Decision Making Time

After a long time of mulling things over, I have finally come to a decision.  You might be asking, "What are you talking about?!"  While I was staying with my Italian family, they asked me to live with them for an entire year.  I told the family I would have to think about it, but I would get back to them in mid-September with my decision.

Since coming back home to Maryland, I have been really debating what I should do.  I weighed the pro's and con's.  I really thought about what I would miss.  I also really thought about the amazing experiences I would have living abroad.  My final thoughts were how much I would miss out on not being with friends and family and the what if's.  My what if's were--what happens if I get over there and nothing works out? What happens if I don't make any friends?  I would really need an outlet over there that would not consist of Skyping home daily.  The Italian and American cultures are so very different, and I know I could handle it for a month or two.  The real question is could I give up everything I have here at home for a year?

Well, my decision has been made.  I will be staying in Italy next summer again, but I will not be staying for an entire year.  I know you are probably upset by hearing this, but I have my reasons.  My traveling experiences this past summer were amazing, and I am constantly reminiscing of the time I had there.  When I came home, I truly realized how wonderful my family and friends were and how blessed I was for the life I live.  This summer I was given the chance to kind of find myself, throw out all the rules, and just have fun.  My life has always been on a track since leaving high school, and I really needed to deviate from that track for a little while.  The main reason for going abroad was to have a change in life and to travel, and I got everything I could ever wanted out of the experience.

Now, don't you worry.  I have big plans for more extravagant adventures.  The plans for next summer are in the works.  I will have tons more little outings and new experiences between now and then, so check-in from time to time.