Nearly 100 posts, nearly
four years, and exactly 50 countries later, I have returned home.
(Written August 2014)
“My last memory of my
mother when we said goodbye in Minneapolis on August 3rd, 2010, was
her saying “Go live your dream!” with tears in her eyes. Since then, I’ve lived
it. I have traveled and experienced more than I could have ever imagined when I
left home that summer, and I will carry these memories with me for the rest of
my life.
And now, it’s time
for a new dream. I have realized that as
much as I love living in other countries and traveling, I have reached the
point where I need to return to the States and stay here for a little while. Do
I know how long I’ll stay? No. Will I live abroad again? Probably. But it’s all
up to the universe, and for now the universe is telling me to embrace my home
country once again.
As a result, I have
chosen one of the most dynamic and international cities in America for my next
destination. I have wanted to live in New York City ever since I was a starry
eyed nineteen year old and started researching graduate school programs there. I was probably seduced by popular TV shows and
movies, but nevertheless, I wanted it. One of my best friends from middle school
lives there (you’ll remember Chelsea from my visit to New York last spring) and
we are finally going to be in the same city again after ten years. I’ve
collected many other friends from my travels the past four years who have also
made New York their home, and I’m anticipating many happy reunions and new
memories in the year to come. (“Hey, remember that time on the beach in Rio…?”)
I had a wonderful
week at home with my friends and family that went by much too quickly. Now I’ll
begin a part time job working as an English teacher for a language program for
international students for the next four weeks, and follow through with some
interviews I lined up while in Russia.
I’ve no idea what New York City holds for me
yet, but I know that I’m ready and willing to embrace it. My dream of living
abroad has come to an end, but I’m still continuing to live the life I’ve
imagined.
Also, now there are
absolutely no more excuses for people who say they want to come visit me.
Didn’t come to South Korea? Okay yes, I understand, that’s far and who knows
what North Korea will do next. Russia is too scary? More like their visa
process is scary – a few brave souls accomplished the feat though, so it wasn’t
impossible.
But, there are no
excuses anymore people. New York City is basically next door. My baked goods
are now world famous and you are guaranteed to be treated well. Come see me.”
