I have been looking at all the flood coverage on KWWL and CNN. Wow. I can't grasp the magnitude of it all. I suppose no one else can either. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have your home underwater or your business. Your life...washed away. I am glad not that maybe people have died. One is still too many. First there was the tornado, now the flood. Iowa seems to be getting it's butt kicked right now. I pray for all the people who's homes, businesses, workplaces, lives have been affected by the flood. Stuff like this reminds me what it is we are all really doing on this planet. To love and care for one another. No matter what. Tragedy seems to connect us all. It's like a swift kick in the face that hey, you really are human and definitely not invincible. I pray the waters recede soon and people can get back on with their lives in the best way possible.

Viewing all the crap that's been going on around home makes me miss home even more. I miss my family...and my friends....my life! I realize where I am...what I am doing. I know I need to enjoy what I am doing here. And I definitely am. I am definitely making the most of everything. However, it's just human to miss what you love. I can't help it. I can't be a perpetual tower of strength that never flinches or never sheds a tear. I really miss my broha...and my mom and dad and grandma and grandpa....especially my grandpa and dad b/c yesterday was Father's Day. I wish I could have been there for that. I can't keep track of all the festivities that I am missing while I'm away. I have to focus on the positives. I have to focus on the fact that there are so many people that wish they could be doing what I am doing right now. I'm not sure people actually realize what it takes to study abroad. All the way from the planning and then actually getting on a plane and traveling to another country, usually continent. Then having to get by in a completely different country...you have to adapt to social normalities that may be way beyond your comprehension. All of this while you are thousands of miles away from what you know and love. It takes something special. And I am proud to say I have that something.

I miss you and love you all....you're what makes my world go 'round....