As you probably could have guessed, I have successfully made
my return to the States and am working on getting back into my “normal” routine
in MN, as I process and reflect on the incredible nine month journey I’ve just completed.
Coming home was weird…to say the least…but I’ve been surprised by how quickly
and easily I’ve re-acclimated to my old habits and customs. That’s not to say I
haven’t been changed. On the contrary, I think I’ve come back with a much
different outlook, set of expectations for myself and my living environment and
a better sense of my own life purpose. But I’ll explain my profound revelations
in a later post.
For now, I want to first apologize for failing to keep you
updated about my final four months abroad. After winter break, I started to get
bogged down with my independent research project (required of each PacRimmer)
and to be honest, my enthusiasm and intrigue with the travel process started to
fade. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of amazing adventures in those final
months, and now that I have (way too much) free time, I want to share them with
you. By the end of the summer, I hope to have you completely filled in.
I also want to thank you all for showing interest in my life
and for giving me an outlet to share my experiences without truly being
connected to home. It wasn’t until I returned that I was told how many of my
family and friends have enjoyed my writing, and I am so grateful for your
loyalty. Without you, I’d have no reason to write, and much less motivation to
reflect on what I’ve been doing. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the journey!
