It's the parting of the ways for my family. There's been many smaller crossroads over the years, but now the real changes are beginning. Three of us are leaving for a year, only to return for the wedding of another sister, which will permanently change our lives forever as we've ever known it.

We've all weathered a lot together. Us siblings, despite the 24 year age difference between all of us, have all been best friends. We've laughed and cried. We've teased, but then protected. There's been jokes, there's been fights...but there's always been love.

We've been a team. Over the years, we've all grown together. Some reaching adulthood, some still living in the innocent years of childhood. Our lifestyles may change, our proximity will change...but we will always be close in our hearts.

"Team!!!"

Note to self:

"When attempting to dive in the fashion of one's brother-in-law-to-be, which is to gather great momentum on the diving board, launching oneself high into the air, and while still being several feet above the water in a vertical position, to flip over and dive straight down into the water, (or so this is how I am informed that he does it), make sure that your remember to straighten out once you've entered the water...or you might slam into the bottom of the pool, or at least skid along the rough floor for several feet." 

Last night, me and my two younger brothers (ages 14 and 11) were driving down one of the long stretches of country road out to our house. We were tired and it was late....and as we followed our headlights home, we decided to favour ourselves with a rousing round of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot." Now, if you've never jammed acapella to that ditty, then you've missed out on a real treat.

With the combined vocal arrangements provided by the imaginations and ingenuity of the three of us singers, we compiled quite a unique version of that good old song. And so, we drove happily on down the road, lending our voices in perfect song, completely enjoying ourselves and our moment of frivoloty.

2 hour drive to the airport (Point A) + 4 hour plane trip to Point B + 4 hour bus ride to final destination = stress and a not pleasant travelling day.

BUT...

2 hour drive to Point A + 4 hour plane trip to Point B + a wonderful brother who is coming to pick you up so you don't have to take the ridiculously long bus trip, which would get you to your final destination much earlier in the day = perfection!

The last few days...the final stretch...am I ready? Well...ready or not, I must go! But... not until Sunday.

I am thoroughly enjoying being home, but I am gaining a heaven-sent excitement about what's ahead, which is good since it's been the battle of the emotions the past week or so! A year is a long time at this point, and the "unknown" can be pretty scary sometimes, but I'm learning to rest in the God who knows no "unknown!" 

Things I learned while camping:

1) If everyone starts laughing at you when you are all sitting around the table eating dinner, it might be because you have black soot smeared all over your face....

2) Swimming across deep, murky, shadow-filled creeks does not do much for the state of ones underwater-phobia (altho screaming hysterically while crossing does help to alleviate some of the strain).

3) NEVER sit in the back seat of a big van while driving on long, winding mountain roads.

4) While sleeping in one tent with 9 other people, do not expect much personal space and please remember to keep all arms and legs in at all times. Thank you.

5) While hiking, be ever on the alert lookout for banana slugs residing where you would like to place your foot or hand.

Just to name a few...

Off to go camping with my family.....yippee!!

Time goes by way too fast. I hate goodbyes, but the days are quickly running out and ushering me quickly to where I will be forced to make the sad farewells that I am dreading so very much.

When it comes to Katheryn slipping on a puddle of water while walking down the sidewalk...."funny" is most definitely in the eye of the beholder!

EDIT: My dear sister merely slipped and did not fall, and consequently we both enjoyed a good laugh over it. So, for all of those who are shocked at my scandalously calloused feelings in regards to her safety...

*Used with permission

Today I came to the rescue of my former students and their mother after they had locked themselves out of their house. Fortunately, they had a cell phone with them and as I happen to have a key to their house, I was called upon to come and save them. As I was leaving, the three year old, in gratitude of my saving services, said that I "looked like a superhero!" Now, I have been called many things in my life, but that certainly has never been one of them!

So, I look like a superhero, huh?