The Top 5

 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!