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There was a time in my life when I thought the farthest I might venture away from home was Eugene, or maybe even Bend. The world was a small place and 80,000 people seemed like plenty. I never questioned the mountains that cut me off from the rest of my state, let alone the entire planet. I drove the same main roads every day without any thought of taking a new route. I've gone to the same diner on Sundays with the same employees who have served us since I was in diapers. Every day I'd say hello to the same neighbors who watched me grow. Medford, Oregon was all I knew, all I needed, and a Saturday spent in Ashland was enough adventure to get me by.

Lake of The Woods, Oregon

Back to school shopping in Eugene felt like going to Disneyland. That 2 hour drive through the mountains and country. The trip officially starting in Grants Pass with McDonald’s and Dutch Bro’s. The quick bathroom break in Sutherlin. Then just like that, I-5 makes a big curve left then immediately right and you’ve made it. You’re in a new town with new restaurants, new shops, new people. And of course, my favorite stop- Autzen Stadium. My heart would race while driving down Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

Oregon always seemed so big to me. And I was in no rush to leave.

Now here I am, 9,184 miles across the world. 30 hours of flying over ocean and islands. Living in a city of 2 million people. The smells, the tastes, the people, the scenery. It’s all so different. From paradise of white sand and the ocean breeze to the marvelous show of city lights shimmering off the river. I've camped all along the south western coastline from Geraldton to Albany. Even across the world I find myself visiting the same coffee shop with the same friendly faces. Funny how quickly we adapt. Like a hermit crab, I made this new shell my home.

I’ve learned so much and changed more than I thought possible. I overcame battles I never imagined dealing with. I had to be in situations that were foreign to me and sometimes uncomfortable, but from that I grew. I’ve met incredible and caring people with all different backgrounds.
But most importantly, I’ve been able to share stories of the amazing place I’ll always call home, Oregon.

Until next time,
Tay