One

Well it is officially I have been living in Australia for a year! I am reminiscing this weekend about saying goodbye to my parents and brothers and friends as I got on a plane heading to a country I didn’t know. I felt really brave when I signed up to be an Au Pair for a year in this unknown land but I felt that confidence falter as soon as the plane took off in California. For the first hour on that long ride I kept asking myself what in the world I had gotten myself into, I was scared to not like this new adventure and I was even more scared of what might happen if I loved it. I was afraid I would fall in love with Australia and not want to go back home.

To my surprise I not only fell in love with Australia but also an Australian man. I will leave alone the story of that special fiance of mine because this post is not about him, it is about this gorgeous sunburnt country I am now calling my second home.

I got off the plane one year ago exactly, I had two large duffle bags one small and a carryon that was it (and I know thats a lot but I am a girl and shoes are important). If I was to go back home now I would leave with far more than what those bags could hold, the memories and moments I have had here in the last year could fill a book trilogy. I got to spend a majority of this last year living with the McGowan family as their Au Pair, and because of this amazing family I have been able to see so much of this massive island continent. Within the first month of arriving I had already been to the Hunter Valley wine tasting and had a family holiday trip to Fiji, two things I never imagined I would be doing. I also got to learn so much more about eventually becoming a parent which I know is one of the most valuable things the McGowan family gave me the opportunity to experience.

I traveled to Adelaide and Melbourne with the family and saw how each city is so unique, having their own personality and experiences to offer. I felt my eye opening far wider this year than in any previous year of my life. One of the things I most admire about the people in Australia is there desire to travel and experience what other cultures have to offer. I want to be more like that, to not only want to do something but actually GO and do it.

The biggest lesson I have learned since being down under is this: adventures are worthwhile and they start as soon as you let them, they can be something big like moving to a new country or small like seeing a hidden treasure in your own home town.

My life has been completely enriched because of this last year. God is good!

Adventures are waiting-

Abby