24 days later

I feel like I have accomplished so much since coming to Australia. I not only got on the plane to leave America and my family and friends behind, but I have seen the another part of the world. I was lucky enough to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, scuba the Great Barrier Reef, and watch the penguins as they stormed Phillip Island. But perhaps the greatest part of my trip was the people I met. Liana's family not only opened their house to Madeline and me, but they also opened their hearts.

Looking back on my Aussie adventures I couldn't ask for anything better than what I received. I felt welcomed into a family, but not only that Liana's friends couldn't be nicer. I am so grateful for everything that I have experienced since being here that words can never express how I feel. The only person who can possibly relate to how I feel is Madeline, and I'm fairly certain she is at a loss for words as well.

On our last day in paradise, we went back to the Victoria Market. I know I said that I was done buying souvenirs, but I found some things that I couldn't pass up. And while I was loading up on souvenirs, I also stocked up on Shapes. If they take them in customs I will cry. I fit all the boxes in perfectly with the presents I wrapped. I can't wait to give them to my family. I can't wait to see my family. I can't believe that I will be back in America in 30 hours. It's all to much to think about.

I think I've done everything I need to do.

I have climbed the bridge, scuba dived the reef, drove on the left side of the road, saw penguins, pet a kangaroo, hugged a wallaby, drank legally, gambled at a casino, ate real fish and chips, witnessed a white Christmas in summer, snuck into a hotel pool, snuck into a hotel, watched the Sydney NYE fireworks, and met some of the nicest people in the world. I hope that one day I will be able to bring myself to read this blog, but I fear that I won't get past the first post without crying. It's bitter sweet to leave, but I don't think that I'm ready. I guess it doesn't matter if I am ready or not. I will be on a plane back to the states tomorrow, and heading back to reality.

Cheers, mate.