Home Sweet Home

I'm heading into my last two days in Colorado and I have to say I missed it here more than I ever expected or realized.. It's gonna be so hard to leave. I am overwhelmed trying to see everyone that I want to see and know I'm not gonna get to see everyone. I have had more fun in 6 days than I thought possible visiting home haha... I forgot how truly amazing and beautiful this state is. There are so many colors and so much green. But it isn't just the plants, and the mountains that are colorful its the buildings too. Everything here is so beautiful. There are so many places to see and things to do in this state I don't know how anyone could ever be bored and when I think on the past I get upset with myself that I didn't take more opportunities to experience all of the glory that Colorado has to offer while I lived here. Although I have every intention of moving back when the timing is right with God.
It has been amazing seeing my friends and just being in their presence. What it so cool about coming home to visit now is that everyone I see.. I love and I know they love me! There is no pressure about being anything but myself and I can relax and be silly and carefree.I can be completely blunt and honest about my opinions and know its not gonna change anything...even if we argue and disagree. I know without a doubt no matter what they love me and that is really cool to know. Although old emotions were brought up and there were moments where I forgot that I am no longer who I use to be and have grown into a stronger woman it was really fun to bring the more confident, self assured me home to my friends.
I think the most surprising and encouraging moments I've had is when I've gotten to talk to some of my friends and family about my relationship with God and how it has changed my life. I have to admit I've been apprehensive and have feared that I would be judged, and rejected because of my faith and I have been met with love. There is nothing more encouraging than when love prevails over fear.
One of the biggest things I've been trying to do while I've been home is only to eat at restaurants that are not in Arizona and it's been fairly easy. That is sad for the food industry in Arizona. Oh how I've missed Colorado's diversity and simplicity in finding good food to eat that are locally owned. Since I've been home.. I've had Ethiopian, Thai, good 'ol bar burgers, buffalo burger, and subway...haha okay Subway can be found anywhere but it was good! Not to mention good old Louisiana home cookin' by my Mom! She made me Jambalaya and Red Beans and Rice for my birthday and it was delicious! Be jealous...it's okay...you should be!
And last but not least spending time with my family has been amazing. Although there are times where we (I) have fallen into our old patterns it is obvious that we as a family are moving forward in our lives. That we are changing and growing as individuals and are also growing as a family. It isn't easy and it is far from perfected (I cried yesterday over something stupid) but there is a difference. My family is so important to me and I love them more than I can put into words, but it's me and I will always try! :D We have successfully come out of real dark places better, stronger, wiser people and I am proud of who we are. I am proud of my Brother for finding such an amazing beautiful,thoughtful, clever, smart, funny wife. I am proud of him for accomplishing his goals and always holding steadfast to his opinions.I am proud of my Sister in Law for entering into this silly family and going along with our silly traditions no matter what! I am proud of her for finishing her classes and taking on her internships with out any nervousness... she is an inspiration.  I am proud of my Sister, who is the kindest, most loving person I have ever met and I am constantly trying to be like her. Still at 26 years old I want to be like my Sister... I think that's pretty cool. And my Mother....anyone who has ever met my Mother knows what a light she is. Everything about her is love. She is amazing, nothing else needs to be said.
With that being said...my trip home; which isn't even over yet, has been magical. I love it here. I love my Family, my Friends, the food, the scenery, the everything. What I have learned is you can never go back to the way things were. I don't even want to go back to the way things were, but you can go home again and move forward into greater things.