Friday, May 28, 2010

Today is the first day of the rest of your life

I love this saying. My dad used to always say it to me whenever I would finish something important, and I still think it holds true for every day of my life. It's so important never to forget that we constantly have the power to change our future, make our own decisions, and not be the victims of our circumstances. We must strive for what we want, and remember that we have the power to achieve anything.

In a few days, I will begin my trip that will actually last until November. It's all happening so fast. I didn't really see this whole "backpacking through the world" thing as it snuck up on me. In the two weeks since graduation, I haven't really had time to relax and contemplate what it has all meant for me. I've said bye to my dad and to all of the friends I've made in the past 3 years in the States, I've been to Pennsylvania and New York City, and flown over the Atlantic (with a sinus infection - bad idea f.y.i.). Between doctor's appointments and shopping trips, I've been trying to take care of anything I may need until November, although it really doesn't feel like I'll be gone that long. I've now started thinking of "months" like "weeks," and I don't think it'll really hit me until I get to some unknown part of the world in a few months, looking over some mountain top village and start wondering - when did this become my life.

Wow. My life. Not my college career. Not my summer vacation. Not my study abroad experience. MY LIFE!

This is what I've always wanted to do, or at least for the past few years, and it's happening. Today is really the first day of the rest of my life, so I'm trying to take the bull by its horns.

Just for a recap of my plans for the next few months (MONTHS!) so I can be tentatively tracked on a map:
  • July 1st: Flying from Geneva to Entebbe, Uganda, via Amsterdam
I will spend approximately 3 weeks in Uganda (mainly in Gulu I think) and 3 weeks in Rwanda (mainly in Kigali).
  • July 15th: Flying from Entebbe, Uganda to Geneva, via Amsterdam (arriving home July 16th)
  • July 19th: Geneva to New Delhi
Tentatively, I will be spending a little under a week in Varanasi, then 3 weeks in Tawang, on the border with Bhutan and China in an orphanage. After my mom leaves on August 20th, I will be on my own until November. Well, meeting up with some of my lovely friends along the way, and hopefully making a few new ones too.

Although this journey is a little scary, I'm really excited that it's finally happening. I know I will be away from my friends and family, but I'm hoping that, for most of you at least, out of sight does NOT mean out of mind. I know I think about you guys all the time, so don't forget your little Swiss Miss :)