Today was the last day with my parents in China. We are getting up early in the morning and heading straight to the airport where I’ll say goodbye. I’m not sure when I’ll see them again; I’m tentatively thinking I’ll be back in the United States for Christmas next year, but everything is up in the air as far as future plans go. It’s tough to say goodbye especially knowing that it’s going to be another 8 months or so (at the earliest) before I see them again.

I’ve greatly enjoyed my time with them in China. It’s going to be so strange (and hard) to say goodbye to them tomorrow. I’m really enjoying living abroad right now and getting these varied experiences. I think I’ll land back in the US within the next couple of years, perhaps sooner, but right now traveling and living abroad is the right thing for me. I’m so excited about my next step and seeing where the world takes me.

I’m starting to think I’ll maybe go straight to Istanbul and skip the Philippines. I’d love to see Brian and get some advice on how to do this online stuff, but I’m feeling pulled to Istanbul as soon as possible. A layover in the Philippines would be fun, I’m sure, but I’ve really got to meditate on it and see if that’s the right thing for me right now. At this point my gut is saying just get to Istanbul and see how everything else settles. I’ve got some time to mull it over and get some more information on how it all is going to shake out. I’m feeling antsy about getting some firmer plans down, though. Like nailing down a place to stay for a few months and getting flights booked. I’m still in no hurry, but this week I’ve got to start looking at my time frame and coming up with a realistic plan of action.

A part of me is sad about leaving China and the friends I’ve made here. Another part of me is really excited for the future adventures I’ve got in store. I’m hoping to find joy soon. After that everything else should fall easily into place.