Pure Serendipity that has lead me to where I belong...

I have let the world change me. 

Almost 3 years later and I am still on what seems to be a never ending adventure of love and self discovery. It's quite incredible actually, the people, places and emotions I have experienced while only being a mere 21 years old. As most of you know, I set out on this journey hoping to help the children of Peru and return to University back in the States. What has happened over the last 3 years is somewhat inexplicable and pure serendipity that has brought me right where I am meant to be. 

I haven't updated my blog because at this point it just seems silly writing about what used to be new adventures that overtime have become my daily life. I still marvel at new born babies, goodnight kisses and sticky fingers of children, but something has changed. I used to write for 2 main reasons. The first being my mother who lived vicariously through my stories and tales, but she is now able to watch every step of my journey from above. And also because I didn't want to ever forget those little girl giggles, beach days or first days of school, so I wrote it all down. But now that my incredible journey has become one with my adventurous life, I feel no reason to write it all down. I hear those girly giggles every single night and am greeted with those sticky fingers every morning. It's life, my life and I am so blessed to be living it. 

So why now? Why do I feel inspired to start writing again? I've learned so much these past 3 years about the meaning of life, the importance of following your heart and how to manage a crying 6 year old that I think it's time to share my experiences once again. So...enjoy!

My sister, Kate, was fortunate enough to come down and visit me at the end of January. I was able to show her all of the things I have fallen in love with over the past 2 years, the children, my University and even the jungle! We had a wonderful time! But what I loved most about her visit was that I learned something very important about myself and the journey I embarked on. As Kate pointed out numerous times, as a person, I have changed dramatically. I am no longer the uptight, J. Crew wearing, germ-a-phob, studious teenager that wanted so desperately to change the world but did nothing about it. I decided that if I was going to make a real difference here in Peru, I was going to have to change. I yearned to live among the people of Peru not just with them. I didn't just crave Peruvian food and culture, I wanted to learn how to make it. I wanted to learn the language and attend University here, so I can put down roots in a country I now call my own. 

Essentially, I let the world change me. Something that so many people feverishly run from because God forbid we might actually get to know the children behind their cleft lips and empty stomachs. The children that have forever changed me are not just the happiest kids I have ever met, they run, jump and sing just like second graders in Ohio. They come from the jungle and mountains and know what it means to go to bed hungry but play jacks, freeze tag and Monopoly after completing their homework. The people of the jungle work hard in the fields but end the day with a juicy, ripe mango pulled from the tree. It's a life of simplicity that I was never introduced to but after living this life, I never want to go back. I still hold on tightly to my freshman year of high school dream of changing the world, but I have learned a little something about that dream. As Ché Guevara once said, "Let the world change you and you can change the world."

Take risks. Dream. Explore. If you don't like your job, quit. Be happy. Follow your heart. Live the life you have always dreamed about. 

The world has changed me and will continue to do so as long as I let it. I am happy, healthy and doing what I love. What more could a girl ask for :]