no, I don't want to wait forever

I had a revelation the other day.

I realized that part of the reason I have been so miserable this summer is because the complications of this Odyssey group prevented me from doing what makes me love Athens so much.  I couldn't fully live here because our apartment was a disaster, there was never ending group drama, and interactions with the school were generally chaotic.

And Athens is where I feel most like me.  This is the environment I thrive in.  Living in this city, becoming a part of the daily masses, falling back into my most comfortable routine-these are the things I had most looked forward to in returning.  They were the reasons I longed to come back.  They are the things that compell me to come back next year.  I feel most myself when I'm walking these streets, surrounded by crowds of Greeks and tourists, going about my daily life.  It feels normal.

And this summer, the normalcy of living and being in Athens was disturbed by all the outside mess.

The one overwhelmingly good thing about this year's experience is the fact that it firmly established my connection with this city, and this country.  I am tied to this place, my soul is drawn to this way of life, and I feel like I am truly a better person while I am here.  I live a healthier, happier (for the most part), and more full and appreciative life than I do when I'm back at Meredith or in Indy.  I am truly a city girl at heart, and fully Greek in spirit.

Now I just have to see what chances life takes that will bring me back here, because I know with certainty, that one day it will happen.

~RLM