Epilogue

It's been 4 short months since our trip ended and I've probably been asked a thousand times "Is it strange being back?" Surprisingly, the answer is no. I think each of us has gained a new appreciation for friends and family. The heartfelt welcome back that we received from family and friends made us realize that we were missed, and more so made us realize how much we missed and appreciated our many friendships.  I also think that I have a heightened awareness of, and interest in the small kindnesses of everyday living, as well as a greater appreciation of everything that we have. 

 

One of my guiding principles in life is to "leave things better than you found them" and we were incredibly fortunate that the folks taking care of our home, ski and lake cabins left them immaculate. It was also incredible how quickly my family was able to mess them up again.

Our kids have melded seamlessly back into school and with their friends. Zero transition issues, truly as if they weren't gone at all. I was very heartened to read an essay by our oldest daughter Sydney on her travels. She said it was the best thing she has ever done, and she was so glad she did it even though she REALLY didn't want to take the trip. Don't give up parents...you're right once in a while!

The trip has given us very good fodder for middle school applications, and I'm hoping that it can be milked for a few more years, maybe even up to college applications.

 

We took a brief trip to Washington D.C. which was incredibly educational and where everything that is right about this country was reconfirmed. We definitely had a greater appreciation of our government after seeing so many others.

It has been wonderful to savor the little things in life that I mostly give up while traveling: our sweet dog Lucy, consistent exercise and a healthy (er) diet. It hasn't been so great spending so much time driving to and from school, soccer practices, etc.

Another question often asked is "What was your favorite place?" My answer has changed over time from Africa to Austria and probably will continue to as some of the memories fade and some become more prevalent. I miss the time spent reflecting on our adventures and my kids each day. Traveling forced this reflection on me, and provided a small antidote to the challenge that all parents face with their kids growing and changing in the blink of an eye.  It was nice to at least focus on a few frames of this rapidly moving film!

 

My son Hayden recently reminded me of the phrase "When opportunity knocks, open the door!" I am so thankful that we took the opportunity to travel, stepped through the door, and saw a bit on the world. None of our fears (mainly a negative impact on the kid's education) were realized, and as mentioned in my last post, the planned and unplanned education for each of us far exceeded any expectations. I have just finished going through the entire blog, adding a few pictures and correcting a few grammatical errors. I'm thankful that I kept this journal as I was able to briefly relive our year and we will all be able to do so for years to come.  Oops.  Big teardrop.

This seemed like a good idea, even to Sydney.

Until we hit a few very large boat waves.  She resurfaced with a smile.

Happy to be back at the lake with his dog!

Sydney off to middle school

Hayden and Halle.  Back to school.

Traveling again.  Mt. Vernon.  The khaki shorts are still kicking.