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| Bali |
<CALLIE> After looking back on all of the experiences I’ve had this summer, I’ve realized that I have changed and I have learned many things.
One big thing is I am very grateful for what I have and I’m so lucky to live in this country and state. Also, I now know I have great schools to go to and realized I have so many more opportunities than I ever knew I had!
I have also noticed (especially in the Southern Asia
region) that many people don’t have much, but they have SO much in their
hearts. Most everyone that we’ve met that has helped us or served us, have all
been so kind and almost never take a smile off of their face.
I
love that I was able to take this trip and have experiences I could never have
in the United States. I have learned many things and have learned many skills
that I am very grateful to have now. Now I see life through a different
perspective and I don’t think it will ever change back.
Thank you to everyone who has read
the blog and followed us on our journey I have had a very fun time making all
of the posts!
P.S- Dad and I took a trip to Colorado 2 weeks ago
to climb Quandary Peak, 14,265 ft. And
we went white water rafting here’s the links to some pictures!
I can’t wait for my
next adventure!
~Callie.G
<CAMRYN> Can you believe that I traveled all the way around the world? Sometimes I still can't believe it myself. Here are some things that stood out to me from our trip. In Asia, so many things were hand made. You can't just go to a store and buy it. You have to make it, especially in Bali, Cambodia, and Thailand. For example, I saw rice noodles being made and I helped a woman make incense. That's not something I would ever see at home. Usually rice noodles come in boxes and you rarely see incense.
During the trip, I got a lot braver. One of my strategies was to watch others do things first and I saw they were ok. Then I kept in my mind that they wouldn't want me to do something if it was bad or bad for me. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the fish pedicure and the snorkeling. At home, I would barely go into a lake to swim because I was terrified of fish. But now, my fear of fish is milder. On the other hand, getting cupped was an even bigger surprise! I definitely did not think that I would ever do that. I'm so happy that I did it even though it wasn't completely painless because I would have missed out on an experience that I probably won't get again.
The more experienced at traveling I got, the more open I became to new foods and new places. Traveling is really fun! Its cool that I got to do things that not many kids get to do.
Finally, I'm more grateful for the things we have instead of just thinking about the things that we don't have. Hopefully I will continue to travel all throughout my life. By the way, are you going on any cool trips soon? If so, pack an extra bag because I'm coming with you ! :-) !
<CATHY> When I set out on this journey, I expected to learn a lot and I was not disappointed! Although the lessons were countless, the one I want to share was realizing how little I actually need to be happy. I expected to feel along the journey that I was just “making do” with what I packed in half a rolling duffel bag for the two months. That somehow when I returned, I would be relieved to have all my ‘stuff’ back at my fingertips. The funny thing is how quickly you adapt – and actually enjoy – having to keep track of less stuff. There was not a time I can recall while traveling when I really missed having some item with me. Inconvenient at times, but that inconvenience caused me to be creative and resourceful which was fun! When we returned home and I looked at my closet, pantry, and cupboards full of options, I was actually a bit overwhelmed by it all. I’ve now seen other cultures, families, and countries that have much less, but they make great use of what they have…and they are happy! I hope to keep that learning going so that I can continue to enjoy the best of life’s moments in all of its simplicity.
The thing I was most thankful for on this adventure was our
dedicated time together as a family – Callie is growing up fast and really coming into her
own. She has tremendous insight and
intuition – I learned so much just hearing how she thinks about situations. Camryn is still so youthful – I absolutely loved
her impromptu hugs or when she would grab either my hand or Derik’s hand
whenever we were out walking. Warm
fuzzies every time! I cherished all the
time just being together with Derik.
Callie told us at one point that we were really smart travelers and how
she admired how smoothly we managed everything. Now it was Derik that muscled through the logistics for everything but as traveling partners, I kind of agree with Callie...we
complement each other amazingly well and I just loved sharing these experiences
with him. How lucky to be married to
your best friend.
Any trip highlights, you ask? I really started to completely relax and let
go in Bali – it felt amazing and will be the place I will mentally go back to
when life kicks into high gear. That said,
the place that was the most intriguing and different for me to experience was
Cambodia. The country is filled with
such beauty and treasures – the countryside, the ancient temples, and the
people. Life is still very challenging
there, but they are tenacious survivors and somehow proof that so much good can come
from such devastation. Today, there is nothing
brighter than the genuine smiles you see on the locals’ faces. It draws you in and makes you feel instantly
like you belong.
I am beyond thankful for the blessing of rich experiences
I’ve now had that will continue to have an impact on me for the rest of my
life. Look out world, I’m just getting
started…
<Derik> Having the luxury of hindsight and looking back on the last two months of continuous travel has given some great perspective. Perspective not only for the world in which we live in, but of my family and how well we work, play and love together.
I was the nuts and bolts behind the trip's inner mechanics, so making sure that it went off without a hitch was on my shoulders. Booking 19 flights, a few hotels, airbnb's, rental cars, tours, guides, currency calculations in 10+ countries, visas, passports, exit fees etc was a bit of circus but one that I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of. That said this trip went off pretty much flawlessly which made for smooth sailing. There were no big surprises which is always a good thing.
The biggest takeaway for me is the fact that I spent nearly 2 1/2 continuous months - nonstop with Cathy and the girls. Who gets that great gift in life?!? Time is one of our resources that seems to be in the shortest supply when you need it the most. At times it was a challenge but one I wouldn't trade for anything. Our girls are entering 4th and 6th grade (just turned 10 & 12) and to catch this summer when they still love us, still are kids at heart, and still not afraid to just be silly and be kids has been such a gift. To watch them begin to become beautiful young adults and responsible and caring world citizens is amazing. To have my wife that I love beyond words, whom I've known since high school, just be her beautiful and wonderful self and not be tied to her email, voicemail and the daily grind and just be present was amazing. It is easy to lose site of the most important things in life and this trip firmly brought them back into focus.
The girls truly came into their own from the beginning to end. From not really knowing how to pack their backpacks and Camryn wanting to bring 10 stuffed animals, to going from zero to packed at any given place in about 30 minutes! Camryn overcame her fear of ocean swimming and even went snorkeling with a ton of fish in Bali. Both girls were much more open to meeting other kids and exploring their new environments. Both truly blossomed in there willingness to try and explore all of the different cuisines. Very few no's were heard along the way when it came to food. I knew we had past an amazing milestone when they both approached me at our apartment in Rome and asked for a few Euro so they could go buy some string a few blocks away at a local shop. No parents needed, thank you very much!
In closing, the world is a small place.
Go out and explore.
Get lost.
Don't wait.
You'll never regret it.
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| Top of St Paul's - London, England |
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