Three Decades of Learning

I think it is funny how things change as we age. Our goals, tastes, even our life dreams are all shaped by our faith, family, friends and life experiences.

Last week, I was reminded of such changes as my thirtieth birthday came and went. I thought over my three decades here on earth and reflected at the many amazing experiences I've already had. Opportunities to live abroad in a foreign country for a year, at the young age of 16. To graduate from an Australia high school, learn the culture and find a part of myself. The growth and love that I experienced in Australia continues to touch me to this day, as do the friendships and family that I made during that year.

My home away from home, Terrigal, NSW Australia

14 years after my year abroad, I continue to think of my "second hometown" as a wonderful, nostalgic place in which I long to be again someday. I am grateful to have already returned to the land Down Under two additional times since leaving my host family in 1998, once with the husband that I used to dream about and pray for while roaming the sandy white beaches of the Central Coast. I know that one day, we will return again with our children and I am already looking forward to that day.

My college roommate and I touring France, 2003

I reflected on my travels, friends, family and adventures in the past 3 Each bringing a unique experience, of which I wouldn't change a thing. The countries I visited prior to marriage, made me into an independent, worldly person, all before the age of 23. After marriage, I slightly regretted having gone so many places by myself, as I now longed to share those experiences with my husband. And so, together T.J. and I began to travel together, touring places I had never before been and a handful of places which I had been prior. Tahiti, Hawaii, Caribbean, Australia and various places within our own country. And now, with a two year old in tow, we continue to travel and learn and grow, as a family.

Our Happy Family on vacation, September 2010

As a young child, I dreamed of being a marine biologist or zookeeper when I grew up. That dream remained until junior high when I took my first biology class and realized sadly that my career choices were not in my future. I developed a love for writing and began pursing journalism. Until I learned of my love for psychology. Until I learned of my love and desire to be a wife and mom. And now, I am happily and joyfully living with a job I never knew I wanted, but feel like I was designed to do. Be a mom and a wife. I am so very glad that with age, my dreams have changed and brought me exactly to where I want to be.

Along with happy and grateful thoughts surrounding my thirty years thus far, I was also reminded of a recent loss of which I feel my heart will never fully recover from. A miraculous blessing bestowed upon us and taken away too quickly. A little life that we will never hold or watch grow. As hard as it is, I know that I am learning and growing from our difficult experiences, just as we do from our joyful experiences. And my faith reminds me that someday, we will be reunited with our child.

And so, I have now completed three official decades of life and learning. I am grateful for each and every moment of that time. The good and the bad. The sad and the glad. And I am looking forward to a lifetime of learning ahead of me and the beautiful family I have been blessed with.