Today is our last full day in Mussoorie. We leave at 5:00 am tomorrow to drive to Delhi to see my cousin, Amanda. The next morning we are off to Istanbul. I must finish packing our bags and making sure we are within our weight limit!
But I couldn't leave this place without making it clear what a wonderful year it's been. Our good friends Fabi and Marcus came by this morning to say goodbye, and we had lunch with our friends at school one last time just now. We all reflected on how lucky we are to have been able to do this and to have met each other. I love knowing that we have friends (good friends) who are from all 6 continents (that are populated!). I love knowing that we have places to stay and fun people to visit all over the world.
I love that Oliver has met so many different people and heard so many different languages. I love that we survived with smiles.
Mostly, I feel hopeful. I hope the drive down tomorrow is painless and Oliver doesn't get car sick. I hope my cousin is well. I hope that our flights are smooth and that we have a blast in Istanbul.
More than anything I hope Andy gets a job. I hope our move to Madison is a good decision. I hope that we get to enjoy our summer and catch up with our family and friends. I hope we continue to appreciate India for all it has given us. I hope my marriage continues to stay strong. I hope our families can appreciate how much we missed them but also how badly we needed to do this, and that we will probably live abroad again in the future. I hope we can find mangoes that are half as delicious as the ones here. I hope to find a play group and music class for Oliver as soon as possible. I hope to visit Rose and Jay before the winter. I hope we find a wonderful place to live. I hope it's close to a park. I hope my thyroid can get back online. I hope Henry remembers us. I hope that we eat guacamole within 24 hours of landing. I hope to hear several outdoor concerts this summer and dine alfresco as often as possible. I hope my parents have gluten free beer in the fridge for me. And organic blueberries. And something my mom has baked. I hope that Oliver continues to travel and be curious and be adventurous. I hope he knows how much we love him (and always will, no matter what) and how much we have enjoyed experiencing this year with him and watching him grow and walk and talk in the Himalayas. I hope.
But I couldn't leave this place without making it clear what a wonderful year it's been. Our good friends Fabi and Marcus came by this morning to say goodbye, and we had lunch with our friends at school one last time just now. We all reflected on how lucky we are to have been able to do this and to have met each other. I love knowing that we have friends (good friends) who are from all 6 continents (that are populated!). I love knowing that we have places to stay and fun people to visit all over the world.
I love that Oliver has met so many different people and heard so many different languages. I love that we survived with smiles.
Mostly, I feel hopeful. I hope the drive down tomorrow is painless and Oliver doesn't get car sick. I hope my cousin is well. I hope that our flights are smooth and that we have a blast in Istanbul.
More than anything I hope Andy gets a job. I hope our move to Madison is a good decision. I hope that we get to enjoy our summer and catch up with our family and friends. I hope we continue to appreciate India for all it has given us. I hope my marriage continues to stay strong. I hope our families can appreciate how much we missed them but also how badly we needed to do this, and that we will probably live abroad again in the future. I hope we can find mangoes that are half as delicious as the ones here. I hope to find a play group and music class for Oliver as soon as possible. I hope to visit Rose and Jay before the winter. I hope we find a wonderful place to live. I hope it's close to a park. I hope my thyroid can get back online. I hope Henry remembers us. I hope that we eat guacamole within 24 hours of landing. I hope to hear several outdoor concerts this summer and dine alfresco as often as possible. I hope my parents have gluten free beer in the fridge for me. And organic blueberries. And something my mom has baked. I hope that Oliver continues to travel and be curious and be adventurous. I hope he knows how much we love him (and always will, no matter what) and how much we have enjoyed experiencing this year with him and watching him grow and walk and talk in the Himalayas. I hope.
Very powerful, Lindsey. And, as always, I feel really special to get a mention on your blog. We WILL see each other before winter, whether you come here or we come to you!! My birthday is late August...
ReplyDeleteIt's really good for me to read all of this--it really helps me tap into my feelings. I still have some high hopes about our decision to move back. I feel very affirmed in this choice, but still not completely at ease.