Life.

First
Second
Third

I graduate in May. That is 10 weeks away. This past week was Spring break. I did a lot of thinking over this time. Where I'm going to live, how I'm going to support myself, when I'll be able to be where I want to be, etc. Travel is one of the main things I don't want to loose sight of. It's what gives me inspiration, creativity; it opens my eyes and broadens my worldview and touches a place in me that otherwise isn't there. But to make that all happen I need a job. I need a place to live, and food to eat. But I still want to go out and have fun in the meantime. It's a balance I haven't found yet. Life is so complicated.

Dreary Day

Today is such a dreary day today in Philadelphia. Yesterday I was reminded of all the things that are keeping me from traveling abroad and accomplishing my dreams. I'm afraid of being dirt poor when I come back. This usually happens when I travel. I also realized that my "start" date is about to get pushed back about 6 months. Ahh reality.

The Middle East

When I told people I was going to Israel Palestine to study abroad, I always got different reactions. Some were jealous and begged to be squeezed into any extra luggage space I might have (I had none), and others tried to mask the concern and shock on their face.  Most of this was thanks to the media in my country.

It's always been important to me to look at everyone the same. It's my fundamental belief that all humanity is equal.  And I have always done my best to keep in mind a constant check of any presumptions or opinions I had of a place, a people or an experience. My own family has some diversity and I live in Philadelphia, so I'm used to encountering people with different customs than my own and a different kind of beauty, but I also found myself a little bit scared to be entering into a territory even more foreign than South Philly. I'd be lying to say that the media attention on Israel Palestine didn't affect my state of mind going there to stay for several months.

The college I attended even went out of their way to instill what they call a "healthy fear". Yes, it's smart to be aware of your surroundings in a city, but I do that in Philadelphia...why should I be more aware in Jerusalem? Yes, I'm a tourist, and yes I stick out with my distinct Western appearance, but I never felt overtly threatened or targeted.

Whenever I see the Middle East in the news it always seems to be portrayed in the negative light. People groups, ethnicities and religions get thrown into that negativity and it frustrates me. Misrepresentation leads to ignorance which leads to fear which leads to irrational behavior and unjust prejudice. That's why I'm passionate about the Middle East. The people living there deserve a second chance. They deserve to be heard, understood, and not judged. I'm not asking anyone to cover up anything that's happened, ignore the past, or validate wrong things done in the world, but I simply ask you to open up your heart a little bit, remember that we're not perfect too, come with some understanding and inch towards forgiveness and look for peace.

My travels will once again take me to the Middle East.  But this time I want to focus on writing down the stories I hear and documenting what I see. What's really going on in the lives of these people that matter a whole lot to God.

What Inspired

I'm graduating my university in four and a half months. Four and a half months. I've decided to travel because of what started one year ago.

From January 2011 to August 2011 I lived a life I never thought possible. From January to May I studied at a University in Jerusalem, Israel. The rest of those months were spent volunteering at a local hostel and making friends with people who created my memories. Through that hostel I met people who are professional travelers (meaning they've travelled for more than 10 years). I've seen with my own eyes that's this life is possible.

And it's a life I don't really want to leave.

I don't have to fill my bank account. But I want to fill my life up.

I think the best way to learn is to leave where your life began. Broaden your horizons, reach for the fearful, learn a new way of thinking, and hope with your heart.

These pictures are from my travels in Israel and the time I spent in Jordan. I miss the Middle East. I miss the culture and the way of life, but most of all I miss the people. I never thought I'd find a home outside of good 'ole USA, but this time around I don't want to buy a plane ticket back. I want to live my life somewhere new.