Today I could write about any number of topics. I’ve made pretty good progress on my independent study this week. I’ve discovered the joys of Bayesian spam filtering, something that’s allowed me to wade through my spam a lot better than before. I could talk about the ideas that have been going through my mind for the next version of pressing on, and my ideas for site layouts.

On the non-computer side, I could talk about life with roommates for the first time since the 1122 days. I could discuss what I’ve been studying lately in the Bible (I Corinthians 12 and 14, after a few sermons on spiritual gifts at church got me thinking). I might even be able to discuss a little bit of football, seeing as it’s almost that time again.

But the thoughts that keep coming back to my mind are of my girlfriend, now five hours down the state of Florida from me.

She left today. I’ll be honest and somewhat sappy – there were tears shed. It’s kind of funny. I’ll see her in two, maybe three weeks from now. I didn’t see her for a longer period of time when she went to Turkey. But this feels different somehow. It feels more permanent, even though it’s really not – just a longer temporary time. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because we’ll only be seeing each other every month or so.

I’ve got a good support group. My roommates will help me in my times of loneliness. The campus intern and his wife, just recently married, have done this exact thing before, for two years. They will certainly prove a good measuring stick for Kelly and I. I’ll be busy with work and church and BCM stuff, so I won’t have much time to dwell.

On the other hand, it’s going to be hard. There will be days where it will be difficult to find the time to call. But I know that it’s necessary, and more importantly, it’s something that I want to do. It won’t be easy during those times when I know that I won’t get to see her for a long time. But I know that God’s prepared both of us for this. I don’t doubt if we have faith that He’ll see us through.

I just got off the phone with her a couple of minutes ago (she called as I was writing the first part of this entry), and she’s doing fine, on day 1 of many to come where I learn from a phone call about how she’s doing. It was good to hear her voice, but it was tough knowing that that voice is so far away now.

I miss you already, my love.