So Long, Farewell, Auf Weidersehen, Goodbye

Friday was my goodbye party. And I leave in five days. So goodbyes are on the brain. Me leaving hasn't really hit me yet. There have been many mini realization moments the last couple days though. It won't hit me until I get on the plane and find myself all alone embarking on the biggest adventure of my life. Only then I will proceed to ball my eyes out, all while sitting next to two complete strangers who are looking at me like I am crazy/they kind of want to give me a hug (Yes. This has happened before...).

So. The party. The lovely John and Rebecca Douglas (people I babysit for) were super gracious and let me use their home as the location of my party. They even provided utensils and plates and super cute decorations. I was so blessed by their hospitality and love!

The plan was just to have people come over, hang out, and eat appetizers and desserts from about 7 to 10:30 pm. (It was a potluck). Also, you were to dress up as something European. I was Maria from The Sound of Music, which was very fitting I think. As usual, everyone was late (and I have no right to complain since I am late to everything). But once people got there it was a good time.

It was really nice hanging out with my friends. It's really hard to think that people so dear to me while soon be very far from me. I know that they won't drop off the face of the earth, but there is something about actually getting to hug and talk to a person face-to-face.

The whole evening was a lot of chaotic chattering (even some arm wrestling). I love parties, but I tend to get overwhelmed by them. Especially if I am the center of attention. Control freak me goes into hyperactive host mode and becomes deeply worried that no one is having fun (and the thoughts spiral from there). I dealt with this last night, but I think I did a pretty good job of brushing it off and enjoying myself.

My two favorite parts of the evening were pictures and passing around my address book and autograph book.

 Pictures of course are like my favorite thing to do ever. I just love them. There is something so magical about being able to capture a memory forever.

My Papa & Granny.

Some of the group hanging around the dining room table.

Jarae and I being ridiculously awkward and classy.

Megan and I.

Me and Mike.

Saying goodbye out in the front yard.

 The address book was my way of making sure I got people's addresses and E-mails. I want to be able to send letters and E-mails to all my friends! You know me, I love to communicate.

The autograph book was my grandma's idea. She thought it would be cute to have all my friends write me notes that I could read whenever I was feeling a little homesick. Genius! So during my last week of Disneyland (my pass expired Friday) I went and got an autograph book (the ones you use for Disney characters to sign) and a really cute Minnie Mouse pen. At the party everyone passed it around and left me notes. Everyone seemed to have fun doing so.

This is the autograph book I got!

I plan on carrying my address book and the autograph book around the next four days to make sure that my friends who couldn't come to the party are able to participate.

The party just really reminded me how much God has blessed me the past couple of years (and my whole life). I may wish for things to be different, but at the same time I wouldn't change anything. The community I have found myself surrounded by has been so important in shaping who I am. I love my life even though it has it's faults. As I step forward to a new adventure, I know I have the backing of all the people that helped me get where I am today. And even if they are going to be more than 5,000 miles away, I find that thought really comforting.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who came to my party! I love you all so much!