Last night, Mitch and I drove downtown for the opening night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, and probably my favorite event of the summer. The sunset was breathtaking.
Steps Forward
It has now been 11 days since Mitch and I returned to Rochester. In that time, I’ve marveled over American efficiency, enjoyed much-missed diner breakfast, remembered why I like running, visited my old “stomping grounds” with friends, and spent a great deal of time with my family. I also made a decision about the future.
Over the weekend, I booked my one-way flight to Singapore. I called Mitch before I clicked “submit payment” and he encouraged me to go for it. For a cost, just about anything is reversible. (Not that I plan to incur that cost, but it’s a comforting thought.)
For the time being, I’ll remain mum about Mitch’s plans and prospects. Don’t want to jinx anything. In a likelihood, we’ll spend a year apart in order to make some money and gain some experience before moving forward, wherever that happens to be.
Thanks for the Memories
Mitch and I are now back in the US and we’re trying to figure out our next steps. In the meantime, I’ve been thinking a lot about the positive aspects of my experience in Malaysia. I have learned a lot, befriended inspiring people, expanded my taste buds, and stretched my mind. Along those lines, I am grateful for (in no particular order):
- the people I met who kept me grounded, taught me about traveling, and were always up for trying something new
- finding the courage within myself to seek out experiences I never imagined I could or would have
- my family and friends from home who supported me through phone calls, emails, text messages, comments on this blog, and updates on Facebook
- the friends I made in Malaysia for being there all hours of all days, bringing me out of my comfort zone, and helping me become wiser, stronger, and braver than I thought I could be
- the travels that I had all over Southeast Asia
- learning about different people, places, and cultures
- the food I grew to love, like curry mee, laksa, Chinese vegetable curry, and Indian food of all varieties
- learning to play badminton
- my students for knowingly and unknowingly bringing a smile to my face every day with their inquisitiveness, curiosities, excitement for learning, and positive energy
- my boyfriend, for supporting my desire to teach overseas, talking me off multiple cliffs, traveling all over with me, and never wavering in his affection (I love you, too)
Lesson learned: Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. Ms. Frizzle was right all along.
By Rebecca Michelle 