Entries about good-byes

I once heard a quote about having to say good-bye to one thing in order to say hello to everything else. I guess that's definitely where I'm finding myself now. The good-byes have begun, although the most difficult ones are still a few months away. On Friday I said good-bye to the wonderful people at Lanier Elementary whom I've grown close to over the past year. I was very blessed to spend a year teaching alongside women who truly love their students and the work that they do. One thing that a fellow teacher said to me will stick with me as I move into my biggest adventure yet. She said that an experience like the one I'm planning will change me and change how I view the world. I've been told by many people that they wish they would have done something similar to what I'm doing--that they always wanted to spend time living in another country volunteering, etc. BUT.... I hope one change that takes place in me is to get rid of the BUT.... I hope when I return I am more willing to take a chance on something that seems scary yet has the potential to be something great and life changing! So, Ms. Simon, it is my goal for your words to become a challenge that I will strive towards meeting over the next year of new beginnings.