
One Year Since One Year
365 days ago, I came home.
I left an unexpectedly dear group of friends, my surrogate siblings, a “party mix” of lovely people, and came home to the lifelong family who’d been counting the days down.
I said goodbye to a church who, before I joined in, modelled faith to me unknowingly from afar, and said hello again to the familiar faces of the church who helped shape the woman who wrote this.
I walked off a crowded beach and shook saltwater out of my hair. I stepped into a lake where the water is fresh and the nearest strangers were nearly out of sight.
I flew out of floral-scented suburbs that made for peaceful walks in the chilly morning fog. I passed over mountains and to land where the trees are wilder, yet the wildlife tamer.
I went from diversity to diversity. Different but the same. Because we don’t look, speak, think the same, that’s exactly why we belong together.
I gave up independence for stability. I could be on my own, but not well, and I’ve learned better than to trust only my own wisdom again.
I gave a piece of my heart to all I left behind, and found my heart larger than ever for the people whose stories I have yet to share in and places still to be discovered.
I miss Australia and her people. I’m in love with Canada and hers. I’m spoiled by the beautiful souls who’ve made this journey so wonderful — a journey that certainly didn’t end when I returned.
I spent a year of my life trying new things with new people. I have a hunger to start another adventure, and I wonder if it’ll be with you.

