Background Information

The first question I would like to answer while on this journey:

Why am I so compelled to do this?

The truth is, I knew after my first visit to Rio De Janeiro for Carnaval 2009, I would return in 2010. Of course, everyone says they want to go back; it's just a natural desire. However, my desire to return was different. In my heart, I knew, I knew, I knew I would return and potentially live in a foreign country for 4-5 years. That visit sparked something inside of me that I knew was unique to my life's journey.

The yearning was so intense in fact, I began counting down the days until January 1, 2010. Everyday, starting with 235, I wrote at the top of my To-Do list the number of days left in the year. I bought a world atlas and placed in my dining room, so that everyday while eating oatmeal and honey for breakfast I could stare at the places I dreamed to visit. During my many spagetti dinners as I chewed my meal, I focused on my atlas, reminding myself daily that this journey was what I was working towards.

So, here I am! The beginning stages of living my dream. It's such a wonderful feeling: Recognizing that I am at such a unique time in my life, Embracing the moments because they are what my heart truly desires and Laughing, laughing to myself because sometimes I still do not believe I did it!