My See You Later Party!

Although I am still in unbelief, the truth is is that my departure date is quickly approaching. I don't think I've quite yet grasped the reality of it all. I know when reality hits, it's going to hit hard, very hard. Fortunately I was able to have a "practice" good-bye last night at my going away party. I'm honestly blessed with the greatest friends anyone could ask for and I will be lucky to find friends in Wales half as great as the ones I am leaving.
The party last night was everything I could have hoped for. With only a few exceptions, I had my closest friends together in one place where I could simply spend time with all of them one last time before I leave. There were tons of delicious things to eat, a slide show of pictures starring yours truly, and a screening of the videos Christie, Jen May and I made in Copperopolis.
At one point in the evening a few people got up to say nice things about me, but really I feel like I should have been the one thanking people for their friendship, encouragement and support. I'm really going to miss each and every one of my friends.
I know I am headed for a great new experience but as I have been preparing to leave, I have been reflecting on what the last four years have meant to me. Each year has been different, challenging, and better than the year before. I feel like I have grown and changed so much as a person and have just began to walk towards the destiny that lies ahead. And I know I wouldn't have accomplished any of it without the friends I have made.
I could go on and on about the wonderful people I know, but I will just leave you with a few pictures from the evening, just a few because it's not working for some reason. (Please try not to be distracted by my terrible haircut. That is a whole other blog in itself, but it's too tramatic to relive, so I am going to skip writing that one.)

(Rosie, Carolyn, Me, and Catherine)

(Front to Back: Carolyn, Tasha, Me, Faviola, Mina, Rafeek, and Christie)