Before we left for the year, I wrote about fearing the unknown. We are on the other side of that now and fearing the unknown of heading home. The kids are excited, but nervous about what the re-entry to their old lives will look like. To be honest, so am I. We are all trying hard to embrace these last days of the year.
Hanging Onto Lessons Learned
I’ve had so many people ask me if I am ready for the year to end. The answer is yes and no. As the time gets closer to our return to Colorado I’m looking forward to having a space that is truly ours and to see family and friends. I’m excited to enjoy coffee on our deck and for the kids to have friends to socialize with. Alexis and I have been dreaming of the different clothes we can wear! However, I keep asking myself the same question over and over – how do we hang on to everything we’ve learned this year? We have lived a life that feels simple and smaller. Our days have been unhurried for the most part and we’ve lived with so much less “stuff”, which I love.
Some of our living situations this year were extremely different than what we are used to, but never as extreme as the poverty we have seen. We’ve endured some uncomfortable living conditions, but always had a bed to sleep in. We’ve gone without the foods we are accustomed to, but have never gone hungry. We couldn’t drink the tap water for 4 straight months, but we always had access to clean water.
Our travels took us to places where we were surrounded by homelessness and places where we surrounded by nature. Places where we were confined to the walls of a tiny space because we landed in a perfect storm, and places where we had a volcano in our backyard. I hope I can keep the list of things I never want to take for granted again forefront in my mind.
Coming Home to a House We Left Behind
I recently heard on a podcast that it can take 6-9 months for a place to start feeling like home. I wonder how we will feel when we move back into our house? We lived there for 15 years before our travels – so will it feel like home immediately? We have likely felt a certain degree of underlying stress not having a true “home” for the year. I wonder if we will feel a huge sense of relief knowing we are staying in one place, or will we feel restless? I guess I’ll find out when my feet get there.
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It’s been such a joy to read your posts this year. With age (I’ve had a lot of it!) and experience, I’ve found that, with big life events, your perspective will change immensely.
You were always so good about not being hung up on ‘stuff’ (you know, ‘American’!), but I’m sure you will have shed so many unnecessary social norms, that you might feel weird upon your return. What I tell my grandkids is ‘weirdos are awesome because that means they’re unique and special!’
The fact that you’ve given this gift to the kids at a young age will forever change the way they look at the world and their roles within it. Kudos to you, Jill and Dave!
Thank you, Karen! I would really love to catch up when we get back. Hope you’re doing well!
Well written words Jill! We all can only imagine the depth of your adventure and the emotion that is on board as you transition back to “normalcy”😊. I’ll miss all of your blogs and the anticipation of what’s up, what’s new and what’s next, but it will be a comfort for us all to know you’re back home. I’m guessing you’ll be welcomed back to your neighborhood with open arms and curious ears. I’m sure your Mom is elated that you are almost home! Love you los and look forward to seeing you!
Thanks, Nan! I hope we can see you soon!
This is a beautifully written post! I know this year and these lessons will stick with you forever, without you even trying. I’m sure it changed your very soul, not something that will leave you easily! Can’t wait to hug you!
I can’t wait to hug you too!!