We started our 24-hour travel day homeward bound. It is still a bit strange for me to say it out loud. Currently, we are on our first flight heading to Taipei, Taiwan. We are about two hours in, which means we are two hours closer to home. But, home carries a unique definition for our family right now. We have been traveling the world (there’s still so much to see) for five months—seven months shorter than we intended, but five months more than if we hadn’t decided to leave our jobs, take our girls out of preschool, and travel abroad. We are ever thankful.
Home is truly where are hearts are right now. Before we left, we rented out our condo in Martinez to a sweet older couple so they could live next door to their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. The youngest was still a newborn when we embarked on our journey. So, our home became their home and my parents’ home became our temporary home. After we left for our travels abroad, our home was where ever we were for that time. The world was our home. At one point while traveling, Vienna says, “Mom, we are in school. We are just in world school.” Leave it to children to make the best labels. They really should be the ones to name things.
Coming home is very bittersweet for our family. These last five months have led us through an incredible journey. The girls turned five; they became super creative with the resources they had (toilet paper roll structures, cereal box houses, paper and floss kites, and more); they learned to read (still in progress); I learned to be more patient and gracious (toward them and myself); they decided counting by multiples is more fun than counting by one; they tried new foods and even liked a lot of them (durian, not so much; but, at least, they tried); Vienna decided anything in a pod is delicious (edamame, snow peas); Noe decided she can never tire of yentafo (pink noodle soup) and fish balls; I rediscovered my love for reading (I have read about 18 novels. Not comparable to some of my bibliophile friends (you know who you are), but something I am proud of and happy about); Brad realized how excited and ready he is to pursue a role as a Director (I truly believe he will make a great one); we relished in family time and plan to form a better balance when work and school enter our lives; I connected with my cousins in a way that I never had before; we met with friends I hadn’t seen in over a decade; and we spent three weeks with some of our closest and dearest friends (almost like family) realizing it needs to be an annual thing.
With all this growth, though, came challenges. Challenges that helped strengthen us as individuals and a family. First, traveling is tiring—moving from place-to-place, navigating new cities, changing languages, adjusting foods to our immune systems, packing, time change. I have gotten quite good at packing and enjoy it to some extent; but it is still tiring, especially when we were in one location for a short period. We stayed in so many different types of apartments, hotels, and homes. It was fun, but it also came with unexpected challenges (I think we all remember the shower ceiling coming down on me). Pick pocketing and scams are everywhere, including the US. But, when you look like a visitor, you are just attracting these persons like magnets. Teaching the girls has been a journey, too. I love seeing them learn so much; but, sometimes it’s hard to see when you’re in it. You can’t help but wonder if they’ll be behind or if you’re not doing enough. Thanks to my level-headed and grounding husband, I am often brought back down to earth and out of my head to be reminded by him that the girls are doing great. Even his mom will mention she notices a difference through video calls. I often remind myself that God knows exactly what they need. Plus, it helps to have the support of friends (you all know who you are) reminding me to be gracious toward the girls and myself. That children are unique individuals, deciding to “pop” when they are ready. We are all in different circumstances and we are all trying our best.
Speaking of friends and family, that’s one of the biggest things I miss about home. I love and appreciate every single one of you for supporting us, praying for us, sending love to us, and just being there for us. But, I miss seeing you and speaking with you in person or just being in a similar time zone. I miss community. Don’t get me wrong, most of you know that I love meeting new people and talking with strangers; but, it’s a little difficult when there’s a language barrier with a new language each place you visit. That being said, I learned that kindness is a universal language. I am so grateful for all the kind people we encountered, like the woman who kept my luggage from rolling when I rushed to pick up Vienna who had just fallen in the gap between the train and platform. Or the persons (yes - this happened more than once) who found Noe’s deer and brought it to her. And the man (he was one of the few not striking) who drove all six of us to the airport in his taxi early in the morning of the Panhellenic transportation workers’ strike. I do believe there is more kindness in this world than not.
Our decision to come home after five months was a very thought-out and prayerful decision. It wasn’t easy; however, after a lot of thought and conversations, we felt like it was the right time. Brad’s job search has been progressing well. If an offer was to be made, it would happen fast. Traveling has been great, but he is ready to serve as a Director where ever that may be. We are proud of his drive and commitment and want to support him during this journey. With that, we realized Thailand was a great way to end our travel sabbatical abroad. We saw my grandfather (the girls’ great grandfather), we spent time with cousins, and we had a special trip to Khanchanaburi with my parents. We will continue to plan trips amongst our work and school schedules; but it’s a good time to pause. Plus, we get to come home during the summertime to friends and family whom I miss very, very much. You are what makes our home home, and we are looking forward to seeing you soon.
We love and miss you and look forward to seeing you back home.
Hugs,
Brad, Ashley, Vienna, Noe
Welcome back. I so enjoyed vicariously traveling to the many places your family visited, places that I myself will likely only read about. When I tell many about traveling, I usually say that three things need to be in place and often one of those three things are missing and the travel plans don't materialize. Your family had those three things: time, courage and finances. May God continue to bless your family.
We have loved "traveling" with your family, living through your adventures. So many fascinating places to explore. Most importantly, God has traveled with you and kept you in His care. It's wonderful to be home again, but the memories will always be precious. On to new adventures!🌟
Love, love💖