Well, as many of you know, this week was pretty tough for my family. On Wednesday we said goodbye to my little brother as he left for the United States Naval Academy. I know this really doesn't have to do with my time spent over here in Africa, but it is something that has been on my mind every day since I've been gone.

My brother and I are very close, and it's been very hard on me knowing that I wasn't going to be home with him before he left for the academy. Whenever Marc and I would get in fights when we were little my Mom would always tell us that we were the only sibling each other has. Back then, I would always just shrug it off and roll my eyes, but now I know what that actually means. Marc is my only little brother, and I'm his only big sister. It's always been the two of us, and now that we're each heading down our own path things are changing. I knew it was going to be tough telling him goodbye and wishing him good luck for the summer, but I had no idea how hard that last conversation with him would be.

I was able to talk to Marc on Wednesday morning before he left to go to the airport. And the whole time we were talking, I was trying to talk through a stream of tears. He told me not to be upset because he was going to be fine, and I know he will be, but it just scares me. That last thing I told him was "I love you". And it was probably the most sincere "I love you" that I've ever said to him. After hanging up the phone, I did my best to calm down because I didn't want everyone asking me what was wrong. We went to mass, like we do every Wednesday morning because it is the only English mass for the week, and the whole time I was there I felt very comforted. I handed all of my fears and worries over to God, and I trust that everything will be fine. Marc is so tallented and capable of doing anything he wants to do, and I know he put a lot of thought into his decision to go to the USNA. He is going to do so well there and I couldn't be more proud of my little brother!!

I know the rest of the summer is going to be tough with him not being home, but I just keep reminding myself that I get to see him in August! And boy, August can't get here soon enough!!!