Day 60: Two Down, One to Go

I think it's crazy to think about, but I only have a month left of this adventure. If I had known how much this trip would flip my world upside down I would be sticking around a lot longer. Most expats living in Cambodia are here for 6 months, 12 months, or longer! My meager 3 months just doesn't seem to compare in the grand scheme of things. But if anything, it has helped me appreciate and enjoy every moment and to make the most of each day, no matter what challenges or hurdles I may face.

This week has been full of many of those challenges and has given me a new perspective on my life here and my life in general. I've had to use a lot of patience, courage, faith, and open-mindedness in situations that have been full of uncertainty. I've also had to realize that you have no control over the world around you, but only control of your own actions. It's so important to be honest and to not hide the truth from yourself or other people. Being honest won't necessarily make life easier but sometimes doing the right thing can also be the hardest thing.

Sometimes I forget how old I am. I'm 21. I am so young but I sometimes feel like I have lived through many lifetimes; traveling to Thailand at age 16 for 10 months, living in Corvallis on my own for 3 years of college, and now jumping on a plane to live in Cambodia for 3 months. There's nothing more I want though than to have the chance to share my life adventures with other people. I feel so honored that so many people back home are with me every step and following me on this new adventure, even if you can't physically stand beside me in my everyday life here. 

My first 3 years at Oregon State University were amazing and challenging and I started to get used to the comforts of consistency and familiarity. But being in Cambodia has reminded me how I felt 5 years ago while studying abroad in Thailand. I am in love with adventure and there's just no feeling quite like it. I feel totally accepted, and happy, and alive! At this time in my life I feel like the uncertain lifestyle of travel, trying something new, and meeting new people is what I am meant to do. 

For the next 30 days I will live this adventure and not hold back. But I want you to know that you all are what keeps me motivated and I am so incredibly grateful to be supported by such benevolent people who encourage me to fly!