So I have had time to reflect on everything.. and I have to admit. The IHP experience has really changed me. Starting with my career goals.. no longer looking to work at an NGO or grassroots level. Not my thing. Which.. changes my masters program. I am now looking to enter a program for International Communications, perhaps UNC or UWF. Either way, not moving to Vermont in the Spring! Aaand yes, living in Butler till I get accepted and can move again. I have now been home almost 1 month, and come another 1 1/2 weeks, I will be ready to move. After all for the past 4 months, it has really been my routine to move every 5 weeks! I am really happy with my decision to not move to VT, it was hard, esp. with all the non-refundable money i have given them for tuition, but its worth not spending wasted time and additional money. SO I am roughing it out in Butler.. jobless and broke. Talk about a lifestyle change..

I have had a lot of free time so I have had time to put a lot of my pictures from my IHP experience into online albums, which has been very bitter sweet. Great to see everyone and re-live memories.. sad bc. I am reminiscing by myself. I wish I had another IHPer who lived near me! Abbie was the first IHPer I spoke with on the phone, and that was 2 days ago. SO good to hear her voice! Way more comforting that I expected. I am nervous that I will lose touch with some key ppl, but thanks to facebook many messages have easily been sent back and forth.

Argentina was great, but really it wasnt like the 1st 2 cities at all. Because it was the last, I was focused on the end. I had a lot of work to bring together my independent research project plus take care of all my end of the semester work. ANd make some lasting memories.. plus I couldnt wait to get home and see everyone. 4 months of being away was hard! I have a feeling it would have been a little different if communication was easier. I am just so used to having my cell phone attached to the palm of my hand! It was nice at times.. but communication ease is something that I value, haha.

I <3 black and gold

Hey!

I am back home! I immediately knew the gate for my flight to Pittsburgh when I saw a cluster of black and gold. Since it was a game day everyone was wearing their pride- jerseys, hats, scarves, luggage bags, etc. I already felt happy just flying with these people.. it was so good to see our colors! Unfortunately, the 1st Penguin and Steelers games I saw this season we lost. I don't know what that's about, soo maybe I will go back to not watching the games.

I have been home about a week. I flew back into Pittsburgh the night of December 14th, Mom, Steph, and Emmy picked me up at the airport, and I am pretty sure we laughed the entire hour car ride home. I was not prepared for the culture shock of re-entry to the US! I was so amazed as how orderly our traffic is! And spending money is soo simple! Its so great not having to make the conversion from rupees, rands, or pesos! It was so embarrassing, we stopped to get a few drinks, and I asked Steph to get me a glass of tap water, or a bottle of water with no gas. Haha. Even at a restaurant ordering in Spanish and speaking to the waiter in Spanish was on the tip of my tongue the whole time. It felt so awkward speaking and hearing English everywhere.

I have gotten to see a lot of family and friends, and its just been wonderful. Being around people that know me and understand me is great! I am just so appreciative and feel so lucky to have so many amazing people in my life. Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a letter, or email, or called me, or prayed for me. It meant so much hearing stories from home while I was away. I really hope I get a chance to visit and tell stories. Pleeease, if u want to know anything about this past semester, ask anything. I can almost promise you I have a story. But, I don't realize I what I have to tell until I am asked because it was all part of one big experience. So.. the more detailed you are with questions the better because you know how I can ramble.=) Plus I have pics..

I hope all your families are doing well! Thanks again for your prayers! This was such an incredible journey, and I learned so much, so thank you for your support!

Merry Christmas!