Less than one week!

Since last blog, much excitement has happened! After I turned in the last academic assignment of my Davidson career, I left the country for the first time in my life (besides a trip to the McDonalds on the Canada side of Niagra Falls during an AAU basketball tournament), and the trip was wonderful. It was so fun to make a trip with Ashley and Phil, and it was wonderful to visit with Ryan. We saw so many sights, and it was so much to take in, but I tried to soak it in like a sponge. Among other things, one thing I took from the trip was a comfort in being abroad. Initially, I didn't want to be abroad. I'm so addicted to comfort, and the US is what I know, what I'm familiar with, what I'm comfortable with. But navigating the cities and streets weren't bad, and smiles speak a worldwide message (and thankfully, Germans spoke English pretty well). So the trip got me excited to head out of the country again, although I know my experience in a European country vs. a South American country is going to be pretty much night and day.

After we came home began the graduation festivities. It was so heartwarming to share the weekend with my family, who came into town to support me. It was the first Halbersleben family reunion for us since my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary my freshman year! And there are only 9 of us! It was such a blessing to be together though, and hopefully the next Halbersleben reunion is in the near future! Graduation was good-- the significance of that walk across the stage did not hit me until my name was about to be called. It feels good to have made it though. I love Davidson, but I felt ready to go. I believe it has equipped me well for my future. I'm definitely going to miss the sense of community that I have established there in the past 4 years. Not living within a half mile of all my best friends is going to be an adjustment to get used to. But all in all, what a journey!

The next step in my journey was a week at home, filled with family dinners, Reds games, and a family High School Musical 3 viewing. This was followed by heading back to my home on Watson to join Kim in her wedding weekend! It was so fun to be a part of her weekend, and a part of her special day. The ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was top notch. I loved it, and didn't want to leave! It was a weekend that got me excited for Bolivia as well, because I met the Hernandez family, who oversees the orphanage and the Children's International Network, as well as 3 of the other "hosts" (my official position this summer) that are heading down with me! From only minutes of conversation, I could feel the warmth of their hearts. I am excited to get to know everyone better, but most of all I am looking forward to the boys!

This week has been relatively calm. I just started packing tonight, which is actually pretty unusual for me. Usually by this time I'd be re-packing for the 2nd time. I'm getting really excited, a bit nervous, but I'm also growing in faith that this summer will be lifechanging, whether or not I know what to expect. This will be the last non-Bolivian blog I post... I keep wondering what I'll be doing at this time next week!! Whatever it may be, it'll be in Cochabamba, Bolivia, al Centro de vida bolivia! !Que loco!

Gracia y paz!