and as I think about the things that will go in my pack come September, I think one of things that I'm still trying to figure out is how to get my books in there…for some reason I'm thinking it's just not going to happen. Some people have told me I should just brng my IPad, but honestly I don't want anything to happen to it. I'd like to still have it in good working condition when I get back. It has always been a dream of mine to have a library full of antique books. Little known fact about me, I collect books. I know it may sound like something weird to collect, but I do.
When I was little my parents would read to me every night. Me and my dad would have special time togehter. He would read from my Grimm's Fairy Tales book. I would get a different story everynight. I would go to bed dreaming of Snow White and Rose Red or Cinderella and her prince charming. Those were such precious moments to me, and I hope and pray one day I will be able to have those moments with children on my own. I have always been very close to my parents. From reading with my dad or just sitting and talking with my mom, I have grown into a woman that loves her family very much. My parents have always been there for me, and I know they will always be there for me. They support me even when they are terrified of what I'm doing, like going off to college, moving to work at a summer cmap full time, and now going on the world race. It has been awesome to see their support even though I know that they are afraid of the risks and, being the baby, I do understand to some degree. I feel very loved by them and I am enjoying spending those precious moments with my parenst having so much time still before I leave. Me and my mom just recently hung out, just the two of us and I am going to take her to see "Billy Elliot" (a Tony Award winning musical) in April. It is those precious moments that I will truly miss, but for now I will enjoy each one and take a visual photograph that I will pin on my heart and carry with me wherever I go.
