Though I’ve mentioned her in a few posts here, I want to talk about one of the most influential, beautiful, kind-hearted people in my life:

Rachel Rofe

This post is sort of an ode to her as she is leaving in a week for a two-month road trip across the United States, after which we will reconnect in South America.

10 Reasons Why I Love Rachel:

1. You can always see the open love and acceptance in her eyes. Just look at any of the videos on her blog and you’ll see what I mean
2. She challenges me to be a better person, yet she accepts me wholeheartedly as I am – flaws and all
3. She’s the same height as me. We can share shoes and clothes! (as tall as I am that is a BLESSING)
4. She can be honest with me, and I can be honest with her – even when what we have to say isn’t easy or comfortable
5. She always brightens my day and the day of those around her. I’ll watch her talk to someone, and she has the ability to make everyone around her feel cherished and appreciated
6. She helps me appreciate flip flops
7. Her intelligence and wit will floor you. We all walk around spouting “Rofeisms” because regular speech just isn’t nearly as stellar as Rofe-speak
8. I’ve never met anyone as authentically supportive as she is. She wants nothing in return.
9. If she had $5 left to her name, and I needed $3, she’d not hesitate to give it.
10. She knows what bliss feels like and strives for it, no matter how challenging the journey. Oh yeah, and she’s walked on fire!

So here’s to Rachel. I’ll miss you!