24 Jul 2010

I’m taking you some place AMAZING!

In about a week I will be venturing into South America alone, by planes, buses and finally a ferry to a beautiful island on a huge lake, to a very sacred place nestled between two volcanoes. I will live there for 3 months before knowing where I am supposed to travel next. Probably Sierra Leone. This morning I woke up with nervous excitement trapped in my belly, but it was curdled with sadness, doubt, regret and fear. Losing my sweet lover to impossible circumstances, leaving my home, beautiful Colorado. Failure of one of my biggest dreams after just 5 short months. I knew I needed to move on, to start over again some place new. But I kept wondering, is this trip was too drastic? Too soon? What if it all goes horribly wrong? What if I run out of money and get stranded? I can’t speak any Spanish. That seems stupid. Going into South America not knowing how to even ask directions. I don’t know any of the people I am soon going to meet and adventure with. I asked myself, “Am I doing the right thing? Should I go?”

The words I heard and felt ring through my body replied stronger than any of my doubts. “I am going to take you some place AMAZING. I will always take you to amazing places.” A huge, calming certainty flooded over me. And for the first time I realised, I don’t have to wait for anyone to follow my dreams. I don’t have to check if its okay. I don’t need a friend or a partner to go with me. I am all I need to be happy and free.

This trip is perfect for me. The opportunities there are staggering. Everything I have wanted to do for years. I will tell you more tomorrow.

Let me put you in my pocket and take you on this wild, and yes impetuous adventure. I will document the whole experience from beginning to end, mosquitoes and all.

Comments

  • olivia
    August 1, 2010 Reply

    Thanks Stephen! I’m glad I got to meet you when i was in the burgh. That is a FABULOUS collection of treehouses, including some I have never seen before. Thanks!

  • Stephen Wayhart
    July 31, 2010 Reply

    Just checking in to say hello and wish you well on your journey. You’ve always got a friend in me in Pittsburgh!

    Also, for your tree house file – check these out!
    http://tinyurl.com/lvyfrg

  • bird
    July 26, 2010 Reply

    Haha Jo – I’m so glad you came out of lurk mode into the lovely sunshine!! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I really hope to see more of you around here 🙂

  • jo
    July 26, 2010 Reply

    just delurking to say, good luck with your travels! i came across your journal in a random way and am so glad i did. i admire your strength and willingness to just keep picking yourself up after disappointment.

  • bird
    July 25, 2010 Reply

    They found me. We’re doing an exchange 🙂

  • denise
    July 25, 2010 Reply

    is this a mission trip? or did you just find this place? please be careful and i am excited to follow your journey.

  • bird
    July 25, 2010 Reply

    Thanks Bronnie. It could all go horribly wrong, I realise that. I am nervous. But then again, things didn’t work out with Joseph either, but I don’t regret a single day of being with him. I’d probably do it all over again because it was worth it.

  • Bronnie
    July 25, 2010 Reply

    I am deeply afraid for you and estatic at the same time. Just know that with all my heart and all courage and vasbytness I am with you and believe in you my friend

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