> ... what little tidbits of wisdom do you have for a teenager who is scared of the Real World?
>
> Well, at least I'll have you guys.... you'll still be here, waiting for me at my computer, right?


I think that your fears are not misplaced, although the Real World may turn out to be scary for different reasons than you expect. Growing up can be a pretty unpleasant business -- which is partly why, at ages 30 and 27 respectively, my wife and I *still* feel as though we've somehow never really become adults. We still feel very much like kids at heart, which I consider to be basically a good thing. But I'm getting off the subject somewhat.

For me, going to college wasn't frightening at all, since my school was a scant forty minute drive from home. It really didn't interrupt my home life or my church life at all. Or my social life either, for that matter, although that's mainly because I didn't actually *have* one. :-)

None of us can predict whether your experience with leaving home and striking out into the next-step-to-adulthood world of college will be mostly adventuresome and exciting, or horribly wrenching. In either case, however, you can count on a few things being true:

1) God is your strength, and finding a group of godly friends can also be a source of strength and encouragement. (That said, be choosy about which, if any, Christian campus organization you might join.)

2) It's okay to get lonely, homesick and miserable. I don't know whether you're inclined towards homesickness, but if so, you're in the majority, and like most, you'll probably deal with it just fine in the long run.

3) If your family loves you and treasures you, that's something that won't diminish over the miles. And unless your circumstances are unique, you won't be leaving them "forever", or anything close to it.

4) Of *course* we'll be here for you! That's what good Rinky-dinks are for!

Iss "feel any better now?" achar