Last night in the valley

I'm taking a break from packing. I made the mistake of not starting until today, so hopefully everything fits. I've suddenly become paranoid about my luggage. Too many people looking through my belongings.

Speaking of which, I think I have too many belongings. I don't really intend to bring much money, so having all the necessities is important. Still feels like there's too much stuff.

I've been spending a lot of time with my niece and nephew while I've been around my parents' house (my sister and brother-in-law and the kids live across the street). That's pretty commonplace when I'm in Kaukauna. I think a lot about the process of growing up and get way ahead of myself thinking about my own kids and how hard it will be to see them leave the house. Yeah, I know, REALLY ahead of myself on that one.

My parents say it's helpful for them to have someone to entertain the kids when my sister and bro-in-law have other things to do. I wish I could pretend to be so generous, but I have too much fun for it to be altruistic. That's not what I'm trying to get at though. Point is, they're the ones that will probably go through the most dramatic changes while I'm gone. Nick's heading to middle school for 5th grade and Makayla's getting into 1st grade. They'll each by half-way through the next grade level by the time I come back. They're such good kids. I hope they know they're good and try to stay that way. Their parents are certainly doing everything they can to raise them the right way.

But that's just two of the people it will be difficult for me to leave. I think family in general is the most challenging to say goodbye to. My other sister is probably the most excited for me, since she has volunteered abroad and knows what kind of impact it can have. Thankfully I have the support (however hesitant) of my parents, who probably didn't anticipate that two of their children would leave them for another country. No worries, mom and dad - I've made it this far, right?

My friends...I'm not even sure how many of you all know I'm leaving. Some of you might be reading this post a few months into my time in Nicaragua. Doesn't mean I don't like you. Just means I'm kind of a slacker and don't do well with goodbyes and the like. The people who've seen me, I keep telling them I'll see them again before I leave, but I have no idea if that'll actually happen. Hopefully it does, but who knows...

It's probably a good idea to return to packing. We start our Cap Corps orientation tomorrow in Milwaukee. Nine jam-packed days of learning fun! Yeah!