To mi great friends

To all ye great friends still looking for new blogs,

Thank you, first of all. I hear once and a while from someone that they check for blogs more often than I seem to be putting up a new one, so for that I apologize.

Since I’ve been back, I re-read a lot of them and it was really neat for me, so I hope it was as neat for you to read them. People have commented on how personal they are, a neighbor even so much as didn’t read them because she felt bad, like she was reading my diary, something too personal. Well, don’t worry, because I wrote them so that you would have an idea of all that I went through. I wrote them knowing and hoping that you’d read them. So, although they were indeed, very personal, I wanted to share that with you.

As personal as some seem, as I’ve been back I’ve realized they just skimmed the surface of stuff I went through and learned from being gone. I’m writing to say that I came back a different person. Completely. I’m still me, it’s just that every day is one step deeper into what that really means. I wanted to write this to let you know what’s going on with me. I’ve been back since May 10^th and it has taken this long to finally be able to put into words, no, grasp what changes I have gone through and been going through. People say some amazing stuff about college and studying abroad, but I don’t always believe things until I live through them. They were right. These have been an amazing 3 years of my life. Thanks to all of you long time friends who have been watching me grow. When I was little I had a picture in my room that said, “To love something is to give it room enough to grow.” I truly believe that. So, I say thank you to all of you for giving me that room, and that undying love. You make me smile.

So, please bear with me if I seem different, good or bad. You may encounter me on a day when I just feel intolerant, just need to vent about all that is going through my mind. It seems to be something I just cannot control after trips like these. You may encounter me on a day when I’m very negative, or just need to talk about the things I don’t agree with in America, or the world. But, you could also get me on an awesome day, and I hope that’s true for you. The bad ones are starting to get outnumbered by the good. It’s been hard getting back. When you see outside of the box, you don’t want to go back in. Thanks for listening, all of you. As important as giving someone room to grow is, it’s also so precious to be there when that person is ready to share. I’ve got to thank everyone who’s been there for me through all of this. It’s appreciated more than you know. And everyone reading is included because if you’re reading, it’s pretty likely we’ve talked, and that is so special to me. thanks friend.

To give a hug is to get a hug, and love is what makes the world go round.