Happy Thanksgiving!

So it's Thanksgiving, and, as I try to do every year (and as often as possible), I am just taking time to be thankful. For things, sure, but most of all for the people in my life. Especially as I prepare to leave the ones I love the most for my longest stretch of time ever, the outpouring of love and support has amazed me every single day. Ever since I bought my plane ticket, there has been a notable shift in how my family and close friends have acted towards me. Hugs are longer, plans and phone calls made more frequently, and "I love you" said more often.  I may joke and say things such as "it's like I'm dying" or "it's like they will never see me again", but the fact of the matter is, this is how life should be lived. We SHOULD treat the people we love as if we won't get to see them for six months. Always. It's been an incredible lesson in remembering to live life to the fullest. Not only abroad, but at home and anywhere else, everything could change in an instant. And because my friends and family can't physically be there with me for the duration of my semester abroad, this is their way of packing in the quality time and making me feel their love as much as possible while it is able to be expressed in the most personal ways. A stockpiling of warm fuzzies, if you will. In my opinion, gratitude and love are pretty much one in the same. Appreciating someone for the person they are is the best way to love. Even though I'm in a special situation right now, it makes me really want to keep this going even when I get back. I want others to feel as loved as I do in this moment. Because it is amazing, and they deserve it, and I'm so thankful for this opportunity and all the unexpected ways it is already changing my life. 

I will leave you with a picture taken last summer with my 5 biggest fans :)