Wander Lusting

The city of lights and opportunities - that is what I witnessed when I flew into the LAX airport a few days ago. I spent a little time in California recently and it was nice, but truthfully it is not the city or the state that has me returning this time. However, as a stared out the window overlooking the beautifully lit city, while finishing up a wonderfully written story in the National Geographic about LA, I got a little nostalgic thinking, perhaps like so many others before me who have come here to find themselves, maybe this could be what I've been searching for.

I love traveling, meeting people from all around the world, seeing landmarks people will only read about in books, fumbling around to eat, drink, and get places (okay, I secretly do wish that part was easier)... but so much more is my love to teach. I once heard a quote that "everyone speaks the same language when they smile." This is how I feel when I am in a classroom with my foreign exchange students. I may not understand them and they pretend not to understand me, but put a smile on your face and it automatically makes everything better. There is a sense of ease and calm and understanding, and lack of judgement, that your face illuminates with that simple smile. That is why it is so hard to give it all up to come home in order to be closer to my family. You may be a little confused, thinking why can't I still teach in America. Well technically my certification is only good in countries that are non-English speaking countries. However, I learned about a masters program that would allow me to continue doing, teaching those that I love, and if desire, stay "closer" to home. That is where California comes in. The state of California has more of these programs than any other state, and the life experience surrounding it. So my research has begun on how I can basically please everyone without giving up what I love.

There is a bit more to the story.. there is a boy - isn't there always - who also happens to live in California. I told you the top part first so that you wouldn't think I was some typical girl who is dropping everything because she thinks she is in love. As my cousin ever so gently put it (not really, she's pregnant though, so give her a break), "do not move out there for someone, move because you want to and it will benefit your life, and if he fits into it that is a huge bonus." I love my cousin and I respect her so much, and I know she is just looking out for me. So I took her advice to heart. I will not get all sappy telling you how I could stare into the eyes of this guy for hours and feel a sense of security that I have never felt with anyone else. But I will tell you that the chances of me moving out here are extremely high, lets be honest, but when I do it will ultimately be for me and what makes me happy, but I will not object for a moment if he fits into it.

This may only be a vacation, and I've only been here a few days, but there is a feeling of comfort that I get by being here; one that I was not really expecting so soon. For that reason among others, I am not opposed to trying out a new chapter of my life here. I have traveled as far as Korea and as high as Mount Tanzania and if I can conquer those challenges alone, I am certainly willing to try this with friends around me. Who knows what will happen at this point, I'm okay being left in the dark for now, as long as I can see that light at the end of the tunnel I am satisfied. When I do figure it out however, be ready for the amazing journey.

For now though, I am going back to staring into that amazing guy's eyes.