So as of today I have been in Australia for exactly 85
days. In my opinion this is long
enough for me to be able to take a step back and see what I really love about
this country, as it now feels like a new “home” for me. I am going to give you a look into the
top 5 things I love about Australia, as well as the top 5 things I miss about
home.
Top 5 things I love about Australia:
1) Weather
The weather in this country is
absolutely perfect. It allowed me
to skip winter and enjoy more sunshine.
It rains just enough, and it’s starting to get a little cooler, like the
perfect fall weather.
2) Sparked my love of Travel
I have always loved to travel, but
until now have I haven't actually taken the time to plan trips and go to places
I am always dreamed of seeing. I
have seen so many beautiful places in Australia, and I leave tomorrow for New
Zealand where I am sure to see even more.
I have already begun planning lots of more trips for when I get home!
3) Other than school, I can do what I want
In my life I have never had the
luxury of being able to do pretty much whatever I want. Other than the two days I have class,
and making sure I complete all my assignments, how I spend my time here is
completely up to me. Throughout my
life I always had outside responsibilities, but while I am here I am free to do
what I want. If that means
sleeping in until 11 and then walking up to the cliff and starting at the ocean
for a while (which has happened) then that's what I do! Am I spoiled or what.
4) You are always near water
No matter what city you travel to
in Australia, you are always near the ocean. I have always loved being near the water; I think I get this
from my Mom. Something about the
sounds water makes is the most relaxing thing possible for me, and it always
provides beautiful scenery.
5) The people
Throughout my few months here I
have made some incredible friendships with both my roommates and
Australians. We have made a great
group of friends and it is so cool to know we will stay in touch for a long
time.
Top 5 things I miss from home:
1) My family
Anyone that knows me well knows how
obsessed with my family I am; they are my everything. So needless to say I miss them so much while I am gone. This is longest I have gone without seeing
my family in my entire life, so it has been a challenge to overcome for sure! I
am so lucky that my Mom go to visit for two weeks during March and to share
this adventure with her was a blessing.
I am so thankful for technology as I am able to FaceTime my family
whenever I want to. In case anyone
was wondering, yes, Sydney and Abby fit into the family category and I talk to
them everyday! I cannot wait to see all of my family when I return in July!
2) My friends
Wow, I cannot event begin to
describe how much I miss my friends.
I take for granted all the fits of laughter I have with them over
absolutely nothing. It is very
hard looking at pictures of sorority functions and everyone being together, and
I have experienced a lot of what we call FOMO – fear of missing out. But, I know they are just as jealous of
my adventures.
3) My Church
My church has always been a
constant in my life, but to be completely honest I did not think I would miss
it as much as I do. This year was
the first time in 10 years that I missed Easter Sunday and it was very hard for
me. I cannot wait to be in my
favorite sacred place again.
Although, even though I miss my Church so much, my faith has grown
through this trip. Through prayer,
reading my Jesus Calling devotions, exploring
God’s beautiful creations, and receiving encouraging Bible verses from my Aunt
Ashley everyday (isn’t she awesome?!?) I have grown closer to Christ while
being here.
4) Clemson
Go Tigers!!!! I miss my second home
so much. Clemson holds such a
special place in my heart that I cannot wait to return for my senior year and
go out with a bang. Being
surrounded by all my friends, having another football season, and just being in
the best place on earth. I don’t
even love Australia as much as I love Clemson!
5) FOOD
So, the food in Australia turned
out to be a lot more different than food at home than I expected. I am a fast food girl, and boy do I miss
my Bojangles, Zaxby’s and Chick-fil-A.
Those will be my first three meals when I get home, I can promise you
that. But, with that being said I
have learned to cook many new things, and have been eating a lot healthier over
here, so that is a plus of not have fast food places on every street corner!
