On loving and losing

This past week has been a week that I will never forget.

I have not known what to do with myself but write. The only thing I can do now is to stop and reflect and remember.

On Thursday, I received a call that shook my life and left me heartbroken.

The world lost Tom a week ago today.

We lost someone who was full of laughter, who was ready and willing to accept any challenge, and who was kind beyond every expectation. He gave freely and loved others well.

He has long been a bright star in my sky and I am forever grateful to have known him. We first met in New Zealand, traveled parts of Nepal together, and in May, he traveled to NC to see and experience the world I live in here.

The only thing I have been able to take heart in in these hard times is knowing this–

I knowing me today, you know Tom. You know the person who helped shape me into the person I am today.

I have memories and stories that will continue to live and be shared forever. And, they are more precious now than ever.

“You will lose someone you can’t live without,and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”- Anne Lamott

Bits + pieces, Bangkok

 

Going to enjoy this city one more day before (*hopefully) flying to Yangon tomorrow.

Yesterday’s activities included a visit to the Chatuchak weekend market (apparently the largest market in the world, or Asia? or something. . . ) and I had the time of my life. I was so in love with all the beautiful things and the opportunities to people-watch that I didn’t know what to do with myself.

For now, I’m ready for the next adventure and the next new country!

Travel, glorious travel, you’ve been good to me so far.

Days with Amirah | London, England

The past few days with Amirah in London have been everything I hoped they would be and more. We laughed, snuggled, ate amazing food, walked fast, and shared our big hopes and dreams. London has always been good to me, but I feel that it gets better every trip.

I’m currently writing from Heathrow and leave for Bahrain –> Bangkok shortly. I’m excited (and maybe a little unprepared) for the next journey! Currently working on only a few hours of sleep and feel that the next day of my life with enjoy all the travel sleep.

Until next time dear London!

Here now

Paula + friends | Chapel HIll, NC

I have had the honor of getting to know Paula over the course of this past semester and I’m such a fan of this lady. Paula is so full of life and love! She pours herself into everything she does.

I love her creativity and am constantly inspired by her drive and willingness to go above and beyond any task at hand.

Best of luck with everything dear Paula and enjoy all the D.C. has to offer! Lots of love.

 

The dinner party

 

On Sunday night the NAFD crew gathered to celebrate the end of another semester and another season of our lives.

Some of us are staying here, some traveling to other countries, others are moving across the country, and another is biking across the country. Out of our darling group, we have a wide variety of different passions and loves and it is always exciting to see.

I love these ones more than most anything on earth.

“If I knew that today would be the last time I’d see you, I would hug you tight and pray the Lord be the keeper of your soul. If I knew that this would be the last time you pass through this door, I’d embrace you, kiss you, and call you back for one more. If I knew that this would be the last time I would hear your voice, I’d take hold of each word to be able to hear it over and over again. If I knew this is the last time I see you, I’d tell you I love you, and would not just assume foolishly you know it already.”- Gabriel Garcia Marquez

*Some photos by the ever lovely and talented Ora*

Kyle Ann | Chapel Hill, NC

I honestly think I could take photos of Kyle Ann all day long and never get tired. She is one incredibly fun, intelligent, and photogenic woman!

I love these photos and how Kyle Ann’s elegance, grace, and beauty shine through each and every one.

I’m so excited for her and all the big things happening in her life right now, but most of all, happy graduation!