"Life is a journey, not a destination" -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Life is a journey, not a destination" -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Back, over, and inbetween.

Well, it's been a while. I know I promised a post-trip post after I got back, but I guess there wasn't much to write about. Adjusting back into work and a routine at home was easier than I thought it would be. Of course I missed my daily adventures and constant spontaneity, but I also found that I loved my routine, staying in one place, and having a home more than I thought I would. I made time to take some small trips and see places in the U.S. that I had never seen before (San Francisco, Ann Arbor, Colorado), but overall, my time inbetween travels has been more or less uninventful in a good way.
I've slipped back into my comfortable pattern.

So I guess I better break out of it.

A week from today, I'll be at it again! I'll be flying south for the winter...South America that is (with a quick stop in Central America). I'll be gone for about 3 months and visit 5 different countries: Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. I'm beyond excited to see this beautiful part of the world, to be in warm weather, and to get to use my Spanish again!

This time around, I'm giving myself more time and visiting far fewer countries. In Europe, I was also more focused on visiting big cities and wanted to see beautiful man-made structures and architecture. But now, I'm so excited to see God's beauty in nature and spend more time being a part of local small town culture.

I'll admit: when I bought my flights a week ago and started to think about traveling again, it didn't excite me. In fact, it exhausted me to think about it. I thought, "Hmm....travel again? Naw, I'd rather sit at home and watch TV. It's easier."  But I know that's not what I want.  I'm seeking adventure and beauty, not complacency and lethargy. I know it may be tiring to think about now, but once I get there, I'm sure I'll be exactly where I want to be and forget all about my comfortable routine.

This time inbetween my travels has made me realize something though: I love having a home. It doesn't matter where that is, but I need consistency and routine in my life. I also need a community of my family and friends. I used to think I could be a nomad forever, never settling down, always seeking the next adventure, meeting new faces, and discovering a new corner of the world every day. While travel will be something I will continue to enjoy, I know now that I do want to settle down and have a home, see the same people every day, and not take for granted all the wonderful people in my life. That is where true beauty is.

So after this trip (aaaand maybe one more big one...), I'll be finding a home and place to lay my roots for a while, wherever that may be. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Live in the present. Right now I need to pack and prepare myself for another adventure. See you on the other side!