December rolled around and while still swallowing the idea that we were actually finished with our international adventure (at least for a while) I crammed suitcases full of everything important. We left more in Grenada than we brought back. We left all of Gracie's toys (not many), clothing, books, shoes, printers, bedding and more. I separated everything into boxes for the people I wanted to give it to. I thought about how different I have become. I still have things that are precious to me- things I cherish, but I don't hold on to everything anymore. I have finally learned that things are truly things. In the grand scheme, they are of little value. Simplicity. Thank you, Thoreau. After two and a half years of moving from continent to continent to island and back, I have learned the value of living simply. "Simplify, simplify, simplify," Thoreau wrote. It is a good feeling not being attached to things, but rather experiences and people.
Our suitcases and our memories. What an amazing experience the last few years have been. Thinking back to the year when our daughter was only 2 and we made the decision to leave our life as teachers and chaplains, leave our home, family, and friends, leave our belongings, and head out on this adventure. I remember feeling it was the right decision but being a little afraid of the future. We went to Grenada knowing no one. It was a tough first few weeks in the land of sun and beaches and blue skies. Gracie and I shed quite a few lonely tears. But life is to be fully embraced. So, embraced it we did! 5 months later on a moments notice, we packed our bags and headed to England where Matt was a part of the Global Scholars Program through SGU.
Living in our little flat on a lovely street in Newcastle England was one of the most precious times of our marriage. Our flat of 690 square feet was a cozy sweet home and the smallest we had lived in as a family. The back windows looked out over an old cementary while the front windows looked out upon the rowhouses and giant gates to yet another ancient cementary. I loved it. Gracie loved it. We spent our mornings having tea and reading together. We had "school time" and then bundled up for our walk to the park where we ambled among flowers, along the river and down the path of the small farm zoo. With rosy cold cheeks after our brisk walk home we would have watercress and egg sandwiches and more tea. Flower shops, bookstores, tea houses, and city centre meadering made up our days while Matt studied. Weekends were spent with our trusty Saab traversing the country roads of Northern England and Scotland, visiting lakes, castles, and ruins. Life was like a deep breath of fresh air.
I have thought back on what made it so great for us and it wasn't just the history and literature that breathes out of every corner, but it the quiet simple family time. I miss our little life there and am so glad for the adventure, for the moments and for the lessons learned.
Then, another year was over and we were back to Grenada for another year. I feel it was just yesterday that we landed in Grenada again and drove to what we affectionately called our "batcave" for the lovely number of additional residents. It was a simple slow life, but one so full of experiences. I finally overcame my fear of depth and sharks. I learned to scuba dive and became certified. My wonderful Grenada ladies and I formed our book club. We discussed our books, ate incredible food, shared our homes and lives with one another. Most of all, we shared our experience of Grenada and England together. And what an experience it was. Amy had a newborn and then a little toddler by the time we left. Mel and Lauren became happily pregnant the 90 degree weather. We shared bug stories, sweat stories, grocery nightmares, and mean dog stories all while enjoying the pleaure of eachother's company and friendship. I miss them each already.
We moved to a beautiful little home on the beach where we enjoyed key limes and other tropical fruits from our backyard, a small but perfectly refreshing pool, and of course the beach that became our backyard. It was a once in a lifetime experience. What a beautiful place to call home.
After finally making it to the plane that last day in Grenada I thought of all that we were really taking with us and what we were leaving behind. We left behind the fears that we had arrived with two and a half years before and we left behind the baggage of a busy wrapped up worrisome life. Life was good. Life is good.
On the plane with two dogs, a 5 1/2 year old (no longer the 2 year old little one we came with), and 20 lbs of Grenada chocolate, I said goodbye knowing that I had grown and changed.
And although, life is getting crazy busy, it is actually nowhere near what it once was before we left for the islands. I just guess I learned a slower pace and going at a jog here is not all it is cracked up to be. But, we are enjoying it, savoring it, learning from it and growing some more.
It is good to be back to the Carolinas, enjoying family and friends, being in the classroom again and reverantly walking the aisles of a fully stocked and functional food market. Oh the simple, simple pleasures.
Where to next? In May we move again and I cannot be completely sure where we will be I do know that it will be another place of growth. Here's to being stretched! Life is good and God is so very very true to His promises.
