One Month

Today marks exactly one month since I've been home from Australia. I honestly don't know what to say to describe how I feel. It all feels so surreal. Almost like Australia was one big dream. I mean I know I was there and I have the pictures to prove it but it still, for some reason, doesn't feel real. I had the time of my life and I learned a lot and I wanted to share some of them with you. So are some experiences, differences and lesson I learned along the way:

- I got to see footy for the first time
- I got to see cricket for the first time
- I drove on the other side of the road
- Seagulls in Australia are smaller
- I got to scuba dive on the most famous reef in the world
- I pet a kangaroo
- People in Australia still rock the bleached hair, beach, surfer look
- I got to experience life with no care
- Some words have an "r" sound added to the end (bra-er) and some have the "r" sound removed (Melbourne=Melbun)
- I learned how to paddle board
- I visited Steve Irwin in his natural habitat
- I learned how to surf
- I got the most epic, wicked, dark skin tan. Ever.
- Pedestrians DON'T have the right of way (AT ALL... I almost died several times)
- I saw the whitest sand I've ever seen in my entire life
- School was a vacation. Literally.
- I met some of the most friendliest people alive.
- I ziplined in Australian jungle.
- I went to the most amazing church ever. Planetshakers.
- I saw the opera house.
- I did the full Manly Beach Walk
- Vegemite is disgusting
- I got to live a day ahead of everyone
- I got to experience the true "red rock" outback
- I got to see a long lost friend
- I rekindled old friendships as if we were never apart
- I got to experience my first "front page news" shark attack story
- I learned that distance really does make the heart grow fonder
- I made some of the most amazing life time friendships
- I learned how to completely remove myself from uncomfortable situations
- I learned what it was like to actually cook properly
- Being on your own with absolutely no one is a challenge but it is a challenge that makes you a better person
- I pet a koala
- I got to experience living with no form of income and running low on money
- I learned to fully appreciate the friendships I have and the family I have
- I ignited a fire to travel

Throughout this experience I learned what it was actually like to be a grown up and live completely separated from anything that makes you comfortable. I grew as a person and figured out what I actually want to do with my life. I grew stronger in my relationship with God and learned how to live my life just for Him and Him alone. I realized that myself is the only person I am supposed to try and please and learned that I am still learning how to do that. Throughout this experience I learned more about me and what I really want to do. I got to experience things beyond my wildest dreams and lived my life as an adventure and not just a life. I made some amazing friends and said so many truly hard goodbyes. I learned that home is really where the heart is and that right now mine is bouncing back and forth from Canada to Australia. I learned that to fully live your life you have to step outside of your comfort zone and experience. I learned that simply existing isn't enough. You have to live.

I am so thankful for this experience and amazing adventure. I could not have asked for something better. Thank you Australia for making me grow up, find my passion and truly live.