Well, this is it. Now it's really starting to feel close. Our team has wrapped up the Bound 4 Beijing Tour over the weekend in California... now we're off for a couple days to spend at home and pack, then we're outta here, leaving for China on August 4th.


But what an amazing past few months this has been, with our tour taking us all over the country. Considering it just ended, we haven't really had a chance to reflect on the past few months that deeply, but the entire experience has just been like a huge celebration. Every city we've been to, every stop have been sold out. The welcome has been absolutely amazing and just to see so many young girls so excited about USA softball and about our sport, it just proves how our sport has grown and where it's going and the future of it. It's pretty bright and it's great to be a part of that.


And at the same time, I think it's keeping our eyes on the prize, which is bringing home the gold in Beijing. Train our best and be our best and fine tune the little things that will make the difference in Beijing.


It has been a whirlwind as far as a different city every other day, but at the same time, we are telling ourselves once we get to China and move in the village on the 5th, we're there till the games start and throughout the games. We're not gonna experience the tiredness that we've experienced. And we're gonna be that much better after being in one place for longer than two days.


The tour has also been productive in that we have really come together as a team. Lots of long bus rides will do that for you, obviously great for team bonding? Being on the road together, you can't help but bond. We can all catch up on movies and watch out favorite TV shows, sitcoms and other things that we haven't seen.


Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us at every game. You have no idea how much we appreciate what you do for us. Knowing you're all behind us makes us that much stronger as we head to China. We've got a few days here so I'll definitely write again before we leave.


And of course, my first Finch's Favorite team will come out on Thursday, so do everything you can to get your team pages ready before then. Don't hold back!

Keep dreaming a believing!
-Jennie #27