Good ol' Mark Twain

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

I absolutely love this quote...it may seem cliche and a tad bit overused, but who can really say it any better than Mark Twain? (classy guy)

I've been thinking a lot about my future.  I have always been one of  those people who is deadset in my ways, known my future, etc etc.  I have pretty much always wanted a future career as a teacher, to get married, have kids, the whole shibang.  The funny thing is the longer I stay in New Zealand, the less sure I am becoming.  I have met tons of people of all age groups, places in their lives, and upcoming futures.  The more I discuss life with them, the more I realize how much there is to do and see.  I think I am finally realizing that your 20's are kind of your crazy selfish years--learning independence, gaining insight, traveling, working, etc.

After talking with a travel agent during a few travel seminars with a friend, I realized that it is a passion of mine to travel.  I mean, I have always known that I loved to travel (and have been INCREDIBLY blessed to be able to--especially with my family!), but now I see that there is so much more to it.  I want to see everywhere, experience cultures, meet new people, work in foreign cities.  Whether or not I can be a teacher around the globe or I will have to eventually change what I do (or work odd jobs while traveling?) is beyond me at this point.  I've realized that I may want to postpone some of the things (like, oh, marriage and kids!!) until later so I can have time to save money, travel, and live a little bit.  At least at this point, I am looking into many different options for after I graduate around the globe.  Everything from Mercy Ships, Peace Corps, to ALT, etc.   Because you says you CAN'T see the whole world?