...the dang kid won't even see this, but I wanted to let the world (or at least the three people that read this blog) know how awesome I think my little brother is. He found out yesterday that he'll be spending the next year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Taiwan. To do that, he's graduating high school a year early and already went through a series of club and district interviews. On top of taking advantage of one of the coolest opportunities presented to a high schooler, he has his black belt in kung fu, is almost done his Eagle Scout (okay, so maybe he's been "almost done" his Eagle for like a year...) and is an all around incredible person. Generally, I'm pretty happy living on this lovely rock in the middle of the Pacific, but if there were one thing I would go back to the mainland for, it'd be this dude and the rest of my family.
My year as an exchange student in Hungary has had a huge impact on my life. If we're looking at it realistically, I probably wouldn't have been accepted here without it and who knows where in the world I would be right now. The things I learned through the application process and the year itself, as well as the time since then have taught me so much about myself, the world and what I want to do to make this a better place in whatever way I can. It was definitely one of the first really pivotal decisions I made in my life and I am forever grateful to my families, Rotary clubs and everyone else who made it possible.
I'm excited to hear about Samuel's adventures over there and hope he does a better job of keeping in touch than I did.
Love you bunches.
We love you too, Eliza!
ReplyDeleteI suspect he WILL see this. . . because someone (who shall remain nameless- but it's not me) is going to send him the link, I'm sure.
ReplyDelete. . .like a year is actually more like three, I think! Maybe this spring, or maybe not. He has a few other things on his plate- like too many AP classes for any sane person, just so he can follow in his wonderful big sister's footsteps and have an international adventure instead of hanging around high school for another year.
I delight in sharing in your experiences in Hungary, and now in Hawaii. I'm rather proud of YOU! You are quite spectacular yourself, and I love to watch you blossoming!
Your family loves you. We miss you. We cheer you on to your adventures, but you're welcome to land a little closer any time you like, for as long as you can stand.
Love you, daughter mine! Have another wonderful semester.