I was able to spend the night with my Aunt and Uncle. We had dinner with my Grandparents and cousin; my Aunt made one of my favorite dishes and she'll never know just how much I appreciated it. It was so good to see family because I feel so disconnected from them while I am at school. Everyone is great though and it was a spectacular feeling to finally be back with them.
On Monday I was able to visit my sister at work, who is about 5 months pregnant! She looks fantastic and I am so excited for her and Barry to find out the gender (hopefully this weekend). She is such a joy to be around and I am so happy I was able to see her before I left. I also was able to visit my second family, The Chiesas! We went out to dinner at Mikes, which is my favorite restaurant, and finished off the night with Carl's ice cream and a movie (be jealous, it's only natural). I was so excited to see them because they are honestly some of the most important people in my life.
Today I went out to breakfast with my best friend, Madison! It doesn't seem to matter how long we have been apart because it feels like we never left one another. She is as beautiful as I left her last and it was such a good start to my morning by seeing her. I then went to Downtown Fredericksburg and walked around for a bit. I loved how peaceful it was in the morning and I loved going into all of my favorite shops. My first stop was Hyperion, where I enjoyed some coffee and a chapter of my book outside. I also have found a new love of mine: Used Bookstores. They are just phenomenal. The look, the smell, and just the memories that float around in there are just a few of the wonderful things about them. I was in love with the two I went in to and I cannot wait to go out on a hunt for more!
The next stop was very spontaneous. I found this awesome wall of Art and drove around for about 20 minutes just trying to find a place to park so I could go take pictures of it (because it was that inspiring). It was a line of chalkboards hung up that had, "Before I die" on it and there were little things of chalk on it where pedestrians could come up and write something. I was so excited to stumble across it and I was happy I got to enjoy it.
I then picked up my Mom from the airport and we headed over to my Aunt and Uncle's house who live near the airport for tomorrow! They made us a delicious dinner and we had a belated birthday celebration for my 21st. It was so thoughtful and I was so glad I got the chance to see them!
Now, TOMORROW is the day. I cannot believe from the moment I sat in Dr. Kelly's office with Liz on November 6th and was formally accepted into the Study Abroad program that it is finally here. I remember thinking that this trip would not come soon enough but now it is here! I truly feel so many emotions when thinking about getting to Malawi. I feel joy, excitement, sadness, fear, anxiousness, happiness, and so many others. I get so overwhelmed with excitement when I think about the kids I will be meeting. Honestly, whenever I think about them I just start tearing up because I cannot wait to hug them and tell them how excited I am to be with them. This is going to change my life forever and I couldn't be happier for it. When thinking about my life a year ago and where I am today, I couldn't be more sure that this is the trip for me. I feel so blessed and honored to be given an opportunity to make me a stronger provider of God's love for others. I cannot wait to write everything that is happening while I am there and share this beautiful journey with the ones that I love.
Much love
xoxo
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