8 days

I am excited. For adventure. For experience. For everything the next 4 months holds in store.

(On my way to DC round 2)

I am nervous about meeting 82 new people. I've never been good in large groups, but I'm working on changing that. I figure I just need to be my happy, cheerful self and it will all be fine. Somehow I did just fine with 35 senate pages, 18 xela girls, and 29 officers. They all managed to become family and I know that will happen in Jeru too!

(Senate Pages Summer '10)

(Xela girls)

(officers)

I am grateful that this summer is coming to a close. It's been a long one and I've learned a lot about God's timing, the importance of families, parenting (that's right... I took nannying/chauffeuring/cooking/cleaning/etc to a whole new level), diy weddings, and service.

(spending time with my favorite little brother)

(one of the 9 kids I've spent my summer with)

As I prepare for all that's ahead, a verse of my favorite song from "Little Women" comes to mind.

"Here I go, and there's no turning back
My great adventure has begun
I may be small
But I've got giant plans
To shine as brightly as the sun."

Aside from packing, all I have left to do is get ready to embrace Jerusalem, its people, and its cultures because once I board that plane at 8:15 am next Tuesday there will be no turning back.