The End of an Era... For Now

As I look back on my year in Jordan, I realize that I have learned so very much about myself and about what I can do when I put my mind to it.

I have learned that it is the people around me who make my life special, not where I am or what I am doing.

I have learned that I truly love teaching English and can actually stand children. Who knew.

I have learned that I am strong enough to travel alone and have fun doing it.

I have learned that life isn't always fair, that bad things will happen even when it's not your fault and you didn't do anything wrong.

I have learned that holding bitterness in your heart is a sure way to be miserable but that you should stand up for yourself when you need to because no one else is going to do it for you.

I have learned that I love living a healthier lifestyle in which I walk everywhere and don't eat Texas-sized portions just because they are there.

I have learned to slow down, to relax and to maybe even have a little smoke break (argeeleh of course) from time to time.

I have learned that though there's definitely a time for relaxing, there's a time to work hard too, which means I really should get over that huge lazy streak I have.

I have learned that I am beautiful as long as I feel beautiful inside. I don't need to be or do anything else except love myself for who I am.

I have learned that I can make and keep some of the best friends I will ever have just by being the person I am.

I have learned that I can master a foreign city, that I can be comfortable in a place where I don't understand the language or the culture because it's still my home.

I have learned that you meet people when you are supposed to meet them and that love doesn't always come at opportune times.

To that end, I would like to thank all those special people who have traveled with me through Jordan. You will always be in my thoughts and memories.

As will Jordan herself. My desert home has a permanent place in my heart.