This was so therapeutic.
DST Gold Member Kit "Love Story" by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
Overlays by Something Blue Studios
Alpha by Shabby Princess (Yours Truly Kit, but with Kristin's paper over it)
Fonts: Traveling Typewriter & Pea Mushi
Journaling:
December 28 marked six years since we started
our great adventure. Six years ago we boarded the plane that would take us across the ocean to the other side of the world. It was fun, new, exciting. It truly was an adventure for the two of us.... navigating the world of durian, hawker stalls and driving on the left side of the road. But something changed in those six years. We became parents. Our parents became grandparents. Our brothers became uncles. These two little angels who have blessed us with their presence have totally changed the game. Don’t get me wrong, we still love it here, but being here now makes NOT being THERE so much harder.
While we were home at Christmas, I watched my children interact with our families, and I felt so torn between the life that I love and the family that I miss. I look at these photos and remember how much Jack adores Judge, how giddy Dad was as he wrapped presents for the kids, how Max couldn’t get enough of my mom, and, let’s be honest, how nice it was to actually have a break for a change!
I used to feel sorry for those folks who stayed in our hometown, but now I envy them. Their children have all the things my kids are missing out on...a yard to play in, Pee-wee football, little league, Friday night football games, junior golf...things that didn’t matter so much to me seven years ago when I signed up for this adventure, but things that are starting to really tug at my heart. I have to be honest and tell you, though, that it’s not those things that are hard to be missing out on.
It’s the kisses from Baba...It’s the bike rides with Judge...It’s the crafts with Mimi...It’s the fishing trips with Doc...It’s playing with Uncle Adam & Aunt Heather...
These pictures from our trip home tug at my heartstrings because so often I feel like THAT is how it’s supposed to be. Like THERE is where we belong...snuggled up next to Judge & Baba and kickin’ it with Uncle Adam & Aunt Heather. But in my heart I know that the sacrifices we make are worth being here & making a difference.
