Counting Ships...

My life has changed so much in the past four months. 

Four months ago I quit my (really amazing big-girl) job, packed a few suitcases, and left Memphis, TN. 

Today I woke up hearing the Indian Ocean outside my open window. I made coffee with one sugar and sat on the patio sipping and counting the giant ships waiting to go into the harbor. There were 11 ships in my little patch of sea this morning.

I have been blessed with an amazing job in an amazing company. I get to hire people for in-store promotions for big companies like Coca Cola, Remington, GlaxoSmith Kline, and I work with lots of awesome brands like Aquafresh, Minute Maid, Coke Zero, Fuze Tea... It's been hard work, and it requires a lot - but it's so rewarding to work with people who are so grateful. 

I'm so blessed to live in one of the best parts of South Africa - and every day I see the ocean smiling back at me. I run on the beach, with the sea breeze on my face... There's just something about being on the coast that fills and satisfies my soul. 

This is where I've always wanted to be. With my family - in South Africa - helping people. I've wanted this since I was 16. I did envision it being different in a lot of ways... but I am so content and settled. I feel as though I've grown up so much in the past few months and I know that I've changed a lot. 

Life isn't perfect - even here in my happy place. I can't drive a manual as well as I want - and I don't even have time to practice - nor do I have my own vehicle, so I'm always relying on people for lifts. Not that I really have anywhere to go - because I work from our office at home - but it would be nice to have the freedom that having your own car represents. My car in America was my space, my escape, my own thing that I owned. I miss that feeling of freedom. So many days I'd like to just get in the car and go. But I can't do that here. In America, I had my own place to live (well, not the past 2 years) But here... I know that isn't going to happen for a very long time. First, it's way too expensive to live alone - and second - it's way too dangerous!

I really miss my people: my dad, Serena, Tristan, Travis, and my little dog... I know a dog is an easily replaceable commodity, but not my Mister Oscar. He is my little soul mate - and I can feel how much he needs me.

I'm not singing these days. I feel like I wouldn't know where or how to even start writing again. But I can feel a song inside me... and it isn't too far off.  I'm still taking pictures, but not serious ones. Not good ones. And I'm still working out... I just lack motivation this week. 

Today is a very dreary rainy day - and while the birds sit singing their happy songs in the trees, I sit here counting the ships... and I'm content. Just.... content. :)

Exciting stories are coming soon - promise.