To all my friends:

So here I am, less than 24 hours away from leaving. I'm not nervous, I'm not sad, actually I'm not sure what it is exactly that I am feeling. I know i'm excited, hopeful, focused, and mentally prepared (emotionally prepared... we'll find out).

I will miss you all. I have packed some reminders to show the people I meet in Panama just how cool my friends here in "LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS" are. I have notes and pictures that will accompany me on nights that are lonelier than expected. I have paper to write to you about my adventures and discoveries. I have memories that will provide hours and hours of storytelling.

I propose that in the next two years you TOO try to do something you never thought you would do. Pick up a new hobby, take a trip, do something spontaneous, or COME VISIT ME!!!!
A friend sent me a quote today that is so true: "You will always have time for things you put FIRST". Too often we are tempted to fall into a routine or live vicariously through others (T.v. Shows, movie characters, books, friends). Remember--YOU ARE THE MAIN CHARACTER in the story of your LIFE!!

The other day Peter told me that the best complement i've recieved was that I was crazy for going to the Peace Corps. I hope that when we are all old and tailgating at some Gator game, we can talk about how CRAZY all our lives were =).

I love you all & am really going to miss you!