It’s been a bit of a slump in writing, so I thought I would go back to the basics and recap what the past few months have been like for me! **Which is really what the point of this series is supposed to be anyways. 😉
I’m not going to lie y’all. These past few months have been extremely hard. I wish I could say that things were different and I wish I could say that I am extremely happy, but I’m not. In one of my weekly newsletters I get, the message of the week was about being stretched and y’allll do I feel that.
It’s hard to really describe because I feel so lucky and blessed to be living out here in Thailand, but that being said, I’m living a very average (take that with a grain of salt) life. The only thing that makes my life different from anyone back in the states is the location in the jungle that may or may not have the occasional elephant.
I’ve never doubted by “being in the right place” feeling, but this is a hard season. I’m also very sure that it is supposed to be this way. Sometimes I think people tend to get lost in the notion that if we aren’t living our best lives all the time, something is wrong. I couldn’t disagree more.
We can be living our best lives and still be going through hell and back.
That hell is teaching us something that a problem free life never would. Tenacity.
I mean, 52 months abroad is no joke y’all. It’s hard sometimes!
But that doesn’t mean that I won’t get through it. I know I will. It’s just the when I’m not so sure about.
Now for events that happened…
Last time we talked, I was on my way to Morocco. Y’all. If you ever have the chance to go there… go.
It was a dream. It’s absolutely my favorite and I already can’t wait to go again. It was a complete breath of fresh air from the drama I was drowning in at work.
That being said, my trip would not have been the same if I wasn’t there with the people I was with. People can absolutely make or break your trip and they absolutely made it for me. There are time where God just knows what you need and paves the way for that to happen. This was that time.
As soon as I got back from Morocco, there was a flurry of events that happened as we headed straight into the Christmas season. I’m not even honestly sure what all happened since it happened so fast.
Next thing I knew, I was in Portland for Christmas. Guys, this time was so sweet. It was one of the first time I felt like I was able to relax. I wasn’t concerned about taking photos or blogging or even going shopping (some of y’all know how big that is for me). I just wanted to connect with my friends and family again. I had so many sweet conversations and memories, that I honestly can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at home. It was different than it usually is. I’m not sure if it was the Christmas spirit floating around or just the fact that my heart was aching for home, but whatever it was, I left with such a full heart.
This January has probably been the longest month in history. Part of me can’t believe that we’re already one month into the year and the other part of me can’t believe we aren’t already past Valentine’s Day yet. Maybe it was how my trip home was, but it’s been a lot harder to get into the groove of late. I feel like my time in Thailand is ending, but I’m not sure when that’s going to be. I recently signed a contract to work one more school year to see my Grade 11’s graduate next year. But then, I think I’ll be out.
I think I’m ready for a new adventure, to explore a little something different, a lot more uncomfortable.
Until then, I’ll be soaking up every last minute in this beautiful place.
Till next time
xx
-Ari
How cute is my mother? 
Probably my favorite picture of us of all time. Doesn’t she look good for 72?!
