World Wonders

What I’m about to write is dedicated to all the people I met while traveling. To me, you are a world wonder. I am thankful for everyone I met on my travels. Everyone who came along with me in parts of my journey. Whether you were there for a day, weeks, or months of my journey, I am grateful to have met you. I’m grateful the universe had us in a small part of the world at the same moment. I love you. Keep going on the beautiful paths you have created for yourself.

If you are reading this and I didn’t meet you on my travels, let this be to show the greatness you can meet and find in people around you. There are people in every place you are that have a light to them. Shine your light together, I promise it will create fireworks that last forever.

Don’t let loneliness be a reason for you not to travel. You can find the right people out there who will make you feel far from alone. 

My sweet people, if I could name every person who truly stuck with me I’d have a page full of names. Hopefully, you can recognize yourself throughout my blogs within the stories and memories. I hope without saying your name you know I am beyond grateful. 

I would like to start with my sister. After a very bad month (right before we left) she decided to quit her job, sell her car, and pack her bags to embark on the journey. I have had the absolute pleasure of seeing her transition into a whole new person who loves me no matter what. A built-in best friend they call it, and it’s so accurate. Thank you Maddie for everything, especially packing my lunch for me.

Sam and Bree are my two sweetest best friends. I had the pleasure of meeting and living in Hawaii together, and traveling the world together. These two have truly seen a transformation from baby Darby, still in her shell, to me today. I love you, thank you for every laugh, every lesson, every hug, and kiss, every dance, every smoke sesh, just everything. Bulldog loves you.

Simmy and Tevin, what a journey YOU have seen me on. Thank you for holding my head up and keeping me going even at the moments I wanted to give up and book a flight home. I think at some points I would have if your angels weren’t there. The way we laugh together is permanently engraved in my mind. The energy and vibrations that we have together, no words will ever do it justice. 

Emmy, my best friend of 18 years. I’m so proud of you and everything you are doing for you. I was so happy to see you jump out of your comfort zone. I can’t wait to see the things you accomplish in your life because you will do amazing amazing things in your time. There is a big world out there waiting for you.

Ash, my big sister in Australia. Always thinking of the little things and the big things. Doing everything she could to make sure everyone around her was comfortable. I cherish everything she did for me when I felt like I couldn’t do anything myself. Thank you for taking care of me. 

Vinyasa Yoga Ashram family, thank you. what an amazing journey we got to accomplish together. The way these people loved me and the way I loved them. It’s amazing how fast you can really love someone. I love every one of you. Thank you for the giggles most of all. 

Baba, your wisdom is unlike anything I've seen in 1 person. you amaze me with the connection you create between the people around you with the knowledge you share. Thank you for all of the lessons of peace in my life. you are precious to me. 

Vervet Monkey Foundation Family, you do the most amazing work. I’ve never seen people doing things so selflessly. Work for the monkeys, and hard hard work too. physically and emotionally taxing work. It is seriously the greatest pleasure of mine to have spent time there with those amazing people. Taking care of monkeys in Africa, how cool!! 

How amazing is it that I left the States not knowing all these people were going to play a major role in my life? Strangers turned into family, and family is forever! 

I am beyond thankful for every role every person played in my life. Your vibe attracts your tribe is the most accurate description of how the universe lines you up with the right people. When you’re traveling and staying in hostels or going to certain events, you are bound to attract the right people. You will have people come and go within a day of meeting each other. You will be able to go see amazing things with people you just met 3 days ago. You will meet people who tell you about the best food in town. You will have people bring you medicine when you're sick. Or ice cream when you get your period. The good people are all around you.

Most Importantly I would like to dedicate this entire journey of words to my mom and dad. Mom, you have boosted me in every way when I needed it the most. Thank you both for being my #1 support. When times were hard and when times were easy, you are always one call away. I love you so much and I miss you whenever we are apart. I am lucky enough to have parents like you who give me the support of a lifetime. Thank you Thank you Thank you.