"The world is a book..."

"...and those who do not travel read only one page."
-St. Augustine

Missed my backyard.

I'm back home now and I've just been making my last additions to the blog.  It's amazing looking back over all the experiences I had abroad, not just of seeing new places and meeting new people, but the internal ones. Australia has made me grow, has pushed me to my limits, forced me to find comfort in new friends, and helped me see the strength and independence I possess. It has shown me about my relationships with people back home, especially with people constantly held close at heart regardless the physical distance between us. It has changed my perspective of life and what one should strive for.

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."
-Henry Miller

As much as I'll miss my time abroad, returning home was such a welcomed experience. I came home with a new appreciation of hugging my sisters, being greeted at the door by my dogs, sleeping in my bed, relaxing in the hot tub with my family, and having a home-cooked meal with people I love. Although I felt a great familiarity with all these things, I also felt as if I was experiencing them for the first time when I came back. It made me realize how lucky I was to have these people in my life. I guess if I had to sum it up I'd tell people to go see the world, but also see the beauty of where they are right this moment...and never pass up the opportunity to hug a loved one.