Hello All,
Here we are at the end of our trip preparations. Our bags are packed and were ready to go. Our jet plane is going to take us far away. Nostalgic thoughts come to mind thinking of saying goodbye to family and friends. I recall that during our first year abroad when Julie had the scholarship, saying goodbye to everyone for a year was difficult for someone who rarely travels outside of Wichita Falls - not to mention packing for a year when all my previous knowledge of travel lends itself to a weekend away at most.
Excited, nervous, happysad {sic} anxious, anticipatory all mixed in a blender might come close to how the start of the journey feels. I'm hoping that the most glorious thing I can think of will only be part of the average day in France where I might get into something I've never thought of or considered; I may even get into a little bit of trouble! Trouble in the way of meeting new friends and learning something that is contrary to my textbooks! I'm excited to be a student again, particularly because since becoming a teacher, I've built this image of what a perfect student should learn like, and I want to try this idea on me.
On the side of Rotary things, if there is such a thought since the trip in essence belongs to Rotary, I'm looking forward to getting involved in service projects or starting my own. Chances are that I might think of something that would be financially beneficial to Tom Sheriff's project in Haiti with the Optometry Lab that Rotary has built there. I'm not sure where this ball is rolling, but I know it's gaining speed and there's nothing but downhill ahead of us. I would like to mention that I feel super lucky and blessed to carry the torch for Rotary in Lyon, France.
Thinking locally: We've eaten at all the places that I've guessed would be the sources of random winter cravings that are unreachable- 'untasteable' in the south of France. Somehow, it seems that even though I've been to Taco Casa five times in the past ten days, the moment is only there. Taking it with you might seem like an option but is never the reality and isn't worth it anyway. Memories and experiences should be left in the time where they were born; they hold their value this way.
Hopefully the butterflies will meet their end as the journey begins. It feels very cathartic to be leaving the worst of the U.S. (political nastiness- local and national, 110 degree weather, and the ticks in Paducah that are from where the worm does not die). If also feels very bittersweet to be leaving the newest members of the family (Kaylea, Ava, and the one we haven't met yet Paisley!) along with the other old breeds (Lehman, Dosch, and Felts Families).
We have promises from several that have said that they are coming this time to visit. I hope that the fruit of those promises are exciting excursions and priceless pictures. Come hell, high water, late morning coffee breaks and table wine with every meal, you can find us praising God, representing Rotary, and living the dream.
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