Back to Canada
Sunday, October 9, 2011
12:36 PM
We are on a plane back to Canada and I can’t help ponder and process what this trip has meant to my family and I. Traveling Europe for 3.5 months with 2 children sounded long at first – I wondered how it would unravel, was it the right time? (as did others who care about us). In fact, it was perfect….b
22 European countries traveled by car through city & village alike. We slept in our car, tented, stayed in modest and elite hotels, slept on floors, couches, in beds, on a mountain, by the sea, and even in a city garden. Family, friends, and strangers have welcomed us whole-heartedly. We have shared in meals, smiles, stories, toys, ideas, and dreams.
In the beginning.. We approached elder couples we admire to help us come to a decision of taking this trip or following another path. One had taken a similar trip with their children years ago and said “you never hear people saying: I wish I hadn’t taken that trip with my children”. The other reminded us that 3.5 months is not a long time in the scheme of things and encouraged us that the time and money spent would not be a set back but rather a priceless adventure. They had faith.
This trip has taught me..
To slow down. To breath.
To capture moments through photo.
That a person can do so much or so little in one day.
That history is made by those who challenge and change the status quo.
That my family is my identity and my single most valuable resource.
That time spent creating leaves a beautiful watermark on my life.
That my children are treasures and I can let them be social without worry of them being a burden. **
We were able to come together as a family and really devout every hour (asleep and waking) to each other; We learned how to communicate and love deeper; We have seen beautiful places (such as those in books and on postcards but, also ones that you must just imagine); We have walked in historic places and let the stories of time seep into our bones; We have tasted the vast flavours that culture brings to Europe; We have understood deeply that humanity is humanity and that the essence of people everywhere is the same.
Our adventures have been so many that one melds into another until awakened by a photo or a memory.
Our play time and quiet time was well balanced and key. The people we met – they stand out.
The world has felt like a smaller and warmer entity since the beginning of our trip. I don’t think we will ever again feel lonely. Borders have faded. More seems attainable. My children have felt the love and generosity of a world community that transcends language, gender, age, profile, religion, or creed.
We as individuals, and as a family, are stronger and richer – thanks to you.
Coming back to Canada and having no house worried me at first.. now I am not afraid. I neither feel displaced or up-rooted. We are capable of anything and have support networks in our lives to catch up with. I know that we have everything we need to do something great .. now, what will it be? Stay tuned.
