Cherish Time

Cherish the time you have with people. Get to know them; be a little more extroverted. You never know when they or you will leave this life...and the feeling of wishing that you got to know them isn't a good one.

I wish I had gotten to know you more than I did. Thank you for everything you have done for us. Know that you are missed...you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP sister. <3

For everyone out there: please be careful on the roads...be extra cautious around motorcycles...always be safe--wear your seatbelt in a car and wear a helmet on a motorcycle.
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Throughout these last days in Europe, I find myself trying to cherish this time in this continent with friends--new and old--even more.

I encourage you to "stop and smell the roses" wherever you may be. Take the time to notice the world around you. Take the time to enjoy the company of friends. Take the time to meet new people. Take the time to reflect on your life experiences. Count your blessings. Live life to the fullest.

"Dance like no one's watching, Love like you'll never get hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth."

-William Purkey

Peace. Love. Happiness.

--TR

Litany of the Saints

I went to Mass (in German) today, and the Litany of the Saints was sung...at least that's what I thought it was and I sang "Pray for us" in response. Part way through, I got a little choked up and teary because I thought about something that happened about 3 months ago. During my last choir rehearsal before I left for Germany, we were singing the Litany of the Saints and I almost cried then because: 1. I was going to miss the choir, my family, friends, home. 2. The version we were singing is really beautiful. 3. At that point, I was scared, nervous, and excited for the months ahead.

Surprisingly, I was able to keep it together (both times).
Today in church I was brought back to that moment. Now, further reflecting on this, I have come to realize that I have grown so much and have learned so much. I know that I am not the same person that I was before I left the USA. This study abroad experience has challenged me and has taught me many things.

It has taught me: how to be strong, how to communicate with others, how to understand and embrace people's differences, how to go with the flow.

It has taught me: the meaning of family and friends, patience, independence, responsibility.

It has taught me: that God is ALWAYS with me, that things don't always work out the way one would like them to, that I need people, that I love (and miss) hugs.

It has taught me: to make the most out of every day, to try new things, to chase after my dreams, to be friendly to others.

It has taught me: about myself.


Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR

So Close, Yet So Far

Relatively speaking, I don't have too much time left being over here in Europe. It has been fun and I have learned a lot, but I can honestly say that I am ready to go home. My wanting to leave increases as each day goes by. I can't wait to see my family and friends again...and just be HOME.

Thinking about & missing all of you.

Peace. Love. Happiness.

--TR

Four on the Fourth

As I will be back in time for July 4th (aka Independence Day!), there are four things that I plan to do (aside from catch up on more sleep haha) on that day:

1. Drive my car.

2. Eat food from Taco Bell.

3. Play my guitar.

4. Watch some fireworks.

It will be a splendid day. :)

image from:
http://www.downtowngalveston.org/images/fireworks.jpg

Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR

Truth

Another quick update for you: I recently had Pentecost break (i.e. I had 12 days off from school), and spent most of it in Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cardiff, Wales; Dublin, Ireland. It was a pretty nice, relaxing break...which I'll be sure to fill you in on once I get caught up with everything else. :)

While I was in Dublin, I bought a greeting card because I found truth in what it said. It sums up my journey abroad quite well. There have been many ups and downs on this crazy awesome adventure that I am on, and the words on the card inspire me to keep hanging in there and to keep making the most of my time in Europe. They also help me realize even more that I am stronger than I know.

Looking back at where I was about 2 months ago, I would say that I have definitely learned a lot--about the world, about other cultures, about people, about myself. Even after I get back to the USA, I will continue to hold these words as inspiration to just make the most out of life...every. single. day.

The front of the card states:

"Risk more than others think is safe.

Dream more than others think is practical.

Care more than others think is wise.

Desire more than others think is possible....

....And the universe is yours."

The back of the card states:

"We all have the potential to be greater
than we think we are. Our limited
beliefs about ourselves often hold us back,
but when we dare step out,
miracles happen!"

Truth.

Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR