Ever since I got accepted into the World Race, I have adapted a new appreciation for my "home". I look around my room lit with fairy lights, and I feel just a little homesick, in my own bed. I won't miss most of my material items, aside from a few  sentimental things. I am going to miss laughing with my hometown friends. I am going to miss spontaneous hugs with my mom in the kitchen. I'll miss family dinners. I'll miss pestering my brother, and the presence of my sister as we do our homework together. I'm going to miss goodnight hugs from my dad. I'm going to miss spending time with my extended family. I'll miss the comfort of home. I'll miss my church and the people in it. I'll miss pretty fall drives. I could name many more. 

But...

I am growing up. Life is changing, the people around me are changing, and so am I. The decisions I make over the next few years will impact the rest of my life. I want those decisions to be guided by Jesus, because wherever He leads me, I find peace. He has lead me to the World Race. So, it is good. 

And...

I am excited to hold the hands of the orphaned children in Estwatini. I am excited to learn a new way of life. I am excited to wash my clothes by hand, and cook with the women of Cambodia. I am excited to share and show the love of Jesus. I am excited to see new nations and meet new people. I am excited to live in a community of people who want to grow just as much as I do. I am excited to figure out what the Lord has in store for my future. I am excited to learn more about myself. I am excited to experience Jesus in a new light. I am excited for change. 

I cannot wait to experience the things my Father will bring through this journey. I enjoy this new feeling of appreciation for the people and atmosphere around me. 

Leaving behind the people I have grown to know and love over the past 17 years will be hard. But I have always defined home as a place where love feels constant, and a place where I can find rest. Well, I have already come to know most of the people I will spend theses nine months with, and I am sure love will be constant and abundant in the presence of these gentle people. Home will always be with my people in Downingtown Pennsylvania, but I know I can also find it anywhere else my Father leads me.