Back in the U.S.A

June 22- Peoria, Arizona  

LAX at 12:00am

Dan-We returned to the U.S. almost two weeks ago. We flew into LAX at midnight on June 10^th. Kim’s brother, Jon, picked us up and we spent a week at his new house on the “Grandparents Tour- Leg #1”. Kim’s mom, Veronica, took a week off work to hang out and play with us and we also got a lot of quality time with Jon, our sister in law Lisa and our niece Kayla. We made it to the (cold) beach, a couple of museums, a horse back ride, and shopping with Baba.

Kim's Mom, aka Baba at the Getty Musuem

            For me, the return to the U.S. has been as surreal as the departure. There are so many aspects of life here that feels foreign. A few things that I am sad about our return are: our one year trip coming to an end. It has been an amazing adventure with my family. At times it was extremely difficult, other times incredibly rewarding. This amount of time we have had together as a family may never happen again. I am sad to be leaving an area of the world that I really identify with. I am sad to be leaving communities that value time with friends and family over money and acquiring more material things. I am really missing the connection to nature that I had. In Roatan, life revolved around the stunning Caribbean Ocean. Almost everyday we made time to either be in or be near the water. I became attuned to the rhythms of the sea and the life around it. For the past year we have been surrounded by lush forests and landscapes. Predominant noises, smells, and bites were those of birds and insects. So much of this is lost in a modern society.

            Some items that I am really happy about being home include being close to family and friends. Relationships are such an important part of Kim and my life. We value the time spent with our families. We truly realized the value of our community at the Commons and other friends during our year away. Personal relationships and healthy interactions with other people was really lacking for us while away. I do not miss putting toilet paper in the trash can! I am happy to have potable water at my finger tips, but I do question the need for this given the ever increasing demand for clean water around the world. I do and don’t miss 90% humidity. I don’t miss mold on everything and food items going bad faster than you can eat them, yet I do miss the lushness of the land this brings and the softness of my skin :)). I am relieved to be back where everyday communication is easier. I loved being immersed in Spanish again in Guatemala, yet I now realize the extra effort that is needed for everyday interactions. Even on the Island, where English could be found in most places, day to day communication was more challenging because of cultural differences.   

            Grandparents Tour #2 is coming to a close early next week. We have had a great time (though hot) in Peoria, AZ with Kim’s dad and his wife. The next stop is in Colorado to see my parents and my sister and her family. Before we know it we will be back home in Santa Fe on July 1^st. We hope to see all of our family and friends, near and far, sooner rather than later. 

Malibu Beach

Endevor Shuttle museum

Farmers Market

Jon and Marino- Kung Fu Pandas

Full Family Fun