This next week

Wow.  I'm leaving Malaysia one week from today.  It's surreal!  As the count down has dwindled, I'm starting to be hit by strains of homesickness, even though I haven't even left yet.  It's odd, because I'm supposed to have already said goodbye to this place and to my home...and now here I go again.  Such is life.  Even as I will regret leaving here again, I am excited about this next chapter of life!  The very day I get back to Texas, I get to spend the afternoon with my boyfriend, whom I haven't seen in almost four months.  I'll get to see other friends in the area, be with family, and soon school will be starting.  A whole new semester will roll around then, a whole new chapter bringing around unexpected challenges and blessings!  It's exciting when you think about it--even though there is grief at what will be left behind.  I cannot wait to see what God holds for me during the next year of my life, for I believe He has much good in store, as well as much growth. 
 
This last week I am squeezing in everything I need to before leaving: shopping, time with friends, time with family, and gift-buying for people in the States.  Plus, we're trying to get a family picture made, considering our last one was five years ago!  I believe it will be a good week, and I want to enjoy every minute of it, even as I prepare for the next chapter I will step into.  Blessings and love to all of you!