We made it back to the good ol' US of A without any problems - and despite a skitzy guy on the plane back. I got a sinus infection in Dublin, so unfortunately we were only able to really see the Guinness experience (because I WASN'T leaving without doing that). We had an adventure across the US going from Baltimore to Lawrence, KS to Riverton, WY to Granbury, TX where Ana and I parted ways for a while. All in all, it was a great 6 months, full of everything that I hoped it would be... and some things that I could never have planned for.
Since we've been back, I've spent time with my grandparents, parents, sister (Monica, you need to get your butt to TX), and friends. I have realized how incredibly blessed I am - I have the most amazingly wonderful people in my life and I want to be able to tell you how great they are, how much they mean to me and how dull and grey my world would be without them... but English breaks down for me here. I've realized just how impersonal and cold Facebook can be - when that is all the contact you can have with your loved ones, it's just not enough. There were not enough skype dates and I will not take for granted being able to call and just hear my parent's voices or call my sister just to get stuff off my chest.
It's funny, years ago my parents divorced. At that time I thought it was the end of my family - what was once 5 was down to 2, just my younger sister (my older sister moved out shortly after my parents split up) and me. That attitude resulted in a bond with my younger sister that I cherish. And when we are together, we still rock the "us against the world" attitude. As the years have passed and my parents have gotten remarried and I have had the blessing of seeing them both so happy, I can honestly say that the divorce, while painful, was something of a blessing. I am blessed to have a good relationship with all sets of parents: my mom and stepdad and my dad and stepmom, my older sister is one of my best friends and my younger sister is the other. They are all super supportive of what I've done and what I'm planning to do (not 100% sure, but liking the idea of working in a winery and applying for the Red Cross). I guess what I'm trying to say is that, during this trip, as I prayed for healing, I believe my prayer was answered. I've let go of a lot of my anger and resentment, I've been able to see part of the beautiful painting God has made - the dark parts are just as important as the bright ones.
I hope that what I'm trying to say is coming through - I love my family, all of them, and I count myself blessed that I'm a part of this family. Also sometimes when you think something is broken... well, it turns out that God can make a beautiful mosaic out of a shattered window.
As for my friends, or as I call them, the family that I chose - well, I have great taste! Jess and Doug are amazing, and staying with them feels as natural as staying with any family member. We have lazy Sundays and other traditions from college. Lewis and Linda are just as eccentric and fun as always, and I am blessed to have them in my life as I try to figure out the next steps. And of course, I am blessed to have shared such a wonderful trip with such a great traveling companion - Ana is amazing, and we do still have a good time when we are both at Lewis and Linda's.
There are many people that I haven't seen yet that I also love, so don't get mad if you're not mentioned. I do want to thank, once again, my wonderful friend Maria and her boyfriend Bjorn for hosting us in Berlin and Sion and making the trip that much greater! I am so glad that we became friends all those years ago, and I hope that this time we don't let it go another 12 years before we see each other again. Also, Ron and Sarah - you two are wonderful, your kids are amazing and we are so grateful for your hospitality. If you ever come to TX, either of us would be more than happy to return the favor! Stephanie and Leslie, it was great to have a taste of my (adopted) home in Romania. And I will forever remember the right way to pronounce "pen" and "bye." And Leslie, your chicken curry is going down in my history as one of the tastiest dishes of Europe! Caroline, thank you for opening your flat to us, taking us around Bath and just generally being great. It was such a blessing to meet you and listen to your stories and I really hope to see you when you come to TX.
I am the kind of person who wants to have all kinds of experiences, to be able to say "I've done that" or "I've been there." But you know what - I think the best thing that I can say is that I have people who love me and I would do anything for them.
Thank you all for taking this journey with Ana and I - now go and have an adventure!
God Bless, Mandi
