I think the one thing that I've began to realize since being here is what is truly valuable in this life that I have.  First though, I will start by saying what is not valuable to me in my life.  What is not valuable to me in life is the things I own.  I slowly have begun to realize that the things I say I "need" are only things I want.  I want the new iPod touch, but I don't need it...I would like to buy new clothes at ZARA or H&M, but I don't need them.

I am also realizing that traveling to distant, far-away lands is not valuable to me at all.  Sure I love to travel to other countries and be a tourist sometime...I mean, who doesn't enjoy that?!  However, at the end of my life, will those be the things I will remember the most?  The fact that I lived in Spain for two years and got to visit Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Venezuela, Uruguay, China and England?  I have come to the conclusion that this isn't what's valuable in my life either.

So what is it that I see as valuable in this existence that I call "my life?"  What are the things that make life mean so much to me?  One thing that means more to me than trips or possessions is the people I experience all those things with.  I could go to every country on the globe, but if I don't have someone with me to reminisce about those trips and the experiences along the way, what's the use in going?  Life's not nearly as fun without friends or family in your life to experience them with.

I have come to also realize that God is truly the most valuable thing I could ever have in my life.  He knows me, loves me, is merciful to me and sustains me in times of trouble and turmoil.  Even though the mountains may fall into the sea, the Lord is a warrior and stands strong for me in the times that I feel weak.  I feel so little and insignificant compared to him and to know that he is above all nations and people, brings comfort to my soul.

To all my friends and family, I say thank you for the experience that I have had with each and everyone of you.  Your smiles and laughter, sadness and tears have forever been impressed upon the walls of my mind and heart.  You have taught me things that I will forever carry the rest of my life about God, the world, and the beauty of everything around me.

To my God, I say thank you for being there with me in the hard times and the good times.  Thank you for your mercy and grace even when I don't even deserve it.  Thank you for the times where you make me laugh and the times where I break down and you pick me back up and set my feet upon a rock.