it seemed like this day would never arrive. but 3.5 years later, and here i am. i have entered my very final week of life in waterloo. on friday the 28th, i'll finish up my last day in the waterloo clinic. then, i'll drive to the KW airport, where i'll pick up my dad, who will join me once again for the long drive home.
my room is partly packed up right now. i can't believe how much stuff i've accumulated since being here. kind of makes me uncomfortable actually.
of course, i'm a little bit sentimental. this place, these people have helped shape who i have become over the past 4 years. and i think it would be safe to say that my time here has been some of the most defining years of my life thus far. to say that i've learned stuff would be a huge understatement. aside from all the obvious book stuff, i've also learned a lot of big stuff.
here's just a few of the things i've learned (in no particular order):
-how to be independent, confident, and trust in myself and my capabilities
-who my truest friends are
-that i love what i've chosen to do for the rest of my life, but that i don't want it to define who i am
-that regina will always feel like home (at least at this point in my life), but that i can feel at 'home' in any city, province or country
-that sometimes the best thing about home, is being able to come home to it
-that i have big goals and dreams, and that i shouldn't be scared to tell people them, no matter how ridiculous they may sound (i'm still learning on this one)
-that it's okay to be single and love it, but still look forward to the 'perfect' guy coming into my life
-that i don't think i'll ever fully satisfy my travel bug and desire to see the world
-that my biggest weakness when it comes to spending money is books
-that you can't spend your life worrying about money, but at the same time, that money can complicate things so much
-that i don't see my future in optometry taking place in a nice office in canada; rather i see myself providing eye care to those who have little access to it, whether that be in zambia, india, el salvador, or any other country in the world
-that i've learned the most about myself, while i am busy giving of myself to others
-that sometimes i think i would be happiest if i could travel the world for the rest of my life, with just the backpack on my back, and meeting all sorts of interesting people along the way
my heart is in a million places right now. not really sure what to think, what to expect. not really sure where i'll end up in the future - and too tired/scared to give it too much thought yet. so for now, i'll just continue taking things one day at a time. it's gotten me this far already.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
congrats on finishing your optometry degree, jill! what an accomplishment. its such an encouragement and inspiration to hear the ways God's leading your heart to use the talents He's given you to make a difference in the world.
thanks for sharing your thoughts friend! I've been thinking about you this week, know that it is your last, and wondering how you're feeling about it all...now I know! :)
This is a very exciting time. I truly cannot believe that it has been 3.5 years since you went out there. I still remember balling my eyes out b/c I would miss you so much! haha, Rachel and I still giggle about that day at your house. :) I'm excited to see where the next few years lead you...I know that they'll be great! And I hope to join you along some of your adventures at some point...after Matthew and I graduate that is. Enjoy your last few days and the ride home with your dad. See you when you get here!
i am so excited that you are coming home to me in 5 days! i also can't believe it's been 3.5 years since you first went out there. so much has happened since then and we have both grown up and changed alot. i am super excited for you to begin a new chapter in your life and for all the places that god has and will take you. i am so proud of you and look up with you in so many ways-your drive and determination, your heart for others, your love and passion for what you do, and how you want to make a difference. its so cool seeing how content you are to just be yourself and do what you do espically as i've found that for myself recently. i am so thankful for such a wonderful big sister and for all the adventures and experiences we have shared together. i can't wait for all the adventures we will share in years to come! and when your changing the world, i will be right there beside you!
love you lots!!
see you so very soon!!
xoxoxo
Post a Comment