For example I have some great friends from UD around the world right now. My good friend Ligia is in Brazil working as a volunteer at an orphanage and hospital explaining to children about malnutrition and the importance of hygiene. I have a friend Jessie who is in New Zealand on an internship for the summer. My roommates and classmates are traveling to every continent, besides Antarctica wheter it be for ETHOS or internships or the joy of being young and free. Even my cousin Michelle went to Italy this summer as my sister went to China!
My particular favorite is a friend I met last summer in Germany. Her name is Laura and she rocks. She was the one who encouraged me to go to Switzerland where I repelled down a mountain and jumped out of an airplane on purpose. She lives/lived in Canada and we have been pen pals since last summer. This summer she went on a trip to Panama for some scuba diving. Well her being her, she ended up staying and getting her master divers certificate. She recently sent this to me
"I was just offered a job diving in Honduras, supervising a team of researchers on a reef conservation project on a nationally protected coral reef/chain of islands! I know almost nothing about what it's going to be like, but I know that it's one of the nicest dive sites in the world, so nice that tourists aren't allowed to go there. I'll be living with a team of researchers on the Caribbean island of Cayos Menor, in the Cayos Cochinos chain of islands, which we will have entirely to ourselves. It will be challenging because there will be no running water, electricity, or real beds, and it will be amazing because I'll be camping out on white sand beaches, diving 12-15 dives a week."
This is the kinda stuff that makes the world such a fun place. I certainly have bouts of jealousy for some of my friends in their crazy adventures around the world. So, friends, if you are reading this in a different country, different timezone, or different atmosphere, here's your shout out for being awesome. I got a few tricks up my sleeve before I leave India, so we'll be sure to swap stories at the local taverns at UD when we return.
Go big. Dont look back, or down.
-tim
Ahhhh this is my favorite post!! What a cool idea. You rock. I was just skimming and I saw Ligia's name and I was like whaaaat?? Amen to exchanging stories at the UD taverns - especially cause your baby friends (aka me and Ligia) are 21 now! Go big, don't look back or down, but don't forget to cherish the small things, look around at the crazy things near you, and get down on your knees for a prayer :)
ReplyDeleteMiss you bud!
J