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Published: April 23rd 2008
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So I thought I should finally write a little conclusion to this volume of blogs and to my last year of traveling....thanks to you guys that took the time to read them- I know they were lengthy- but the fact that many of you did become involved in my blogs- you were able to share with me part of my trip, and therefore learned something at the core of who I have become- and it really means a lot to me.
This last year....has already started to settle as one of the most inspiring, opening, truth seeking years of my life. So many things that I learned and experienced- tasted, smelled, listened, laughed, cried, fell in love, danced, swam, trekked, swam with dolphins, jumped out of a plane, camped, played and learned music 😉, and became inspired and filled with love- just lived fully and free. It rocked me hard at the core- and I know it will always be with me. And I can not express my love for the brothers and sisters I met on my trip- all of my connections and experiences with you have helped show me a new way to live life and made my
In Belgium
Two belgium sisters veerle and brittke trip what it was- I have learned so much from the beautiful traveling community- some of the most amazing people in the world....
With hesitation in my step, I made my way home. Leaving Paradise beach, stopping in Belgium for a week, to see loved ones I lived with for 6 months a few years ago- playing softball out there for the Royal Greys. My Belgium family took such good care of me and helped make the transition to western society that much easier. And then in Philly for a few days, spending time with the beautiful friends I made there while going out to college at Villanova. (I didn't take any pictures out there 😞 And then anticipating the final leg coming home. I had some fears and passing anxieties about coming home- but really i wasnt thinking about it so much- and felt so much love and comfort when I was reunited with my old Belgium family and then again, being recieved with such loving, open arms in Philly- I was more overwhelmed of the love I have for and recieved from old friends around the world, and the connection is still there- and always will be.
And coming home- I couldn't wait- I'm so lucky to come home to a place like Fairfax- I'm sure I've told many of you about this little town of ours- it's a beautiful community out here, and it has my heart. Beautiful mountains in our backyards to hike, ride, run and explore in- sunny beautiful weather, even in the midst of 'winter'. Live music in town every night of the week- and down-to-earth people scattered all over the town, some from other states and others from other countries- and it feels good to be a local and call Fairfax HOME.
I've been working at some of the service jobs in town- the Java Hut- a drive thorugh coffee shop- waking up at 5:00 am for that! Crazy if you know me at all! ha! and picking up shifts at Iron Springs Brew Pub- like coming back to another family there. Working these service jobs makes me feel involved and close to so many people in the community- and I've been appreciative of the day to day life I'm living here. So i'm enjoying being home- but i have struggled a bit with the feeling that the fire burning
Going Away Bash
My Fairfaxian family inside of me only a few months earlier, has dimmed- it's not out and I know it's still in me and always will be- but I'm learning how to keep it alive while living at home and being thrown back into society where there are pressures of a certain way to live your life. Learning to find that balance- I'm sure it's going to be a life long endeavor- and keeping alive the celebration of living in the moment. More effort and concentration of living simply, in the moment- that came so easy to me on my travels- finding myself at times getting caught up with the thoughts going on in my head and the combination of pressures and influences around me- sometimes a more stressed, negative mood comes on- but just the cycles of life- its part of the pendullum swing, and I'm learning to find the balance of both worlds.
And planning for my next adventure....actually less than 2 weeks away! Yes- I'm still planning on doing it- my friend Britt and I are going to leave April 23rd to start the Pacific Crest Trail. A 2,655 mile trek that goes from Mexico to Canada- if we
get all the way through it, will probably take us 5-6 months. A pack on our backs, some maps and resupplying by stopping in towns along the way...we're going for it! (Here's a link to the website if you want to check it out: http://www.pcta.org/)
I can't freaking wait! The experiences and states that I've gotten to once I spend a few consecutive days out in nature...things just become clear, more simple. Again, for me- the feeling of being in the moment. Being in nature has become a big part of what I believe in, my spiritual core, feeling connected and a part of it all. I can't imagine all the skills and knowledge that Britt and I will learn from this trek- and what it will equip me with for the future.
So the planning and training have been in full force. Getting the gear together and hiking and exploring the hills in my backyard- and it feels great being out there. Grateful for the land out here to tred and the allowing weather.
So working-hiking-working-planning-playing-hiking-working-playing.....is what my life has been like the last 4 months I've been home. Enjoying every aspect of it- the ups
and downs of it all and learning from it the best I can. Thankful for my parents of allowing me to come home, recharge, gear up and take off again- they've made it possible to live the life I'm living now.
Coming into towns about once a week to resupply on the trek, I'm assuming I'll have internet access along the way, so I will be able to email and hopefully do a few blogs along the way. I'm going to keep this same blog for my trek....so the adventure of life continues....
Again my love and appreciation to all of you who have supported, loved and taught me- you make me strong. I hope you all are finding love and appreciation in this moment and throughout the days.
Write to you all from the trail.....YEEEEEE HAAAAAAAWWW!! Bring it on!!!
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Sisi
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Miss You Kee!
It's woderful to read about your travels/perspectives. I wish we'd had more time for discourse of that nature at the Hut, rather than all the mundane stuff! We miss your beautiful self, your cute bum and your free spirit here in Fairf! I hope you are well and enjoying the journey. You make me jones to travel and feel free-er! Big love to you sweetie from Shoshi and I.