As I write this last blog post of my trip, I’m
listening to the song “Welcome home” by Dave Dobbyn. Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQlVmvXAGLI
(Take a listen while you read!). Whenever
I listen to this, it reminds me of the openness of new Zealanders, and how I do
feel this place is home to me now, and accepts me with open arms.
These last few days have allotted me copious amounts of
thinking time, something you can never have too much of. I have found that of all things to discover,
I have discovered a love for uncertainty.
Uncertainty means you are not limited to just one possibility. Rather, the possibilities are endless. Being here, and feeling a part of something
bigger (truly, we are the stuff of stars and oceans) I have been blessed beyond
my years in travel, love, and support.
They say home is where the heart is and I if I am certain of one thing
it is this: a part of me will always be one with New Zealand…with the mountains
and rivers and endless stars. Knowing
this, it feels okay to be leaving soon.
I hope I am not being misleading – although it is the end of
my schooling and solo travels, my parents are coming up to visit for close to
three weeks so it is not the end of adventures!
I am absolutely bursting with excitement to see them and show them my
new home!
In other news, I partook in the “Polar Plunge”, running into
the ocean at St. Clair in the middle of winter.
You know, something any sane person would do. We (Sarah, Jon, and I) also spent a few
nights on the Otago Peninsula, and one day exploring the Catlins(where the above picture was taken). Currently, I am the last one left in our old
flat in Dunedin, taking care of last minute business before my parents arrive. It’s been nice, having this time to reflect
on the joy brought into my life by people I’ve met and the spectacular beauty
of the place I live in.
In parting words, thank you to all who have kept up and read
this blog.
I hope to return with a more
open mind, and not be so quick to think of things that I have to do, but rather
things that I hope to achieve. From
being here, I've learned to say “yes, let’s go!” far more often that I normally
would have. There will always be time
to get stuff done (homework, etc), but there will not always be these
opportunities for adventure. With this
in mind, I go back to Oregon with an open mind and a ready heart for
exploration. All fellow ducks reading
this, count me in for football games, marathons, hikes, crazy shenanigans, and
everything in between.
This has been the best time of my life, and just because it’s
at an end does not mean I won’t continue to live to the
fullest.
Thank you, I love you. Mā te Atua me te wāhi ngaro tātou e tiaki
e manaaki. May God and the origins of which all
things come from, bless and keep us.
Welcome home.Love Always,
Christina
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