"Great people do things before they are ready, they do things before they know they can do them." -Amy Poehler

So now that it's all becoming so real, I've officially created a board on Pinterest dedicated to travelling. Places to go. Tips for packing. Travelling on a budget. 

But I just wanted to take a moment and fawn over the places I hope to go.. 

Greece. Ever since I saw the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Greece has caught my eye. There is so much beauty in the architecture, city, and water. 

Venice, Italy. Staying in Venice for a week would be an adventure within itself. The food, the wine, the culture. Hopefully take a day trip to Verona, it's an hour and 15 minute drive (I've already checked); see Juliet's Wall,  

Paris, France. Can you imagine how beautiful it would be to watch the sunset with the Eiffel Tower in view while eating a macaroon and reading a good book? Venture around the city, add a lock to the Pont de l'Archeveche, the Love Lock bridge! 

Barcelona, Spain. Explore the Plaça Catalunya, the heart of Barcelona. It's 15 minutes away from the beach! It would be remarkable to attend a festival and watch the city come to life. 

Dublin, Ireland. A friend suggested spending the weekend here for Saint Patrick's Day, and I couldn't think of a better place to go! I've heard that the University organizes a trip, so I hope that would be something fun too! 

And of course, London, UK is a 2 hour train ride away! So I plan to make a few weekend trips down there as well. 

47 days until one of the greatest experiences of my life. I feel so excited, nervous, blessed, and scared at the same time. How is this possible? 

Stay beautiful,

♥always

-E

It may not be easy but it will be worth it.

Think about it. Everything in life worth having has required some sort of battle. It makes us appreciate the outcome so much more. The journey we take defines who we are. To study or not study. To engage with someone who doesn't listen or just walk away. To eat another slice of cake or drink some water. To get up and try again or just stay defeated. 

I consider myself defined by the fact that I spent 2 hours at my study abroad orientation preparing for the United Kingdom. It's another step closer to being over there for a semester. I have face obstacles after obstacles in efforts of making my dream happen. I feel like I am coming out stronger each time. No matter how many step back I take, I will take even more forward. Because my experience in England will be rewarding, amazing, enjoyable, challenging, special, riveting, and most of all, life changing. 

It will all be worth it because the journey is not easy.. 

I hope to find a church when I get settled in, join a volleyball team, maybe join an outdoors club. I'm determined to meet new people and explore. My spring break I have a whole month off, yes, a whole 30 days. (: I aspire to spend a week in Paris, Madrid, Venice, and somewhere in Greece each. Hop from hostel to hostel, live off of street vendors, and breathe in the European culture that will surround me. Ride the Eye, watch the sunset at the Eiffel Tower, swim in the waters of the Grecian Island, and so much more. 

I have been called to this adventure for a reason that I do not know yet, but I am jumping in with an open mind, heart, and soul. While I am terrified, I have never felt more alive. I have a feeling this is what life is all about. 

52 days y'all. 52 days. (: 

Stay beautiful,

♥always

-E

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" -Winnie the Pooh

Part of growing up is leaving the nest. Spreading your wings and learning how to fly. Taking that leap of faith. Falling. Getting back up and trying again. Each time you might fall, you feel the pain no doubt.But you also feel the encouragement and faith of people around you; family, friends, and mentors.

People who believe in you day in and out.
People who invest in your future.
People who listen to your problems.
People who brush your tears away.
People who give you a firm push to try again.
People who love you.

I know for a fact that I am the luckiest girl alive to have something everywhere I go that makes saying goodbye so hard. Whether I'm home, or in Charleston which is my home away from home.I guess that's why I never say goodbye. Because I know in my heart that I will see them again. The love, bond, and connection of our relationships is woven into my journey with Christ. The people that I love never truly leave me, they're always in my heart. 

In December I will be saying goodbye to Charleston as I head home for a few months and pack for England. Then on January 25th at 6:15 PM, I will say good bye to home, my family, and friends and embark on the journey of a lifetime to Nottingham, England. 

Excited is an understatement. 

Cutting of the Ceremonial Red Ribbon; First Post

Life. 

It's such a funny thing. You spend all your time thinking you want something. Then when you finally get it, it's not what you pictured. Your mind played it up to be grand. Remarkable. Mindblowing. But maybe that's the gift of life itself. You don't get too comfortable. By keeping you on your toes, you learn to appreciate what you have, love who you can, and laugh when it's possible.

Lee Brice sings a song that has become my life motto. Seriously. I've looked into tattoos, but there's so many words that it looks painful. And I'm somewhat of a chicken. 

Be a best friend, tell the truth

Overuse 'I love you.' 

Go to work, do your best. 

Don't outsmart your common sense. 

Never let your praying knees get lazy. 

And love like crazy.  

So life. 

It is a funny thing. In ways that you cry, smile, giggle, and hug. So embrace the unpredictability. Enjoy the ride. And remember that if God brought you to it. He'll bring you through it. 

stay beautiful, 

♥always

-E