Semester in paradise

It’s been awhile since I last wrote you Em, but I promise I’ve been thinking about you everyday since. As you know, I’m studying abroad in the Dominican Republic right now and I couldn’t be happier. I could only imagine the fun you must have had in Europe, but I’m sorry to say it couldn’t be more fun than this! Seriously though, this place is beautiful and it is partly thanks to the vivid stories of your mission trips that I’m here. To be quite honest, I did it COMPLETELY on a whim! I was walking out of class in November no less, a study abroad trip not even remotely on my mind, and I run smack into a flyer boasting “Dominican Republic” with the deadline to apply extended a week. I thought I would have no chance of studying abroad before graduating. But you and your trip to Europe was one of the first things that popped up in my head when I saw the flyer, so I had to try. And now a whim has manifested into the experience of a lifetime. I’m so glad I took your advice and seized the moment. I’m sad to say though, the more I enjoy this place, the more it reminds me of you and your fond experiences during your lifetime. You really made yours count, and it inspires me and many others everyday. This is especially true of your little. She is studying abroad too and she is doing so well for herself. I swear I see more of you and your philosophy on life reflected in her everytime I see her. I’m very proud of her and you should be too. Like a said before, such a lesson is not remotely worth losing you, but I swear it is a lesson I will take full advantage of as often as I can. Thanks for being a guiding light Emily. Continue to bless your family and friends, Angel.

PS- I FINALLY got a digital camera, so I can start making some memories. I didn’t realize what little pictures I had of myself. But one of the first I pictures I took was of the Dominican sunset. It’s not the prettiest, being I’m sort of an amateur, but I hope you like it just the same!