There is a time to see the world, and a time to be content
with the little pocket of it that is yours.
This was our time, our season, and during it we have had the experience
of so many of these things that Solomon associates with life. Building; grieving; healing; crying;
laughing; embracing; rejecting; loving; warring; searching, particularly searching. I hope this won’t be our only chance to see
the world, for there is so much more of it our hearts long to discover, but,
for now, it is time to rest, to start afresh, to build a home. Though this journey is over, the journey of
life continues and it is just as much of an adventure.
In years gone by I fantasised about marrying my dream man
(for whom I had a well considered list of specifications), and would wonder
where he and I would go on our honeymoon.
Venice? Hawaii? Thailand?
Never in my wildest teenage dreams would I have imagined a honeymoon
that would take us on ten flights, five train rides, sixty-four bus journeys, five
ferries, two camper vans, two river boats, a scooter and a couple of hitchhikes
to thirteen countries spanning three continents; literally, around the world. Of course neither would I have expected that
my dream man out would sport a beard and ponytail, but I suppose life tends to
turn out a little differently to how the teenage version of our self imagines
it will.
Today we say goodbye to South America and to this chapter in
our lives, both of which I am sorry to part with, though equally glad in many
ways. This land of many faces has been
by far the most challenging part of our trip but also the setting for some of
our most valuable and unforgettable experiences. It is home to the most incredible blend of vibrant
cultures, passionate people and a communitarian spirit that we are so lacking
in Britain. We are ready for our return
to familiarity, but I suspect unfinished business with this colourful continent, and hope
to have the opportunity to return someday to uncover more of its many
mysteries.
The journey has been harder than I ever supposed it would
be. Though, before we left, it terrified
me, in my head I imagined travelling the world as an endless string of
incredible experiences; one after another; never once giving a thought to dingy
hostels, diarrhoea and death defying journeys in vehicles that, on occasion,
will break down, forcing you to sit on your rucksack on the side of a dusty
road, because you just don’t have the ability to crouch on your haunches like
the Asians do. I never imagined the
hardships that come with a trip like this; the days when your need for home
rocks you to your core and you want nothing more than to change your flights
and leave the unfamiliarity behind you.
Yet despite all the struggles, and there have been many, it has also
been more wonderful that I could have ever dreamed it would be.
Before undertaking something like this, you can never
anticipate how much it will change you, but I believe that it is impossible to
see so much of the world; and the people who inhabit it; and not be
changed. We have come face to face with
the reality and inequality that exists in humanity; poverty and privilege are
silent neighbours, and the world goes on because it has to. My heart has been broken more times than I
can count, and now, returning home, I know that life will never; can never; be
the same again.
There is no doubt
that we have changed physically. We have
the slightly bony appearance of people who maybe haven’t been eating enough;
the effect, I suppose, of spending the better part of a year either in the
third world or bumming about in a camper van; broke, vegetarian nomads. Phil’s hair is the length mine was when we
left and, with his beard, looks undeniably like Jesus. I, who couldn’t face the day without the help
of my mascara, now can’t imagine a life in which I have to apply it every
day. Wearing the same clothes day in,
day out; no one would ever suspect my affiliation to fashion. But the real change is that of the heart, and
this, I hope, will become more apparent in time.
When we try to think back to the people we once were; most
often found stumbling, together, around the Dundee Students Union clutching
pints of something blue and toxic; it is difficult for us to equate those hazy
memories to where we find ourselves now.
Though it wasn’t very long ago, we struggle to remember it in the way
one would a bad movie. It feels like a
past life or maybe even someone else’s life entirely. We are the epitome of the prodigal son, and I
can’t help but give thanks to my Creator for his love and grace; always
faithful even when I wasn’t.
We feel so incredibly blessed to have had this year; this
first year of our marriage; and know that the rest of our life together will be
different because of it. In all that we
have seen and experienced, I have come to discover more about myself in this
one year than in all the twenty-five preceding it. I have realised how small I am; how anonymous
I could choose to be; an insignificant grain of sand on an infinite beach. I have also realised by capabilities and
capacity to be somebody of significance.
Not through fame or fortune; for I certainly don’t expect nor
particularly desire either; but just through being who I was intended to be – a
wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother (I hope, one day), an artist, a disciple,
a friend. I was created for a purpose
and I no longer fear it.
Through this blog I have shared with you this journey, but
also my soul. I come home with no
secrets, to a fresh start in every sense.
You know who I am; I know who I am.
But who are you? Whether you
have read one post or all, I hope that you have found something in my words to
inspire you in your own adventure; whether it be to travel or just to embrace
the adventure that is life; this journey we are all on from the time we are
born to the day we leave this beautiful, incredible earth.
Three hundred and sixty-four days ago we began our adventure,
and what an amazing adventure it has been. Now
it is time for us to come home.
We can’t wait to see you.
Its been a pleasure reading about your travels, Safe trip home, see you soon - Paula x
ReplyDeleteYou're a writer, Katie! Will.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written piece!
ReplyDelete