Learning and growing

I say it a lot, and I mean it just as much, but I just cannot seem to describe to you the deeply spiritual and mental journey this experience has become. I expected it. I knew there would be days where I would feel alone or guilty or afraid. But the other things I have experienced are absolutely beyond words. I have never learned so much in such little time. I've discovered things about myself; my identity, my beliefs, my prejudices, my talents, my gifts. I've learned what it means to stand for something, and how important it is to cling to that identity within you. I used to fear categories and labels, but now I've just accepted the fate that no matter what, people will use them and I might as well make it clear what labels I want put over my head. I've learned what it means to listen. I've learned what it means to care. I've learned to be flexible and open-hearted, genuine and honest. And I think I've discovered what is important in this life is just love. And love has always been a serious subject and word for me; it's never been a light-weight word. especially when it comes to actions and life. But here it has been given richer and deeper meaning and application than I ever thought possible. It comes in the simplest kindness from strangers, it comes from making friends in the most beautiful ways, it comes from learning new things from people different than yourself. It goes beyond action or emotion, it is a type of love that you can only feel shake you to your bones. And here, there is this certain type of fearless that arrives as you deal with each new day. I can conquer anything. There is no person too scary or intimidating to become a friend. There is no language barrier too great to communicate. There is no food to
odd to try.

Sometimes, I get sad. I miss home. I miss feeling completely comfortable and knowledgeable. And of course I miss all the familiar and beautiful faces that exist back home. But then, somewhere along the line, someone picks me up and helps me realize that this whole world is my home. And all the people here are familiar faces that love me and all the places are just different looking homes for me to relax in.

So, that's just a teeny, tiny bit of my thoughts on the way that this trip has impacted me so far. It's so hard to put into words some change you can't quite describe, so it may take me a little bit to figure it all out.

But I wanted to refine some of my goals for the rest of this journey, just because I think it's important to do that sometimes.

1. I want to learn more history
2. I want to read more
3. I want to take better pictures
4. I want to learn more about other cultures
5. I want to love people better
6. I want to learn one new skill
7. I want to learn new languages
8. I want to discover more of the world
9. I want to be a better friend
10. I want to pray and reflect more
11. I want to think more

So I am going to upload pictures on blogger for a while I guess, just because Facebook has been the most IRRITATING thing on the planet lately with pictures. I have some of Kaunas and Grutos Parkas up!