I've never been that Good at Goodbyes...

I've never really been one for emotional conversations, and I'm absolutely horrid at goodbyes.
So at the risk of being a coward, I decided to tell the people who mean the most to me how I feel in the most impersonal way...via blog. To those I have listed, please forgive me. To those I forgot, please forgive me twice.

Lisa and the Zamzows: Thank you for loving Danika so much. You are truly irreplaceable.

Ben: I hope that you find whatever it is that will make your heart content. You will always be my "best friend". Miles cannot compete with the love I have for you. We have been through it all it seems, and still keep going strong. Never lose your swagger. :)

Deanna: Please take care of yourself, you are worth so much more than you know. I hope that the rest of the world can see what I have seen. You are a beautiful, talented, wonderful young woman. Don't let anyone take that away from you.

Jen: I don't even know where to start. You are my rock, sister. I am so proud of you and your journey, the United States just isn't big enough for people like you. Africa will never be the same once you're done with them.

Sarah: You are my inspiration, my shoulder, and my companion. Your family will always have a home with me, as you have shown me that there is no country where your love doesn't reach. I love you so much, and cherish all the chapters we have already written together.

Paul: I heard every word you said, and more importantly, every word you didn't say. I hope that you receive all that you deserve, and most of all, I hope for one more try. You have no idea all that you have taught me. I have never for a day not felt like a queen with you. Don't lose yourself in the quest to find what you are looking for.

Heather: You have known every single person that I have ever been, and still love me. Your loyalty to me and our friendship as been astounding. You never fail to amaze me with your unwaivering faith in the person that you are, and are meant to be. I hope with all my heart that our paths will cross in the near future.

Quinisha, Heather, and Sonia: You ladies have been my main girls for the past year. You were all there for a very vulnerable part of my life, and there as I grew back into the person that I was meant to be. You all have a home with me whenever you want to cash in the offer. It has been an honor to be in the presence of three of the strongest females that I have known. You came into my life at exactly the right moment, and each taught me exactly the right lesson that I needed to learn. I am in your corner always.

Tonya: My baby sister...where to start. I would like to say that you are more of a friend than a sister, but I think that would take away from the depth of us. We are sisters, and no one can ever touch that. I love you so much and wish that I could take on all that you are, but I have faith in you and can't wait for the day when you see the person that I see. You are in control of your own destiny Ton, so take the wheel.

Mom and Dad: You will never know how hard it was to walk away from you in the airport. You have supported every decision that I have made, and even the decisions that made me. Most importantly, you have ALWAYS allowed me to be me, you have never tried to change the person that I am. You have loved me through all of my stages, and phases. You accepted the people that I have brought into my life, and let me learn my own lessons, all while standing in my corner. The past year and some months have been amazing, I don't regret or feel ashamed for a single day. You have taken on the role of Grandma and Grandpa, and made it into something even more special than the name itself. You have meant everything to Danika and I, and the fact that I have the strength and courage to take on the world and go on a journey such as this shows you what great parents you are. To have a child who is not afraid to experience life is the highest compliment you can receive as a parent because that child knows no matter what they can always come back. Thank you for always letting me come back...
I love you both a hundred thousand times more than I tell you.

To the rest of my family: I love you all and thank you for supporting my journey. The Lord's Kingdom is vast and wide, I have seen such an amazing corner of it, and now I can't wait to see the rest. I will be back, but until then, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as you will be in mine.

All of you have contributed in your own way to my journey thus far. I can only hope that I have meant a fraction to you as what you have meant to me.

Life is good.