Defying Gravity

Hello!

I have some exciting news...

I'll be staying in Belgium and at my project until the end of May! I am so excited I'm able to do this, especially since I was able to work out a great deal with my community so that staying three extra months won't cost me money. I'll have an even more rewarding work week, spending three out of four days split between adults and kids (right now I only see the kids Wednesdays), and possibly taking on a special one-on-one project with an adult. I can't wait for the new year where I get to take on this new schedule (still won't work Mondays, and now have Tues/Thurs mornings off!) and get to see Belgium through the spring- when it hopefully stops RAINING! I will still have time off in March to travel, plus many more long(er) weekends to go visit various places:) I still haven't figured out what I've done to deserve this...

This experience is wonderful beyond anything I could have imagined. I can undoubtedly say I'm in the best place of my life and happier than ever. I am so at peace with myself and comfortable in my own skin, I just love what I get to do every day and feel so wonderful about life.

Even more than that, I'd say this experience has given me a chance to make my relationships with people better. I feel like I have truly healthy, fulfilling relationships with the people in my life, and it's such a beautiful blessing. I don't know what it is about being away, but maybe it's because I can view all of my relationships on the same level (I don't see certain people more, there are no friendships based on convenience or proximity, and talking to someone in Hondurus is the same as talking to someone in NYC), that I've really been able to focus on the true friends and leave any negative influences aside.

I've been connecting and reconnecting with the most wonderful people, and my friends back home have continued to not only keep in touch, but be incredibly supportive (you know who you are, post love in the comments below so I know you know!! ). I've become closer with my fellow expats and European friends, mostly people I hadn't seen in years but with whom am now sharing life experiences and forming really great relationships. I'm meeting extraordinary characters on my journey, other volunteers and seemingly random friends of friends...my life is like one big nest of beautiful connections.

And, as always, my family and I are as tight-knit as ever, and their continued support and "I'm so proud of you"s keep me feeling positive about myself and what I'm doing here.



Additionally, as much as I often joke about how the entire network of Jewish mothers international knows way too much about me because of my Mom, I have to say that all of her friends/family who have shown me support have also made me feel really great. Thank you very much for your love, encouragement, and support, even if I don't know you too well or have taken you for granted.

So I'll be in Europe till the end of May, home June, July, and August (with stops in DC, NYC, and Chicago, naturally), and back in Europe for grad school in the fall!

Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity:)


xoxo
kw