Month One Reflections

We’ve been gone for exactly one month today. At times it feels like it has gone extremely fast. However, looking back on all the adventures we’ve already had makes it feel longer. I tried hard before we left Colorado not to have too many expectations about the year ahead. I read numerous books and blogs about families that did something similar to what we are doing. Their stories were inspiring and sometimes gave me the nudge I needed to move forward with our plan. Regardless of how hard I tried, of course I had visions for what this experience would hold. As I sit here and reflect on our first month, some things have turned out differently than I imagined and challenged those expectations.

Embracing the Culture – When Immersion Isn’t Immediate

As mentioned in our FAQs, we are not treating this year as a vacation. Our goal is to ‘live’ in each location and hopefully immerse ourselves in the culture. I’m realizing immersing one’s self in a culture takes much longer than a month. The language barrier alone makes things extremely difficult. Even though we are not treating this like a vacation, it’s pretty impossible not to be seen as a tourist.

We have had a couple of occasions while eating at local restaurants (sodas), where the service was rude. One place in particular, the woman greeting us seemed down right disgusted that we were there. Maybe she was having a bad day, but we got the impression we were not welcome. I often wonder what the locals are thinking as we walk down the street. Are they thinking, ‘There goes another privileged American’? Are they happy to see foreigners in their country? Or maybe they don’t even notice, and they’re not thinking anything at all. Regardless, it can feel uncomfortable and was not something I anticipated.

Things We Have Learned and Things We Are Missing

My sister asked me the other day if I’ve learned anything new about myself. I have been thinking about this question a lot. I have always felt like we live what I would call a simple and frugal life in Colorado. This past month has taught me that we could live with A LOT less. Everything we have with us fits into our backpacks and I haven’t missed a single physical thing. I spent the entire time we were in La Fortuna cooking with only the utensils you see in this picture. We wash and reuse the same 4 plates and bowls for each meal. That is living simple!

I asked the kids what they are missing the most after our first month. Alexis said her best friend, her grandmas, and her bedroom. Braxton said our house and his bedroom. I am extremely proud of how well they have both adjusted so far! I am missing walking/talking with friends, my mom, and holding a physical book. Dave is missing the ease of working out in our home gym.

Wherever We Are, We Are Home

Back in Colorado, I would classify us as homebodies. I worried about how we would feel being away from home for so long. I realize we are only one month in, but so far it’s been a nonissue. Jenji Kohan said: “Home is where your family is. Wherever you are, it’s about the people you’re surrounded by, not necessarily where you lay your head.” This quote has definitely rang true for our first month. Although I am missing people, wherever we are has quickly felt comfortable and like we are home. Alexis has mentioned several times how surprised she is that life still feels ‘normal’ most of the time. I am so grateful for this!