Figuratively putting one foot on front of the other as the count down begins I have decided to write. I promise no eloquence, but mere reality. This is my life. I am going to walk away from all that is secure and familiar. I am about to grab my husband's hand and turn our world upside down. To strip ourselves of the everyday, and immerse ourselves in another culture and language.
Why? The real question is why not? There is so much to take in, and no wide screen high definition television could justifiably assault my senses equivalently. I love to travel, always have. Will my heart ache on Christmas? I'm actually counting on it, but in the grand scheme of things two years is a sliver of my life. Two pieces of glass in a grand mosaic....
As we venture out I am fully aware of those I am leaving. I never realized the ripple effect our family's decision would have on so many others. I knew that there would be sadness involved, I had no concept of my family's impact on the people around us. I look around at "my camp" ( my biblical term for my genetic- family and friend-family) and I can already see the effects. When you hurt, I hurt. What I am about to do will change not only the lives of my family, but of our nearest and dearest here.Thank you for loving us. Loving us enough to let us go, loving us enough to smile and celebrate, to support and encourage...simply, Thank you.
I love you, brave one. This is your cousin Heather. I am so incredibly in awe of your spirit of adventure. My favorite movie of all time is 'Under the Tuscan Sun,' to be so brave to uproot your life and start a new path is one of the scariest and most exciting things I can imagine. I can't wait to follow your travels and hear about all your new experiences. I never get to 'see' you anyway, so for me, I'm just really grateful that you've had this opportunity present itself. Enjoy every minute, lovely.
ReplyDeleteJealous and happy for you at the same time!! This new adventure is going to be so amazing and life changing for you and your family Danielle! Thanks for writing a blog so we can follow along this new journey with you!
ReplyDeleteYou know I will miss you terribly. I wish I would have made more time for us to hang out. I regret that, but I cherish all the time we have spent together and I will wait for your return like a puppy waits for his best friend(with my nose pressed against the window). Anyways I too am jealous. I love the road less traveled and I hope this blesses your life beyond belief. Maybe I will find a way to visit. If not... I love you and I will wait for you. Besties Forever! Love ME!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ladies!
ReplyDeleteHeather- I could NEVER hear the word niblet and not immediately know it was you!!
Bear with me as I learn how to blog.. It's almost laughable, but I'll get there. I always do :)
Hi all, this is Chris.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to start anew in a different land. I find myself bonding with other foreigners quickly since we all are lost in this land. My closest outside work friends are a band from Columbia, who speak little English. I tend to be lazy usually Sunday afternoons consist of going to the beach to play American Football, volleyball or soccer. I've been in the water just not big on swimming in the sea.
Anyway love you Danielle, I can't wait till OUR adventure starts here together.
Colazza's
ReplyDeleteWe love you all and will miss you...we wish someday we would have such a big opportunity to do/try something so magnificent.
You are all in our prayers, for safe travels and 'the best time of your lives'.
May God be with you at every turn and move, and His angels prepare your paths.
With His love overflowing,
the Barber's <3
I have to admit I am surprised by the response,
ReplyDeletepleasantly so. Thank you for all your love and support.
and of course if you write a book later I can be your editor.....I think we all are a little jealous of the opportunity that you all are going to get to experience. It will be a lifetime of making new memories and sharing the bits and pieces with all of us back here. Oh and thanks for starting your blog on my birthday yesterday. I know you have been thinking of doing it for quite some time. As I say you gotta: live, love, laugh and always believe - life is too short otherwise. hugs and kisses. Thanks Chris for the call yesterday too. Love, mom / Debbie
ReplyDeleteDanni - thanks for the Robert Frost poem as your beginning/sidebar...probably one of my all time favorites. Debbie
ReplyDeleteDanielle & Chris and the three beautiful girls i wish you the very best in your special travels this is a great adventure your all gonna have i will be looking forward to the updates of your lives and when you get back to the states we will have to fry a turkey again and have a good time be safe we will miss you all Anna & Steven Kinsley
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you all! I'll hold you to that Anna :)!
ReplyDeleteawesome write up...funny funny.
ReplyDeleteLet Chris know that I am sending that package of cookies out for his birthday, and he has to share with you all. :) Blessing, can't wait to read about your next adventure. Love the Barbers