Unfortunately, she isn't right now; she's been here before, however, and I don't doubt I'll see her again someday.

Just as you'll return home eventually, I'm sure. But for the time being, no one has quite found out how to do that on their own; several of the adults are working on it, however, so for the time being, you need to do as that woman told you. Take the routes, and use that rabbit to defend yourself; it will become stronger if you do that, and things shouldn't be able to hurt you. If you find someone you would like to travel with, you should stay close to them.