I'm Home! Alive!
I arrived home on Sunday after 24 hours of traveling. No matter how little sleep I got, I was so ready and energized to see my friends and family. My parents met me at the airport along with our Rotarian friend, John, and his wife, Eileen. They are such a sweet couple and I really appreciated them coming to the airport. My parents were so happy to see me to the point my mom cried. I love that woman.
After the airport we went to a family lunch to surprise my cousins, they had no idea I was coming home. I definitely surprised my little cousin, Frankie. She missed me so much. (But I missed her more, of course).
My friends Maggie and Rachel met up with me later that day so we could head to the mall. We went there to surprise me friend Ethan. He's been my best friend for years and I've been planning to surprise him since the day I decided to apply to exchange. His friend Colten helped with the whole thing too. I'm really happy to have such great friends.
I haven't regretted my return at all. Of course I have the people I care about in Brazil and the memories, but I feel more myself and happier here right now. I haven't been this calm and happy in one place in months. It's nice to finally feel like myself, a better version of myself.
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to go abroad. Maybe one day I'll look back wishing I stayed longer, but for now I'm happy. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
