The Halfway Mark: Six Months of Adventure

We have officially reached the halfway mark in our family gap year journey. The surreal feeling of “wow, we are actually doing this” has faded, but still sneaks up on me from time to time. It usually happens during unexpected moments of adventure, like an almost secluded beach on Guam, or riding home in a disco taxi in Manila. When I think back to everything we did to prepare for this journey I almost can’t believe it. There’s not a day that goes by that I regret our decision. Six months in and I wouldn’t change a thing!

The View From the Middle of our Journey

When I watch our kids navigate an airport, quickly acclimate to a new home, or simply go with the flow when things don’t happen according to plan – I am so proud of them! There’s a not-so-glamorous side to travel that isn’t always talked about. We’ve had plenty of moments when we all wanted to quit. Now, we’ve adjusted to this lifestyle, and it feels like our normal.

Each country we have visited so far has been different. We’ve explored the natural beauty of Costa Rica, the quiet efficiency of Japan, the stunning beaches on Guam, the chaotic streets of Manila, and are just starting to get a glimpse of Vietnam. There have been days we thought would never end, days we wish we could live over again, and everything in between. We have all learned to say what we need, how to embrace being uncomfortable, how to go with the flow, and have made so many amazing memories along the way!

Six Months, Five Countries, Countless Lessons

We’ve visited five new countries so far on our journey and called seven different places home. Seven places where we navigated culture, transportation, weird appliances, unknown food ingredients, language barriers, and so many unknowns.

I mentioned in my one month reflection that it’s hard to immerse yourself into a culture. Our time in the Philippine’s solidified this. You can insert yourself into a community, in the hopes of experiencing their culture, but that doesn’t mean you will belong. It has been the hardest month of our year so far, but also our biggest accomplishment.

We’ve discovered in the last six months that we really like adventure. During a party I attended a few years ago the question was asked “In one word, what does your family value most?” At the time, I said simplicity. I think that still rings true – we deeply value a simple life. Both in material possessions and what brings us joy. However, I’ve come to realize that adventure and new experiences bring us tremendous joy as well. Going forward, I want more adventure in our life.

The Road Ahead

I am beyond excited for the next six months of our journey! I no longer fear the unknown like I did when we started. Whether we are being asked to drive the Uber, playing real life frogger as we cross a chaotic street, packed into 329 square feet, or spread out in our separate bedrooms – we can handle it. I know that regardless of where we are, we will be together and that will be our home.