In less than 24 hours, I will be on my way to Italy for my sister's wedding! I can't believe it's happening: my first trip outside of the United States. I'll get to explore Italy and Ireland for a couple weeks. I'm incredibly lucky!
I haven't traveled on a plane since I flew to Washington, D.C. to see President Obama's inauguration in 2009. Five and a half years later, I feel as excited as I did back then! Airports are annoying, but there's something about being in the air that makes me feel alive and whole. I want to embrace every part of this trip, both journey and destination.
I have been suffering from severe wanderlust for about a year, probably because of all the stories I've heard from my friends who have studied abroad. I've taken classes about different cultures as well, adding fuel to the fire. To be able to see a new part of the world at this time in my life is an indescribable blessing. I'm actually having trouble putting into words how much this trip means to me.
The experience of traveling is exciting in itself, but I am also looking forward to the family aspect of the trip. A wedding brings people together in a way nothing else can. In Italy, I'll get to spend time with some of my own relatives that I haven't seen in quite awhile, and I'll also get to witness two families merging as my sister and her awesome fiance start their life together. In Ireland, I'll be going to the county where my great-great grandparents lived. I can't wait to walk where they walked. What's more, I get to do it all with my parents, which means it's sure to be an adventure!
These are the moments when life happens, and I intend to live it fully. I hope to come back with lots of pictures, some fun memories, and maybe a new perspective. With all the possibilities ahead of me, it'll be a wonder if I can sleep tonight!
