One year and a day

Why do I?

Why do I care about kids, borders and bombs…?

Why do I keep friends when I don’t even see them…?

Why do I get by when I could be getting down…?

Why do I keep trying when perseverance seems futile…?

Because.

Because to care is to love.

Because to know is to never give up.

Because only values PLUS logic can lead the way.

Because the blood boiling in my veins never lets me rest for very long.

It’s been a year now since my family and I took one giant leap and left the comfy nest of work, friends and community we had made for ourselves over the past 13 years.

I had done this once before, when I was about to start 7^th grade… I’d left for my annual summer sojourn with my grandparents and decided to stay – that year was the hardest and best year of my life – I learned Latin, algebra and how to dance like a Ukrainian.  I even got to mentor a class of first graders and taught them the alphabet in sign language.  That year I turned 13. I cut my hair. I started to wear makeup. And I got a job babysitting two little kids across the street from my aunt and uncle’s house where I spent the weekdays.

This year is very reminiscent of that - leaving one nest - to go find and make another. New roots, new shoots. Still holding fast to the love, teachings and experiences we left behind – not knowing truly if or when we might ever return… it is a journey so many have taken, and yet one others cannot even imagine.

Following one’s life path is not for the feint-hearted – that much is certain! So many guts and books and boxes and things to sort out in endless attempts to organize… Not much glory in finding the many prize items 10 or 20 or 30 years later left wrinkled, weathered and definitely worse for the wear.

Lots of guts to get through as we examine and re-examine what all the baggage is we’ve acquired in these short young lives… and what on earth compels anyone to commit the ludicrous act in this day and age of purchasing a printed ink book, much less three bookshelves full?

Relocating is definitely an act of comparative analysis, more than slightly colored by one’s pre-existing personal preferences.  The first year was all about coming to an understanding of where we’re not. Only from this somewhat dismal realization can we begin to appreciate all the opportunities that abound where we are.

Where am I?

Home because here is where my heart is.

Home because we’ve made a place to hang our hats.

Home because this place needs us and apparently we need it.

Home because the miracles of love and life sprout from everywhere.