I feel good :)

Hey loved ones,

I can honestly say I have never felt this feeling before. I am so unsure of the future but I am completely okay with it.  I did not make the team, but I was ready for this, and I'm OKAY :)  I think it should be this way. I know when one door closes another one opens, and I am so excited for the future.  The coaches did give me praise, and say I could for sure play on a premier league team, that is the league below this one.  They said if I want they will set me up with try outs.  The first team is by Blackpool, so I could possibly live with my Nana Wynne.  I did learn yesterday what would happen if I made the team I was trying out for.  I would have to be in this hotel for 9 months, and I only get a two week break, during the world cup.  I honestly do not think I could of done this. I would hate to be gone so long without Stanton, and my family, in this hotel.  I love soccer, but I don't just love the game, I love the team aspect of it.  Over here the team isn't much of a focus, we only have 2 prac's a week and everyone lives so far from each other. We are never together, and it isn't like college soccer, which I was hoping for. I love to be with the team all the time, and bonding.  It is not like that here.  If I join in the league below, I will be able to come home for summer, they end in may.  They already started playing.  This could be a good idea!

Right now I am just praying, and keeping a open mind.  I have a chance to travel, and that does not come very often. I have friends in Germany, and Rome that I want to visit. Also I met two girls who play soccer who didn't make a team out here as well who are just going to travel around!  I do not want to quit, I am a fighter, but maybe soccer isn't my path. Soccer has already given me so much, and helped mold me into the person I am today!  I will keep you updated, just know that I am okay, I am growing a lot through this experience.  I know that I am a good soccer player, and I am proud I tried to play at the highest level, and I stuck it out for this long.

Love you all! Be the Best that you can be!

Lauren Leslie