The End......For Now

When I woke up this morning, I had the same words enter my mind as the day I left Louisville: "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." These words from Andy Dufresne of The Shawshank Redemption have rung true to me for the past 18 months. I was so far down in life, with so many things stacked against me, and then this wonderful thing called Phil happened. I've never quite been so much of a risk taker, but I just told myself that if I didn't do something to change my life, then I would be stuck in that rut for a very long time. I decided to get busy livin'. That was the best decision I have ever made.
Whether for love, money, hobby, or whatever, everyone should travel abroad. One time is all you need. Never will you be more enlightened than when you immerse yourself in a completely different culture, even for a short time. You will gain a new perspective on the world, understand people in a brand new way, and enrich yourself with a unique sense of character. You need not limit yourself to your little box; take some initiative and go learn something about someone. Sometimes we have to step away from what we know in order to become more grounded in it.
I've been amazed at the inundating support Phil and I have received from our family and friends. Personally, I have really come to know who my true friends are, and I am ever so grateful for all of you. Never have I ever experienced such a warm reception, and it has been truly heartwarming to watch everyone take Phil under their wing.
It's funny, earlier today, I had a lot of things rolling around in my head that I wanted to say tonight, but now, I can't think of a single one of them (obviously with the exception of the above.) I just want you all to know that this experience has changed my life 180-degrees, and I am testament that following your gut is the best way to achieve the best life for you. Not everything will be easy, because nothing worth having is easy to obtain, but with a little dedication and a lot of gusto, you can do anything.
I've been so blessed to have witnessed two major historical events since my tenure here, as well as see landmarks that, in the scope of things, not many people get to see. I'm very excited to take the next steps forward and come back. I have a lot more livin' to do.