We've not even moved yet and we've learned a ton

We're exactly 19 days from the official start of our journey West to Vancouver, Canada, and we've (I've) already learned quite a lot!  To date - here's the top 10 list of learnings upon which I'll expand in the next couple of days when sleep is not quite as alluring.  I will note that this blogging adventure is new to me and I'm sure it'll be a raw, emotional account of our journey - all told from this mama's point of view in an effort to keep track of our family's experiences as we grow together over the next few years.  Here's to honest travelling...

Top Ten Learnings to Date in preparation for an international move:

1 – There are times when you have to really wrestle with whether your ‘stuff’ owns you or you own it; and you have to make sure the relationship is right.

2 – Tears are valuable – they help define heartstrings you never knew you had and they help you sleep when your brain is on overload and just needs a break.

3 – Major life changes, when the purpose is to keep your family in one locale, are worth it – even if you have to leave parents, siblings and dear friends to fashion a new home.

4 – People who pack and move homes professionally are gifts from God – truly.

5 – God and faith are real – and provide sustenance when nothing makes sense and everything seems complicated.

6 – Timing of events just is.  There’s no controlling it/them and there’s little worth in lamenting; you just gotta keep moving and watch for signs that the direction you’re heading is the right one for right now.

7 – Adventures always involve an element of unknown – and since life is often referred to as an adventure, unknowns are normal.

8 – It’s challenging and liberating to allow yourself to be cared for when you’ve gotten used to being the caregiver; it’s humbling too to function as a parent while allowing yourself to be parented.

9 – Good people really are in the world in a much larger supply than we realize. 

10 – Sometimes it’s bold to crumble and let other folks help find the pieces you need to get put back together.

 

With that - it's bedtime.  More later...