endings and beginnings

this week has been and continues to be one full of endings.

we had our last church meeting in china on sunday.

we packed on monday.

we had our performance on wednesday.

we finished teaching yesterday.

we are completing any unfinished business today.

we have said our goodbyes.

we are leaving tomorrow.

our china experience has come to an end…it is officially over.

i knew this day would come eventually and it is finally here.

it's crazy that only five short months ago, i was just starting my adventure.

time has gone by way too fast.

i am so thankful for the time that i have had in china.

i have learned so much.

i have grown so much.

i have developed such a strong testimony of the gospel.

i have learned many life lessons.

i will always remember my china experience.

it has been more than i could have ever imagined.

yes, a chapter in my book has come to an end.

there is no going back, the time has come and gone.

but up ahead there are only open doors.

i am beginning to realize that every time you say goodbye to something, you have the opportunity to say hello to something else.

with every ending comes a new beginning.

so as i say goodbye to china, my students, my chinese friends, all the teachers, and to this experience, i am also saying hello to my future. i do not know what the future will hold, but i am excited to the many surprises that are going to be thrown my way.

bring it on!

-k