So it's been about a month since i've last written anything, and even though i don't think anyone reads this anymore, i'll write one more for oma and mom.
Last month began with the farewell AFS camp, which was surreal in itself as i couldn't believe that i only had a month left at the time. Honestly, these past 6 months have gone by so fast, it's ridiculous. But what i began to grasp as i said my goodbyes to some of my exchange student friends was that i almost wasn't ready to leave. Yea, there have been times in which i've yearned to come home, and now as i face leaving, i could stay. However, i'm super stoked to get back to Marin. To see my family and my friends, and my dog, is going to be awesome. And to be able to surf and be back on Mt. Tam as well as share my experience will be crazy, i just get excited thinking about it. But still, it's hard to say goodbye to my good friends here, i don't know, but they're just my mates, and even though it's only been half a year, i feel like i've known these people, my friends and my host family, a lifetime.
Yet as my time here dwindles down, i haven't stopped having a good time. Although it often feels like i'm stuck in some sort of weird limbo in which i can't decide to stay or leave, it just keeps on staying fun. Being out with friends, going into Auckland, exploring the Waitakere ranges, it's just keeps on keeping, adding to the mentality that i'm just a permanent fixture here in West Auckland.
But overall, what can i say, my time here in NZ has given me the greatest experience of my life. What i've learned about myself and how much i've grown and matured can't really be measured, it just seems boundless. I don't remember who i was when i left, i just understand now who i am, and i like that. Having been exposed to another culture, as well as heaps of other exchange students has taught me a lot about the world and just how similar all people are essentially. The people i've met and the times i've had, both good and bad, have began to define me and who i am today, and i regret nothing, it's been the best.
It's been a long strange trip, and now as i began to turn myself back to California time, i guess i'm ready to go home. I know this blog hasn't been the best, as it hasn't been my top priority over the last few months. But if anyone wants to know about AFS, cultural exchange, or my time here, in more detail, just hit me up, i'll always be keen to talk about it.
If anyone has read or even glanced at this blog since January, thanks, it really means a lot that you care enough about me to look at it, cheers guys, it's been good, but now i'm headed home.
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