Well, I've done what I thought I would do. Namely, I've chosen to be with friends and conveniently "forgotten" to sit down and write. I struggle with the balance of remaining present while seeking alone time to write and process, as I feel memories are constantly being created and, due to the limited I have with the incredible family I've found here, it's hard to convince myself to sit on my own. This is an entirely new feeling for me. I am someone who is very comfortable spending time by myself and, up until recently, I felt that I needed that time to recharge. But something wonderful has happened in that the people I'm surrounded by fill me a sense of ease where I can at once be with them while also regaining energy. It occurs to me daily how fearcly kind, confident, humble and hilarious the people I live with are and for that I am forever grateful.

*Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waiotapu, New Zealand*