Stay in the STARS

So much to say, so much I'm feeling. I'm going HOME today, at least I think I am. But the world feels like home now, the 32 magical people I've spent the past 4 months with feel like home, the families I've met feel like home, the universe and the stars feel like home. I feel so supported. It's incredible.

We spent the last few days in High Africa, a camp-type place, for our retreat and final destination. It's been such a beautiful experience to be able to spend 3 days in nature with amazing people and closing this trip on a perfect note. We did a bunch of team/self building activities like high ropes courses, leaps of faith, etc. I did them all YAY (biceps are on point lately) We had a final talent show, and I've never smiled or laughed so much in my life.

Yesterday we talked about what we want to remember most from this semester... Such a heavy question and I don't even think it's something that can be explained or written down, but I've come up with a semi list (I love lists) of things that is a compilation of my peers and my thoughts/things I want to remember/feelings/everything. Here goes:

- How much I want to do on this planet
- Patience and understanding
- Where the power in this world lies and how unfair it is
- What privilege is and feels like
- We all bleed red
- Beauty exists despite suffering
- The power of perceived identity
- Small changes = BIG impact
- Represent your country don't let it represent you
- What being a woman in male dominated cultures feels like
- Everyone has a story that needs to be heard
- How to chill/relax
- How to access my emotions and my own feelings in the midst of chaos
- Stability can be found in instability
- How to breathe, really really breathe
- That feeling of receiving love from a complete stranger
- The feeling of being so supported by my friends and family from home. THANK YOU SO MUCH. It has meant the world to me.
- What it feels like to romp around the world with a partner in crime (hi holly)
- Every single moment with my BEAUTIFUL new friends. All of us are so different and it comes together like the most perfect mixture. I am so so so thankful for the stars and moons that aligned to bring these 32 superstars into my life.
- Friendship is sitting around in a circle with cups of tea, wearing the same clothes we've worn for 4 months, telling our worst pooping stories. That's what it's all about.
- Being a part of something bigger, the universe.
- The feeling of being in the stars. Whatever that means, I felt it the other night and it was magical. I sound crazy but one day (if not already) you'll all feel it too.

I'm going to miss this trip and the people so much, it's hitting me hard right now. But we have something together that is irreplaceable and indescribable and that will keep us connected even if communication is minimal.

"I just feel like I've seen in this group the best that life has to offer." -Karen Straight (one of our traveling faculty) I couldn't agree more.

I'm not sure how you bring a trip like this to an end, actually I don't think it does end. It goes on, the journ-E continues, feet on the ground, but staying in the stars.

Can't wait to share all of my experiences with you all. Until next time!
All my love,
XO
E