And yet, here we are. 3 days before I fly to the other side of the globe. NEVER in my wildest dreams (and my husband can vouch for how strange some of them are!), did I ever think I would be going to China. I even went so far as to make sure I didn't have a current passport; thinking that could be used as an excuse to get out of an overseas trip. Uh, nope.
So, the last few weeks have been chock-full of expedited passport requests, legal paperwork, re-arranging schedules, advice-seeking, research, and now packing. Passport is in-hand. Flight and hotel arrangements are secured. Itineraries and meeting agendas have been developed and approved. Family's week has been roughly mapped out. Many prayers have been whispered in the middle of the night when I awake filled with anxiety. Tears have been shed when I let myself, even for the briefest of moments, consider the "worst-case" scenarios (missing airliners, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, anyone??!!).
Virtually everyone I know who is aware of this trip, is over-the-moon excited for me..."What an awesome opportunity!" "You must be sooooo excited!" "It's the trip of a life-time!" "I've always wanted to go on an adventure like that!"
Well...yes, it is a great opportunity, and I am blessed to work for a company willing to send me across the world to strengthen relationships, build rapport, and learn new techniques and insights. But, if I'm being honest, the excitement and adventure of it all, has been difficult for me to consider. I tried to explain to someone that MY adventures, MY excitement, MY highest highs are experienced with my family. Whether it's kayaking a new section of river, trying my hand at shooting a firearm, snow-shoeing one of our local parks, camping in a rustic forest, or running to the car from a swarm of biting flies, these are the adventures I live for. This is the excitement and joy that fulfills me. These are the escapades playing over and over again in my head, and the ones re-told to the point of gaining legendary status. I'm just not fond of having "adventures" alone.
Anyone who truly knows me, knows my career will always come second, third, or even further down the list of those things that "define" me. Not to say I don't work hard or take my job seriously, but first and foremost, I am a wife and mother. My whole life is about finding ways to bring our family together; stealing moments meant to impress my love forever on their hearts. Making sure they each know, without a sliver of doubt, they are loved deeply, completely, and unconditionally.
With that said, love knows no miles, needs no translation, and transcends all cultures and time zones. I can love my family just as much from 7,834 miles away, as I can from the next cushion on the couch! I can open my eyes to a new landscape (one very few people I know have ever experienced), and allow myself to embrace the journey. If I can manage to open my heart to the possibilities, surely I will return richer, wiser, more confident, with a whole new perspective on this magnificent planet and a renewed appreciation for my little corner of the world!