There's gotta be something more...

On Saturday night, three of my friends and I went to Indianapolis to see Sara Bareilles and Sugarland in concert. Before Sugarland could perform, their stage collapsed on thousands of people because of a huge storm. The night was one of the scariest of my entire life. Dozens were injured and 5 are dead because of the stage crash. Even in the event of a disaster, it put so many things in perspective. As the stage fell and chaos erupted, I went into emergency mode. Helping those in need and staying calm during an emergency are second nature to me. Making the decision to volunteer abroad couldn't be more spot on to my abilities and passion. The disaster also made me realize how lucky I was to leave unscathed from the concert. So many others were injured or died and my friends and I left with only sore legs and a few scrapes.

The disaster also made me realize that it could have been me who was severely injured or died and reinforced my goal of volunteering in Peru. If I were to die tomorrow, would I be proud of the impact I have made on humanity? By volunteering in Huancayo, dying in 4 weeks, 4 months or 4 years doesn't bother me. I should be more worried about living a life for others than being afraid of dying to early. As Sugarland describes in their song, "Something More", there has to be something more in life than just ourselves. "There's gotta be something more, gotta be more than this. I need a little less hard time, I need a little more bliss. I'm gonna take my chances, taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for...There's gotta be something more." Always Praying for the people of Indianapolis <3

In 13 days I will be on the plane to Huancayo, Peru. It is so crazy to think about. Only 13 days. It seems like yesterday I had no idea what was in store for my upcoming year...and now, I am about to accomplish my life long dream. Everything has been bought, packed and planned out. Now is the hard part, saying goodbye to my friends. As if I haven't said it enough...I have the greatest friends in the world. Friends that would drop everything they were doing to help in a crisis, friends I could laugh with for hours and people that just get me. Saying goodbye to my friends is like losing a part of my soul. They keep me going on rough days, they make me laugh until my stomach hurts and they inspire me to be better. What more could I ask for?? :] I love you all to death and will see you in May!

Only 13 days. 13. AHHHHHH :]
I'll end with a quote that one my teachers from Mount Notre Dame emailed me with her congratulations and best wishes.

“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next… Don’t. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path towards happiness. Don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present – each moment as it comes – because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart, where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.”

Love my friends :]