Well, here it is – this is not a drill!! I am currently flying over the Atlantic Ocean and in one hour I’ll be landing in Dublin. I may be the most tired little exploress you’ll ever meet, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited! I’m so happy to get to go back to Ireland (even the airport) and I’m so excited to be half way done with this insane journey.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m taking four flights to Paris because it was half the price of flying direct. Right now I’m on flight number 2, and I’ll have a four hour layover in Dublin airport – then flying to London and finally to Paris.

I pulled an all-nighter before I flew out, which was insane, but necessary. My roommate and I were watching Disney movies and painting up to the LAST MINUTE, getting painted shoes sent out to some customers I had. I am so thankful for her help. I would never have been able to get the shoes done without her selflessness and staying up until 4am with me. If you know Vix, give her a high five next time you see her. She deserves so much more!

So far travel has been pretty smooth. I wandered around the Chicago airport for a while, but eventually found my way to my gate, after going through this magical light walk tunnel. There’s also a dinosaur there (see photo below).

I honestly cannot believe that I’ve actually made it to this point. Things didn’t come together until I was literally walking out the door for my flight, but the point of this story is that they came together. There were so many things that should have and could have gone wrong, but the lesson I’ve learned from this experience is:

It takes a village to make a dream come true.

Without family and friends, I would not be here. Without my mom and sister helping me pack and move boxes. My aunt reminding me to actually buy an adapter. My roommate (again, she wins all the points) my ex-nanny family for helping me financially and the support of so many more. I honestly feel so loved. Yes, I started this climb, but it was others who had to lift me the last way when I was worn out and exhausted.

So here’s to all of you who have stepped out of your way to make mine easier. Whether it was kind words, financial help, helping me move, taking time to come wish me off at a goodbye party, or any other support – THANK YOU. I would not be sitting on this plane today without you all!

Right now I’m half way through this journey, and I’m not sure what’s coming up next, but it has been such an adventure so far and I could not have asked for anything more.

See you IN FRANCE!!