less than 2 weeks...

Dear friends,

                First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to check out my blogspot:) “you have a blogspot!? Who still uses them now? Why not use Tumblr?” I have used blogspot since November 2008 and I don’t plan on letting this one go because of the history I have recorded and the few people I follow that still use it. Lastly, Tumblr is too public for me and I honestly don’t like a lot of people reading what I post. Yet, here you are.

                I want to share with you here that I, Rachel Jean Banez, will be taking an opportunity that God has offered to me, what He has put in my heart months ago. I have this desire to be in the Philippines. And this desire was in me last summer before I made this big decision. I miss it there and it’s been more than 3 years since my last visit. One day, my mom asked me, “Rachel, what if you studied nursing in the Philippines?” I gave that idea some thought and even prayed to God about it. Back then, I was really REALLY back and forth about it. Also, I was already in school to become a licensed vocational nurse and was expected to finish August 2011. I was seeking advice for what’s best for me but I ultimately had to see what GOD wants for me. And I know THIS is what He wants for me. He has led me to what’s coming ahead.

                So how do I feel about this? In the beginning, I had doubt and I was pretty darn scared… I mean I’m still kind of scared now but it’s mixed with excitement. I will finally be out on my own away from home. I will be able to focus more on my studies and maybe learn some tagalog! This is going to be a “growing up” experience for me and it’s really what I need. Another part I will be experiencing is the college part. That part where you’re in a totally different environment, you’re away from family and friends from high school, and just being homesick. I know this is going to be weird saying this but I want to go through it!

You might be wondering when and how long, right?
inhale.
exhale.
I leave this country towards the end of May
and since it’s college, I will be there for 4 years.
God-willing I visit!

I’m sorry if you find yourself upset that you just found out NOW. I’m not so good at breaking news as big as this… plus, the reactions make me sad. Yes, I will miss my friends and of course, my best friends and the people I have had the great opportunity to get to know better (you know who you are). I will miss EVERYONE. California. My home, my city.

I just need a change. A change of environment and a change in myself.   

Please please PLEASE keep me in your thoughts and prayers.