Today marks 2.5 months living abroad in Australia. Wow. I am not quite sure that it’s sinking in that I am halfway done with my adventure here. Thankfully, there is a lot more adventure to come (and some of the most exciting things too)!

The next 2 months will include a trip to New Zealand, camping trips up north and out west, chicken nugget festival in Brisbane for my 20th birthday, deep sea fishing, and then ending off my stay with Alison and exploring Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef again, and Sydney. So there will definitely be no lack of adventure left for me!

I am so thankful for the amazing memories these past 2.5 months have brought on my life. I am even more grateful for the people that I’ve met to make these memories with, I couldn’t have been more blessed to meet people from all over – Aussies to other Americans to the ones that live 5 minutes from my home college. If it’s anything that helps me remember all these adventures, it’s the pictures. As I scroll through the 800 pictures just on my phone alone, I am presented with a plethora of smiles. I have got to experience the beautiful Eastern coast of Australia, the Hinterlands, new mountains, waterfalls, the world’s largest sand islands, crazy wildlife, big cities, and the Great Barrier Reef.

One of the largest things that I’ve had to accept while living here is that I unfortunately won’t get to see it all! Australia is roughly the size of the USA. If I put it into even more perspective, in the 19 years of my life I’ve only been able to see half of the United States. Which means as much as I want to see the Outback, Melbourne, Perth, Tasmania, and so much more – it will have to wait for my return trip.

I am also not going to sugarcoat this, but studying abroad 8,580 miles away from home hasn’t been easy. If you know me, then you know that I am a home-body to some extent. This semester abroad has been a personal challenge to myself to do this on my own and it hasn’t been easy, but it has so been worth it. Not being able to come home after a long weekend at school and hug your parents has been rough. Trying to coordinate times to FaceTime people with a 15-hour time difference has been interesting. Missing Logan, is too hard to put into words… I thought I experienced long distance before this, but boy was I wrong. Thankfully, if you find a man like him – that makes that you smile, laugh and can love unconditionally from that distance – it’s been easier. As a people and relationship oriented person, wow, this has been the hardest part. But I am so thankful for those who’ve kept me updated on their life and have supported me in mine. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who have been there to encourage me and have faith in me as I undertook this endeavor that I was nervous about. All this being said, studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I remember crying at least 5 times before I got on the plane to fly to Australia, but now when I think about leaving Australia, I know I’m going to cry when I have to board that plane back. I have completely fallen in love with this beautiful country. Waking up to sunshine, seeing kangaroos around campus, having the beach 15 minutes away and the mountains 30 has been wonderful. I have learned how much I love living in a place that has a diverse range of outdoor activities. It has been both interesting and hilarious to learn Aussie English – and I’m sure quite entertaining for my Australian friends. Bless their soul for dealing with us when we ask a million times “what does this mean?” or “what does a full stop mean when you’re writing” or “what the heck are trakky-daks?”. Much to my dismay, I have not inherited the Australian accent, nor do I think I will! I can do my best impersonation, but it normally ends up with me in a fit of laughter. Most of all, I am thankful for the big lesson that the Australian culture has taught me: go with the flow. I am the type of person who likes to plan a lot, but what I’ve learned is that yes, it’s okay to plan some things, but not everything. Some of the best memories that I’ve had here have been spur of the moment things.

Overall, these past 2.5 months have been unforgettable. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had, and I am looking forward to what new things these next 2 months bring! Cheers!

H