The Beginning of the End

I hate goodbyes. I know, a lot of people say that they do, and maybe they do and maybe they don't. I however, hate goodbyes. It's not quite as bad when you know you'll see the person again, whether it be days, weeks or months. Those goodbyes are hard, but you know that it's only for a short time. When you know you'll most likely never see someone again, well than I turn into a blubbering fool. 

It starts with that feeling of impending doom. Butterflies in the stomach, a great feeling of sadness- you know, those things that let you know something really bad is about the happen. Memories start to dart in and our of your consciousness. You can't help but smile at some of them. Normally that smile causes the one you're saying goodbye to to hug you.Which is probably the worst thing that could possibly happen.  It is at this point when the realization that you most likely will never see this person again hits. This is where the tears refuse to be held back anymore. 

Today I said my first goodbye to a friend who was heading off to China for an internship. He's a wonderful person, I feel like I was just getting to know him...and now he's somewhere over the Pacific ocean and won't be back until well after I've gone home. I sincerely hope we will meet again one day. 

Tomorrow my Arcadia group is having their farewell dinner(after surfing whoo!). While we will still see each other around campus,and on the plane flight home, this is our last official activity together. I can't believe it, I remember looking at the calender of events when I got here and thinking how far away it was-and now it's here. 

I have 4 1/2 weeks left. That seems like a lot on paper. But the reality is that every time I blink it feels like another week has gone past. The growling-doom feeling is approaching at an alarming rate, and I feel like I'm scrambling to cling to what time I have left here. 

On the happy side: 

4 am chocolate chip pancakes with some of my favorite people in New Zealand!

It was a complete group effort; I made the batter, Brittany cooked them, Ruth washed the dishes and Michael fixed Appendix for hopefully the last time. 

Sorry for the sappy post. I truly am loving every moment I have left- with the exception of all of the assignments due next week. I'm just feeling the tug that says time is running up, and I strongly dislike it!