-^-for posterity-^-

i don't quite feel complete. i do feel ready.

this is my last possible entry from akron and tomorrow i leave for hanoi. i'm not really sure what to expect and i really don't know what i'm feeling. i'm awash with new sensations and responsibilities. it comes with growing up. at least that's what i've been told.

these two weeks have turned out to be very memorable weeks. i've met some incredible people and forged some friendships that will last for a very long time. at least i expect them to. i also spoke a lot of spanish here. translating for people and engaging the six or seven latin americans who didn't speak a work of english was difficult at times but it turned out to be a very rewarding experience. my language skills were reinforced and it didn't' take long for me to feel comfortable again. by the end, i felt like a very competent speaker.

i'm going home now. i don't really know how to feel about home, but i'm going anyway. i know that i love my family and that they love me no matter what i do. i also know that my home is very transient. living in southern vietnam for two years will be the longest that i will have been in one place for about five years. that will be an adjustment.

well, i'm sure this isn't my last entry before vietnam but the experience is truly coming to fruition. it feels much more real. i still remain free from any angst but i'm sure it will one day overwhelm me. i go abroad not knowing fully who i am or why i'm going. i know that this orientation process has given me more questions than answers. for that i'm grateful.