Room to breathe.

Today we took our high school students to go see a movie about Rwanda at the Sundance Film Festival. I know some were affected by watching and learning about the genocide that took place there, but I am not sure all were. I hope that later, they will reflect and think of how much they have, and how lucky we are. I hope that seeing things like this make them want to change the world, because they are the future, and if they don't want to change it then who will?

I love my job.

Dear Coke: Its been real.

Coca Cola, You and I have had a good run. I mean, we have stuck by each other through a lot. I am going to try to be as honest as possible in this letter to you, so that you understand why I am doing what I am doing. My whole life, you have been there. Either you or one of your cousins Dr. P or Pepsi, but mostly you. I will never forget the times we had together. Buying a large you for a dollar at Mc Donalds, or seeing mirages of you in the blistering sun of Samoa and finding nothing more refreshing then you in a frosty, cold, glass bottle.

But I feel we have a bit of an unhealthy relationship. I think I need to give you space, and I think that I often hold on to you for the wrong reasons. Remember that one boy I dated years ago who hated that you and I had such a close relationship? Remember how when he and I broke up I vowed to never part from you unless it was my decision? Well, lately, for a while actually, I have been thinking we are not good for each other. Your my vice, and I don't want a vice.

I will look forward to our time together on special occasions, but I feel this space will be good for me. For a while, a long while, I have decided to say good-bye. I have loved you, and you have brought me much satisfaction at times.

Don't worry, I will still sing your jingle, and I will still  think your the best tasting soda.

Love Always, but Not Forever,

Amy Jo

*This is not a joke, I just had my last coke, for a while. A long while.

Thats all I really know.

I am convinced that life is a learning ground, and its the most intense, wonderful school that exists.

If you and I could have a one on one conversation, you wouldn't believe the amazing things I have learned the past month from my experiences and from others.

Relish in the good, don't let fear smother it.

In the darkest moments, when family is around, there is light.

Real heartache and joy wont really exist until I have children*

People are stronger then they think.

Never hold love back.

Love, even when its in the letting go, heals.

I am not always the best with wording, because I always sound cheesy as all heck. But, its the only way I can express it.

*I never really understood this until this week.

**Photo: Kandavu, Fiji- this is a color photograph believe it or not.

Just couldn't get it through my head.

I am going through my external hard drive right now, and I came across this picture from Cairns, Australia. This was an amazing moment. See those black specks in the sky? They were bats. Everywhere, covering the sky, and with this sunset. We sat by the water and just watched. This picture isn't perfect, but it really doesn't matter to me, it takes me right back to that moment.

Moments like this remind me that somethings were made just to enchant us.