Leaving Home

Hi everyone!Thank you for following my summer journey to Kenya and my life!I am sitting at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL, United States waiting for my flight to London, England on British Airways. It's crazy to think that just yesterday I was home in little Eldon, MO with my cats, brothers, boyfriend, family, and friends...all of which I won't see for at least two months. For those who know me, I don't like tears or sad situations. I'm not good at handling them! Getting ready to leave was emotional, but it made me that much more appreciative for the loving and kind family I have been given. They may act like they don't like me 200% of the time, but when it comes down to it, I love them and they love me :)  Shoutout to my brothers who let me take the spotlight most of the time and don't complain about it. Hunter is super cool and recently started school at the Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada. It was sad to "lose" my big brother at the start of the summer, but I know he's doing great things. We all wish he would come home more often! Harley, my "other big brother" has stepped up and helps my dad on the farm. (We all know I don't do that many chores) Even though he complains about his farmer's tan and having to do work, I'm glad he found something he enjoys and has the whole summer to experience life as an "only child." We don't like pictures, but I'm glad I have something to show my friends in Kenya!Anyone who knows me likely knows or has heard of Joey. Joey is my best friend and not in super clíche "we're dating so we're best friends" way. The fact that Joey is letting me spend one of our last "free" summers together miles away in a different time zone without him with little to no complaining and nothing but support shows you just how lucky I am to have a man of such good character in my life. Thanks for staying strong and being the best person for me, Joey. He's made my month of summer in Missouri one to remember and I'm glad I got to spend it with him kayaking, riding bikes, "working out", talking about college, exploring the lake, or just spending time together (and getting a kitty!!). It's sad that we're not going to be able to take our traditional 400 summer pictures together, but I'm anxiously waiting for the Skype dates, letters, and the hug I'll get when I'm back home. I love you, Joey. :)When my dad cried, he made everyone else cry! Thanks Dad!! My dad and I will always have our arguments, but I truly believe I have the hardest working, kindest, and most supportive dad around. Even if he doesn't really know what I'm doing or what awards I've won, what contests I do, etc., he pretends to and his support is always appreciated. Being daddy's little girl is a title I will always gladly take and forever claim. He doesn't know how to text, what Facebook is, and has to have one of the boys or mom get on the computer for him when he wants something, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll close with a picture of Joey and I from our very last date before my departure. I couldn't be doing this without his support, plus we're too cute not to post it. ;) My mom dropped me off at the St. Louis airport this morning and we didn't get a picture together. But thanks to my mom for forever being my biggest supporter and letting me chase my dreams, no matter how big. I want to be just as pretty, friendly, and generous as my mommy is when I'm older. My family and Joey have always been there, through the school drama, organizational achievements, and starting this next portion of my life. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without them and their encouragement..and I for sure would not have the courage to go to KENYA! Thank you also to the many friends, family members, Mizzou professors, and community supporters who have texted, called, messaged, or share their support and love for me, my recent graduation, and this journey to Africa. It's really humbling for people to tell me what an impact I'm making on their children, the younger generations, and on our community...really, it's the community that's changed me for the better. I know there are so many negative influences in society and I've really enjoyed the opportunity God has given me to help develop the youth of our world. All the glory is to God, folks, none of this would've been possible or happened without his push. Sometimes I get so worked up in the motions of things and being busy that I forget to recognize the people that got me to this point in life and prepared to go on a trip of this caliber, so hopefully this post does them some justice. Special shoutout to Anna, Rachel, and Bri..you girls are my favorites and you're going to do so great at the pageant. Miss Miller County has no clue what's coming for them, but if I only had your dancing skills when I competed, maybe I would've done a little better ;)I'm really hungry so I'm going to go and try to find some American food here at the airport before departure to London! I will post in London about the work I am doing in Kenya and how that came to be. With love,Holly Jean