The time has come to say so long to another summer at home in Nebraska. As I think over this time I am so grateful for this place and the people in it. This summer has been one of rest, of slowing down, and of simple fun. I love the Midwest for this reason. It is beautiful, friendly, and  home to some of the greatest people I know. To be able to have spent the time I did with friends and family is something I treasure.

Grey: 

"You can't define the world in black and white because there is so much hiding amongst the greys." -Unknown

So I’ve been home for about a month and a half now, and I can definitely say that I miss Amsterdam a whole lot. It honestly wasn’t as hard as everyone claimed to adjust back to being home, but it probably helped that as soon as I returned back, I immediately started work. I mean, don’t get me wrong, that was also kind of awful and exhausting, but it did mean that I jumped right back into having a schedule and a routine which is something that’s really helpful for me.

 [Verse 1]

I knew, I knew this day would be a-comin’

I knew, a new adventure for a young’n 

away for 3 months’n everything’s new

It seems only proper that I bid adieu.

[Hook] 

Goodbye, Adios

I’ll call you when I can

Goodbye, te amo

I’ll work on my Span'

Goodbye, Adios

I’ll write you when I can

Goodbye, te amo

I swear I’ll be a gentleman

[Verse 2]

**Someone was calling. “Nor-ry. Nor-ry Ry-an.”**

       Driving through the Adirondacks, we pass a big banner stretched across a storefront that reads, in red, white, and blue, “God Bless America.”

Today's the day. As I lay here in my bed at home in the midst of cozy, quiet suburban Maryland, I know that the journey ahead of me will be wild, to say the least. I've spent all day packing and months preparing for this. The time has come for me to go to Japan. The moment I step onto that plane, I know it'll finally feel real.