"T-shirt idea: goodbyes stink."

Today, I looked at my countdown clock and almost vomited - 24 days! I have been talking and thinking about my departure for so long that seeing "days" instead of "months" was a huge reality check.

Since I will be living in Ecuador for a full year, things like holidays, family dinners, and time spent with friends have become bittersweet. Having a strong and encouraging support system has been a major inconvenience – saying goodbye would be a whole lot easier if you were all a bunch of jerks.

I’m trying not to think too hard about the things I will miss (weddings, holidays, birthdays, The Bachelor) because I know there will be plenty of new people and places to love in Ecuador! Until next time.