Away From Home

As the fundraising continues during business hours, I find myself pondering during the nights about the actual trip. I’m thinking about the people I’ll be staying with. What kind of photo stories or news I might come across just by being in the right place at the right time. Summer is moving fast! From here I’ll only be getting more antsy, more excited, more nervous, and the list goes on.

I keep coming back to one central thought. Essentially, I’m going to be on the road for a year without seeing any familiar faces. No family. No friends. No acquaintance or familiar faces that you see every day at places like work or class.

Moving eight hours away from home to attend Michigan State University has helped with that transition. I’m used to being away from home for long periods of time now. As of now it’s been over six months since I’ve been home. When I do make it home however, it’s that much more special. Every week in this trip is going to be something fresh and new. I like the idea that I probably won’t have routines or habits since my atmosphere will change week to week.

Several people have asked me, “Do you plan to go home for Christmas to be with your family?” And as much as this might make my mom and dad a little sad, I don’t plan to go home for Christmas, or at any part of the journey. Spending a holiday like Christmas with another would be a fantastic experience that rests at the core of this whole idea. Actually, that’s one of the things I’m most excited about is to experience big events with different families: holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, births, and death if that occurs at some point as well.

As I look ahead to this trip and it gets closer I’m not worried about being away from home or without familiar faces. This is where my faith in people comes in strong. As I’ve been experiencing so far people are inviting, warm, and welcoming. There’s lots to look forward to while being away from home, whether it’s my family, my friends, or anything else I consider home. Here’s to adventure! -xo