Seventeen days.
That is all that is left before I depart for Ghana…I cannot even believe that number… Seventeen. I knew time would fly, and I am far from surprised at that fact; I just cannot imagine how this journey will unfold in the next few weeks… I am sure once I am sitting on a plane (or rather waiting in the airport for hours), it will set in and I will have a minor breakdown/panic attack, as I usually do when I look around at where my heart has landed me, often without my head’s true acknowledgment. There’s always that moment of, “Wow, I really did this…I’m really on my way…. Oh crap, what did I get myself into this time…” I have a knack for jumping head first into whatever opportunity presents itself…
But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has taken me on so many adventures and led me to so many wonderful people. I can honestly say at 22, I have already begun living my life to the fullest, and have already had some of the most incredible experiences…experiences of a lifetime. And I know its only the beginning.
So as I sit here on Christmas day (or rather the day after Christmas, since it’s almost 4 am…), in the comfort of my momma’s apartment, cuddling with our sweet kitten and enjoying the beautifully lit Christmas tree, I can feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for all that I have been given, for every experience I have been a part of, for every family member and friend I hold so dear in my heart, and for the incredible amounts of love I’ve given and received. I am in awe at the beauty that surrounds me, at the gift of life itself… grateful for the human experience-for the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs, the pain and the pure joy… grateful for the opportunity to learn and love and grow… and for the opportunity I have to give it all back in some way. Thank you to every single one of you that have been a part of my journey… You are the reason I am where I am, You are the reason I am who I am.
So I am enjoying this beautiful, blessed moment in the quiet hours of the night, within the comfort of a loving home. And I am also filled with excitement at the prospect of what lies ahead…at the opportunities awaiting my arrival…Filled with love and gratitude, and ready to spread that to every heart possible…
Wandering through Wonderland 