This is it...

Olivia: Knock, knock

SC: Who's there?

Olivia: It's Olivia

SC: Olivia who?

Olivia: Olivia Jackson, 

I'M IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!!

Yes, it's official... I am home! I'm just a tad early but it was time. I have loved every second of being overseas. I can't imagine the detail in which it has changed me and shaped who I will continue to become. What I have been taught I could not have learned at any university, by either parent, or by my closest and wisest friend. There are some things that are only learned by new experiences, a globalized outlook, and stepping wayyyyyy out of the box. The people I met taught me more about my own country than I ever knew, in addition to the rest of the world! From New Zealand to Sweden, we've talked about politics, lifestyles, healthcare and habits. 

The non-Australians and I learned to drive on the wrong ;) or left side of the road together, what kebabs are, what it means to be crook, to hate mozzies, to go to the op shop, to conversationally use the word reckon, what pashing is, who Poms are, and what it means to receive a prezzy, all in the land of Oz. I remember, I spent my first month staring at the Aussie's like they were speaking a different language! Hah! But I learned in due time, thanks to Maca, Cat and my boys. 

To you Aussies, and Kiwis, THANK YOU! Thank you for teaching me, being patient with me, and putting up with me when I asked "Y'all don't have that here??" I can't imagine how annoying that was ;) You guys are my family and I hope that I have taught you a few things as well... we Americans aren't alllll bad! 

I have no doubt I will be back before you know it. I can't wait to see y'all again, you have impacted my life in more ways than you can imagine. Please come up to South Carolina! I promise we will treat you right and give you an experience of a lifetime as well - each of you have an open invitation for life. 

Opening pressies :)

Thanks Mags and Rhian! I love you so much!

Last glass of (legal) wine...

Going away bbq - some of the most

amazing people I will ever meet

Saying goodbye to my home from

July 2009 - May 2010

Mooloolaba, QLD, Australia

Miss you Rhian :(

VARSITY 66 ROOMIES!!!

Closest I have ever gotten to 

having brothers - I will miss it

Alrighty. USA, here I come

Flight 007 anyone??

Fortunately there was no James Bond action

"This Is It"

Tribute, Michael Jackson

Two girls I will never ever forget

Let's do it!

 I LOVE VAustralia - best airline ever

Buhbye Brisbane! See you soon!

Last picture of Australia -

North Stradbrooke Island

Isn't it incredible..?

And airplane food... awesome ;)

Nighty night, time to get on LA time

Hello Cali, it's been awhile

Gate 66... Varsity 66... already missing you!

MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who didn't know I was coming home, don't feel too left out because this was only planned two weeks ago. I just decided it was time, talked to the parentals and booked my plane tickets. Sooooo because it was semi spur-of-the-moment... I decided to surprise a few people :)

Surprise Jessi!

Jessi and me at Carolina!!! :D

And Jordi!!! :D:D

And Lauren!!! :D:D:D

KREE!!!:D:D:D:D

Wait, didn't I see you everyday in Belgium??

Oh wait... skype!

I love you so much!

Missed you Jonathan!

Timing was pretty much unbeatable for coming home... the weekend before was Maca's unbelievable birthday weekend and the weekend after arrival was Bethany's Clemson Graduation. Not only  is the graduation itself very exciting, it meant the family was down to visit!!!! YAY! Aaand Mother's Day!

SISTA - LAUREL!

Hadn't seen each other since Feb '09

So many reunions!

Mama #2 :)

ETHAN!!

YUMM

Congratulations Bethany!

First Mother's Day in a decade with all

three girls - love you mama!

Well... seeing as this is the end of my Australia trip, I guess this is the end of my blog. I may post one or two more but time will tell. I hope you have all enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing. It hasn't been easy but I will always be thankful for a weekly record of the year of my life abroad. I am sure this summer will be jam-packed, as it has already begun so but I can't wait to see my South Carolinians as time goes. Now that I'm back in the country, it shouldn't be quite as difficult. As far as my Aussies, Kiwis, Sweds, Finns, Austrians, and Turks go... Thank you thank you thank you for changing my life forever. I can't wait to meet again :)

If you ever want to catch up write me on facebook or email me at jacksonolivia2@gmail.com