I'm sitting on my bed, surrounded by empty walls.  I've filled around six boxes, two suitcases, two garbage bags, and one large backpack, all of which are cluttering my floor.  I've said several see you later's, and have postponed the goodbye's till absolutely necessary.

I'm heading home!  And... I'm coming back.  :D  I am absolutely thrilled that I'm only saying "see you later" to the city, many friends, and the work here.  It's been an amazing year, and one I'm so very thankful for.  I'd love to share more about the process of deciding that my time here would continue... Send me an e-mail, or, if you're in the US, you can call me in a week or so!

Everyone keeps asking me how I feel about the fact that I have only x number of days here in Berlin.... and it's sort of a long answer.

I'm sooo not ready to say goodbye to those who won't be here next fall... even as I write this, I'm getting a little teary.  I love that the world is big, but it makes goodbyes so darn hard!  What great friendships I've been blessed with this year.

And, I'm sooo excited to see the people I love at home!  Skype is awesome, but I can't wait for face-to-face talks with my parents, hugs from my sister, fun with my friends, and worship in my church.

I'm looking forward to the work I'll get be part of at home this summer-- I've got a lot going on, but I think it's going to be great.

 And, I'm already really excited to start work here again in the fall.  I've been talking with others about ideas, plans, and hopes, and I can't wait for another year!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...On another note, I'm also worried that I'll never be fully packed... :0)  And, I'm looking for something to read on the plane ride home... Let me know if you have any suggestions!