Reveries and Realities

Another step is made, erecting a cloud of dust and sending gravel trickling down over the edge. The view is worth capturing, as the black of the night peels away and the sky's canvas is stroked with orange, pink, and pale blue. This is the birth of a new day. A fresh start, an untried experience. As remarkable as the panoramic sight is, the fog of the unlit valley still haunts. Is it worth the risk when so much is unknown? I look behind me one last time at the path that brought me here. There is nothing to go back to, only a jump left to make. I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. And leaning forward, I release every last bit of control, and go plunging into consciousness.

I am not in Rome yet, but I began the journey almost a year ago when I signed up for an experience that seemed so unreal it was as if I was dreaming. Until now, it seemed too awe-inspiring to be real. Yet I continued to prepare myself for it and tell everyone dear to me of it's coming. Dazed, I packed as lightly as I could and traveled to Pittsburgh the next morning. It wasn't until I saw the rest of the group and the release of my mother's embrace that it hit me: this is real, and this is really happening.

As many of you know, we did not fly out as planned. At first our flight was delayed because of mechanical problems and two hours later when the problem was still not resolved, our flight was cancelled and we were being handed vouchers for a hotel and meals. We were all kind of bummed, but in a way, the situation has been good in many ways. Our group really never officially met and this extra time is giving us a chance to bond before we enter europe. Additionally, this allotted time is giving us a chance to rest one last time before we leave (a time of rest that we probably would not have taken on our own.)

So these are my thoughts for the day. The dream has transformed into a tangible reality and I'm jumping because there is no need to turn back.

Until Tomorrow,
Maria Danelle Smith