Across the World and Back Again

In the past 2 weeks, I've found myself feeling grateful to catch a glimpse of Orca whales playing near the Vashon ferry, experienced SNOW on Vashon in Spring, gotten up on skis for the first time in over 20 years, took in the beauty of winter turning to spring in Montana and spent several glorious days wondering around New York City in 75 degree weather with cherry trees popping.  My first trip back to the US in 7 months was prompted by work meetings and extended to spend time with mom and friends.  It's been a whirlwind and has taken me some time to let all if it settle.  My first impressions of the US were:  I forgot how cold toilet seats can get and I forgot how amazing crisp, cool spring air can feel (as long as you're not sitting on a cold toilet seat). 

After a few days in the US I also started to realize how much more introverted people tend to be in the US and how much we tend to wear dark blues, grays and black.  Ghana somehow feels like it's overflowing with color and expression and being in the Northwest just as people were stumbling out of winter hibernation was a sharp contrast to the hot, steamy weather, loud music and general pulsing energy of Accra. 

I also brought Rosie, our new puppy, back with me.  She met me in New York where I had her fluffy coat shaved down in anticipation of the heat and we flew to Accra on the same flights.  She did great - adjusted quickly and spends her days romping and playing with her little big brother, Zig Zag.  The kids adore her and she's become a quick member of our little family. 

Rosie & Kirsten in NYC

Ghana on Vashon

The heat around here is getting us acclimated to Ghana! About 100 degrees today on the island. We lost power for over 2 hours....all things we'll have to get used to.

And, Ghana is a very communal place - people help each other out. Today, I experienced that on Vashon as well. I spent much of the day with amazing friends helping me get mobilized. When Colleen & Sue showed up this morning to help me pack, I was a deer in the headlights, standing in my kitchen with not a clue as to where to start. Within a couple of hours, they had stuff packed up and separated out between "give" and "storage". Then, Carol & Jeff came by and got the beds taken apart and more stuff done. More friends are coming later in the week, wrapped up by my brother & sister-in-law coming to do the final move-out on the 9th. And, none of this would have been possible without my mom doing the 3 rounds of slowly cleaning out the kids' rooms over the past couple of months & Anna coming over to organize the office & pretty much just get stuff in some sort of logical order.

It feels strange and freeing to be scaling down so much. After all I've been through in the past few years, I realize very few "things" matter. I'm healthy, the kids are healthy and we seem to always end up having everything we need (even when I have no idea how it will manifest!) and are surrounded by lots of love. I feel like this adventure isn't just mine, but everyone that's been such a part of our lives. Thank you & I love you all!!!

Swirling details and.........feeling what is right now

Life has become a swirl of details.....me getting used to working for someone else (!) and understand the structure and culture of the organization, not to mention my job. Ghanaian visas, passport photos, immunizations, house search, school research - putting closure on one life and starting up a new one.

As I was enjoying walking all over the beautiful little town of Vashon today, getting photos, FedExing my visa application, etc., etc. I realized that I felt so comfortable, so in my skin. Everywhere I turned, a ray of sunshine - whether chatting with the woman at the bank, getting milk & salad from Karen, Glen on his bike or a hug from a good friend at Thriftway, this place is home. And, leaving it is hard - no matter what I'm moving towards. It struck me that I can either swirl through the next couple of months focusing on the excitement, details and goodbyes without really FEELING the profound change that's occurring for all of us. Or, I can stop, breathe, get grounded and feel. The beauty of an island spring and summer is bittersweet. The more wonderful it feels, the more I realize what an amazing life we're leaving - even if temporarily. I have so much grief about leaving the relationships, routines, love and deep, deep support we all have here. No matter what, this time and place will never be again. For that, I am sad. For that, I realize all the more reason to open and fully BE in every moment.......so, if I hug you deeper, declare how much I love you more loudly or just seem to be dancing more boldly to the music at the farmer's market - just know, it is because I am so grateful for right NOW. XXOO.