Hi Everyone 

It's been a while. I figured I would post one last time, at least until we set off on our next adventure. This is my fourth post to have started since our return to Canada, A.K.A real life, none of which I got around to finishing, for an assortment of reasons. I either got busy, got bored, or what I had written just wasn't working properly to the point where I didn't feel like I could continue to write.

I have high hopes for this post, simply because I'm not writing it with any kind of preconceived purpose other than to assure you that I haven't disappeared off the face of the planet. It's not an adjusting post, there would be big problems if after three months we weren't adjusted. It's just a general thinking post. I hope that's alright.

Let's start our journey in the past tense. Leaving South Africa was one of the hardest things I've ever put myself through. I'm so thankful for the opportunity, which I know was a rare one, particularly among people my age. There were high and low points, as in everything but in some ways, I don't think the trip could have turned out any more perfectly. I met some fantastic people, who I hope to stay close with. I learned invaluable lessons and grew up in ways I couldn't have imagined. I fell in love with the city, became closer with my family, got a great tan, immersed myself in the complicated, horrific and inspiring history of the country, and of course, saw a wealth of unforgettable sights. On top of all of that, I met one of the most important people in my life today. Needless to say, leaving was painful but I feel so lucky to have arrived at all.

Today, and the surrounding days feel almost like a filler in between moments. I'm not sure what I'm expecting. For now, it's school, sleep, and whatever I happen to be doing in between. In late April and all through May, I'm going to have a busy performance season in the way of choir and voice. In June, I'm launching into final exams, making a week long trip to Quebec City with my class, and, of course, graduating from junior high (for the second time). I can't speak for the rest of my family, although I know everybody is working hard at their respective jobs. I'll try to convince one of them to make a post of their own.

This brings us to the summer. We've made plans, some of which are final, some less so. If anyone is interested, I would be happy to keep writing whenever I have something interesting to announce. If not, until the next adventure folks.

-Holly