Unexpected gifts

A quick post script. Theo and I are both feeling a lot better today (Tuesday). The nasty tasting syrup from the pharmacy was a huge help. The sun coming out again was also very welcome!

I realized today that while I missed familiar cures and my comfort foods from back home while sick, this was the first time since perhaps my Peace Corps days, when I actually stayed in bed until my body felt better! I can't remember a time in recent years when I wasn't continuing on with work, writing a proposal, or taking care of kids despite being sick. It's a bit startling. I think its interesting in the States there's scarcely time to be sick.

It reminded me of how fortunate we are to have this year and how little stress I have in my life right now. Ironic as one might thing moving abroad for a year would involve a great deal of stress. But I think the toughest part of this year - at least for me - was the transition back home; deciding to travel, quiting my job, figuring out where would be the best place to spend the year, packing up the house, renting the house, etc. The kids might have a different opinion as their first month of school was no piece of cake. But thankfully, we're all in a groove now. Our lives are definitely simpler and slower paced than in the States. We spend more time as a family together and have fewer activities and demands on our time. Its some of the unexpected gifts of this year.

Hoping you are all enjoying some sunny weather as well.
Laura