Dear Future Grace,

I hope you’re doing well (for obvious reasons). As I write this, I have twenty nine days until my flight to Denmark (YAY). This whole exchange has felt so distant, like something lingering in the future but not quite in my grasp yet. But oh my god, we are now getting down to the twenties in the months long countdown you’ve had and let me tell you-it’s getting REAL.

In a way, I feel like six year old you counting down to Christmas. Today there’s 29 days left. The days seem to take years. Before I know it, there will be 19 days, 9 days, and then you will be boarding a seventeen hour flight, but I guess I don’t really have to tell you that.

Maybe you can tell me a few of your adventures when you write back. Trust me, I am on the edge of my seat, dying to know what adventures you’re embarking on.

Most days, I try to take things one day at a time, but as you know all too well, I struggle staying patient. I can’t really help it. I am so intrigued by you, where you’ll be at, what you’ll see, who you’ll turn out to be. 

As much as I love the promise of tomorrow, I love how life is unfolding for me right now. Yesterday, I visited some friends in Athens. We hiked at the ridges, we ate way too much naan from Star of India (your favorite!). I took it all in, for you and me both. (trust me, you’ll be glad I all those mental pictures yesterday). I know you’ll miss Athens when you’re away, and I know why. There’s always been a sense of peace that comes with Athens that I have never quite been able to put my fingers on. Is Aarhus like that too? I don’t know who you’ll meet abroad, but I am really lucky to have intelligent, caring, thoughtful, supportive, and fun-loving friends and family in my life right now. I want to cherish them for all they are because I know you will miss them, and I know they will miss you too

I’ve been overwhelmed with the genuine outpouring of love and support from those around me. Everywhere I go, whether it’s the dentist’s office, at work, and in my home, people match my level of intrigue, excitement, and love for you and where you will be as I have.

With all the good things you’ve been experiencing, I know there will be challenges too.  I don’t think it is fair to worry you into problems that don’t exist yet, but I have accepted there will be hardships and I am proud of you for facing them so bravely. Make mistakes, and learn from them. Trust that these challenges are there to serve you. You will come back better for the things you have learned. See the beauty in them, and never once let them stand in your way. 

Between work and preparing to leave, I am getting to know my self right now, and I love who I am growing into each day. My advice to you is this: Keep being your honest self. Keep being your kind, hardworking, silly, and passionate self. Keep writing and asking questions. Make time and space to create, to sing, to dance, to go on walks and to enjoy your self. Keep being you, and as you probably already know, your time in Denmark will be beautiful. 

Here’s to all you will see and all you will be!

Love,

Me

P.S. Quick question-are you still obsessed with house plants? Or is this just a phase? Genuinely curious