The Gifts of Summer

Summer has offered moments of clarity and a path of certainty to travel on. I march forward on stable ground with pounding footsteps. I advance towards the horizon with a clear mind and re-charged batteries.

The tranquil pace of summer and the lack of routine has allowed me to pause and reflect on the privileges of my life. I've spent much of the past few weeks packing up my apartment, donating endless amount of materials, electronics, clothes and more to friends and those in need. I've read through boxes of old letters, journals, and thumbed through hundreds of photographs, surfacing an infinite amount of memories from the past. Feelings of sadness have surged through my veins, while at othertimes, I've nearly short circuited with gratitude from all of the experiences that I've had in my life.

I am grateful to have such supportive loving parents, who have always empowered me to dream, and have given me the tools to accomplish my goals. I appreciate my girlfriend, who always keeps me going, and helps fuel my energies. I am indebted to my "brother" for patiently guiding me to the realization of my intrinsic gifts. I am thankful for my recent visit to Chicago and the quality time I spent with my sister, laughing, and creating new cherished memories. These are the moments that I treasure and embrace.

I open my arms to the sky and welcome all of the opportunities that I will have to impact change in the world. I cast my gaze into the horizon and seek out the journey and challenges that await me on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. South Africa, bring it on!