AUSTRALIA WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.

I may have been living overseas for the best part of 13 years, but Australia will always be in my heart. It’s weird to say that I feel more patriotic living abroad, and it gives me goosebumps when I hear how Aussies at home and overseas have rallied to help fight Australia’s worst ever bushfires.

The worst part is seeing our beautiful country go up in flames, yet not being able to help physically. It is, however, wonderful to see those who can contribute what they can for those who need it most. Yes the fires are still burning, and it breaks our hearts watching, but to also see so many people rally behind those in need makes me proud to call myself an Aussie.

So many people (even those who have lost everything) are still helping others in need. So many people are pitching in, in so many ways! Whether, it is helping on the front line of fire (literally), sending supplies to those who are in desperate need or contributing money to assist in the aftermath of it all. Everyone I know is pitching in any way they can.

Even though every day seems to be getting a little bit worse: there are so many great stories of kindness from celebrities like Celeste Barber, who has raised millions of dollars from around the world. To the locals who have been directly affected but are still chipping in, it shows that the act of kindness is real. It is something the world doesn’t see enough of, great stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

It is nice to see that people from all over the world have coalesced to help out their friends and family Downunder. Being an expat, you can sometimes feel far removed from what is going on in your own country. You can feel helpless, only hearing stories from loved ones and friends.

However, seeing those around you rally beside you makes you realise that although your closest friends may not be Australian, they will also help in any way they can because they know that Australia will always be in your heart.