June 19, 2010

I sat in reflection on an old familiar couch in that small Hong Kong apartment. I was in shock my journey was coming to a quick close. I'd been planning on a serving a mission for so long, how could it be ending? I thought about all the hilarious, sad, happy and sorrowful moments I'd shared with people. It was in such a thought I realized how much I loved listening to people and their stories. At that moment I felt like everything was at my fingertips and all I had to do was reach out and grab what I wanted. In that moment of amazement, I decided to get a maters degree in marriage and family therapy.

Once again I find myself sitting on an all too familiar couch thinking back. It is interesting to see how my goal unraveled and how life continued rolling along while I was attending graduate school. I am grateful for the support of my family. In particular, to a mother who joyfully watched, loved and cared for Little Bug while I was in class. I am also grateful for a husband who always happily rearranged his schedule when needed and who never treated his educational goals above my own. It is unfortunate that I am the only one who ended up with a degree because in reality this accomplishment reflects the support and love of so many.

Now in the words of a very wise sister-in-law, "I am retired."