Be Back Later, America.

This is long, so I apologize in advance if I bore you. I cannot believe that it’s already time for me to leave-- TOMORROW is the big day! I remember first making the decision to go abroad this spring semester and thinking it was so far away! The last few days have been pretty low key. On Friday, I woke up very early to go to a doctor appointment for my sister’s ultrasound on her baby. We found out that she is having a BOY! I cannot believe that when I arrive home from Australia, a sweet baby boy will already have arrived, and I will be an aunt! He is due June 18th, and I will be heading home June 26th, so unless he holds out, I won’t be home for the birth. The ultrasound was incredible, and both Alecia and Justin are all smiles after finding out the sex of the baby. After her appointment, she came home and helped me pack. My sister spent a year in Germany and traveled through Europe, so she has become an expert packer, and really helped me out.

I worked all day Saturday, and Katie (my roommate) came to Stillwater that night so we could say our final goodbye. Sunday was all about packing and spending time with my family. My uncle came over and my dad picked up Famous Dave's for dinner. Shortly after, Carey and Steve stopped by to drop off a book for me to read on the plane, and to say goodbye! After they left, I spent the remainder of the evening watching the Grammys with my mom. Today was the final packing day. I spent all morning running final errands and finishing up my packing. One suitcase ended up being 52 pounds, too heavy ! I had to toss a few things out, but my two suitcases are officially set!

Tomorrow my flight departs at 2:10pm. My sister is stopping over before class to say her final goodbye. My mom, dad and Will are taking me to the airport. I fly from MSP to Dallas, have an hour layover, fly to LAX, have a five hour layover, and then depart from LA at 11pm to Brisbane, where I will be living for five months. I believe my flight to Australia is near 16 hours long.. ugh, and I don’t arrive until the morning of the 4th. I then hop on yet another flight up to Cairns, which is where I will be spending my first week.
I want to say a little something to a few people, as I leave in the morning and may not get the chance to do so.

Chrissy and Kate: You both rock my life. How can I possibly spend 5 months away from the two of you? Can’t wait to have Skype dates and learn about the latest madness going on in the lives of you both. There’s not a chance anything will ever change, even with me 6,000 miles from you. Thank you for constantly listening to me whine and complain about life. You both are irreplaceable.

Katie: How would I have survived this semester without you? I am so incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to live with you, and to get to know you so much better. You are more special to me than you could possibly know! The hardest thing about leaving Minneapolis was giving up another 6+ months of being your roommate! You were there for me all semester, and really listened to every single word I had to say. I cannot wait to hear about all of the grad schools you are accepted into (because you WILL be).

Carey: My favorite wingman. There’s no one I’d rather have come on this trip with me than YOU. I wish you were tagging along and taking over the city with me. I can only imagine the adventures we would get in, and I can’t wait to keep you constantly updated on my life. Thanks for keeping me sane, and having my back more than anyone ever has. I can’t wait for you get into law school and stay in Minneapolis to be my homegirl for a few more years :-]

Alecia: I cannot wait to Skype with you and hear all the latest about my sweet baby nephew. I am so excited for you and Justin, and I am sorry that I may not be home for the birth of your baby. Thank you so so much for all of your help through getting ready for this trip. You are such a blessing in my life, and I am going to miss you so much.

Mom and Dad: Thank you Thank you Thank you for making this possible for me. You have been so incredibly supportive, and have always been there for me. I know that money isn’t easy to come up with, and the fact that you are willing to sacrifice for me is so incredible. I love you both so very much!

Next update will be from Australia!