The Goodbye Tour

I apologize for no new updates recently. We've been busy with preparations for leaving, and every time I sit down to write, something comes up for me to do, or I remember something that needs doing right that moment. So FINALLY I'm updating.

The past couple of weeks have been filled with what I call our "Goodbye Tour." Probably the most difficult part of our leaving. Every person we say goodbye to seems to be more difficult than the last. Goodbyes have always been especially difficult for me, but I've never been away from everyone for more than a month, so a year seems especially daunting. Everyone tells me, "A year is so short." And, "It'll go by so fast." Which I know is party true. But a year is a year. And that is a significant part of my life. Thinking of a year without seeing my family and friends brings tears and fear.

On the other hand, I'm incredibly excited for the adventure on which we're about to embark. This will for sure be our biggest married adventure yet. But back to the goodbyes.

Our Goodbye Tour has taken us from Ames to Minneapolis to La Porte City to Ottawa to Delmar. Goodbyes have been said to friends and grandmas, aunts and uncles, siblings and nieces with many tears and much bawling (on my part). Saying goodbye to the nieces, my bros, and the grandmas has been especially difficult. So much happens in a year, and I know I'm going to miss a lot of important events back home. Right now, as we're preparing to leave, my focus has been on what I will miss. Once I get to Korea, I know I'll switch my focus to what we'll experience and the many adventures we have at hand (so don't worry...I'll be okay).

But for right now, I'll say my goodbyes and cry my tears. And next? We fly out of Cedar Rapids tomorrow to begin our adventures.