Sitting on the plane I think back to my first time as a young adult traveling abroad; it was back in 2007 and I was headed to Thailand with Klamath Basin Youth Without Borders to build a home through Habitat for Humanity. I was 16 years old, naïve, and had no idea what I was in for. This was my first experience where I was truly being able to see how fortunate of a life I had, where it was more than my parents just telling me how much better off I had it than so many others in the world. It was the first time I really gave more of myself, and in return, began to spread my wings and broaden my cultural horizons.
A little over a year after Thailand I had what I would call my real first 3rd world/developing country experience. I set off to Rwanda as a 17 year old all by myself. This would be the first time I tested my true independence, courage, and adaptability. I didn’t have my dad or any of my best friends there to talk to or help me when things got tough. That summer taught me more than I could ever have imagined, it broadened my perspectives, humbled me, and it ultimately changed my life in every way possible.
I had another experience building a home through Habitat for Humanity with Klamath Basin Youth Without Borders my senior year of high school in 2009, this time in Brazil. Each and every time I travel, each time I devote myself to serving others, I am constantly learning new things about myself and my surroundings, improving the person I am, and ultimately hopefully improving the world around me.
This too will be a new experience where I will push myself to new limits, where I will gain newer and better understandings. This time will again, be different; I will be traveling with a group, but a group where I am still just getting to know these individuals. This time I will be in a culture that is different, rich in color and food, and particularly because of it’s strong spirituality.
The only thing that will remain the same, is that I go into it with the same open heart as well as open mind. Allowing this experience to help me grow and learn, and better me not only as a person, but as a contributor to this society and world in which I am a part of.
First to comment!!!! yes! okay, were over that now. Well it's still wednesday here and I leave for sunny san diego early friday morning and I am more than excited to say the least. Im really glad you seem to be enjoying yourself and be so open to exploring the world around you.
ReplyDeleteIt is still weird not having you around and talking to you everyday, but I am slowly getting used to it.
I got my letters today from Krista though! I pretty the past two finals I had I dominated, but still one more tomorrow morning. Today was the first day that I actually felt like I knew something about Japanese art history so that was a huge plus to my day. Everything else is going well! I just cant wait to get home!!!! I miss you dearly and wish you the very best! I love you BIG!!!
Celine