Our house

   

     

   

                                         

 

Transition gift

My sweet sister Katie sent us a Christmas gift which includes a sensory activity/ritual for each of our last five months here, and will help us with the re-entry process.  She knit these beautiful pockets and sewed them onto black felt.  We have one pocket to open for each month.  Each month gives us some tools for a family activity that will help us process and let go of this beautiful place.

This month was sight.  We each got a brand new bright Sharpie and we have created posters all over the house where we continue to create lists of things we love about Colombia, what we want to bring with us, what we want to do before we leave, what we are looking forward to in the US.  

Each day, we add to these lists.  It has already helped the kids, reminding them that it will be hard to say goodbye, that there are parts of this country that will always stay with them, and they there is so much to look forward to when we return home (like blueberries, sweet corn, and swimming in Michigan lakes).

Katie created these beautiful tools, and I already know that they will be a significant and meaningful part of our family processing in preparation for the new adventures to come.

I can't wait to open the next pocket.

Three Years Ago

This was us.  I remember feeling anxious.  I remember feeling emotionally drained.  I remember wondering why we were doing this; that it was crazy to leave our jobs, our home, our friends, and our little community.

I also felt held.  Held my the comfort and hard work of friends who came to help me.  Held by the confidence and clarity of my husband.  Held by the willingness of my three sweet children, who were all ready to embark on this great adventure.  Held by the understanding that in the end,

this. would. be. good.

And now, I am grateful.

The best New Year's Surprise Ever

We tried really hard to keep it a secret.  We ALMOST did it.  By later in the evening, Lydia was quite suspicious.  "Why is it so important to clean your house just to bring the New Year in?"  "What was the extra bedding doing in our music room?"  

"Why aren't going away to celebrate New Year's with friends?"  

Oh, the joy.  Once again, Grandma, Uncle, and Cousin-love filled our house.  We showed them around, enjoyed a plethora of yummy food and good conversation, and played and played and played.

There is nothing quite like a visit from Grandma.

Or the goofiness of a fun cousin who can show you all kinds of new youtube videos, 

soccer moves,  and songs.

This was a week we will never forget.

It is visits like these that keep us going.

Anniversary Hike in Suesca

The countryside in Colombia is really, really beautiful.  And the weather was simply perfect for a hike.  So, we packed a lunch, a friend and took off to explore and get some nature therapy.  What we thought would be a two hour hike turned into a seven hour hike, but we all came back happier and more relaxed.