Weddings and Funerals

Dan left for Minnesota today to attend a memorial service for Terry Robinson. She was Dan's dad's cousin, but really like a wonderful aunt to Dan. Her death was unexpected and it doesn't really seem real to us, especially being so far away. Here's a picture of Terry a couple of years ago. She's up at the cabin, putting in a garden along with Jackie (Dan's mom) and me.

Weddings and funerals have taken us back to the States this year. I had a great time at my sister's wedding. And while it's a sad time for Dan, he'll be with family, be part of the closing weekend for the cabin and get to stop in the office to see his colleagues, which will be great. But its tough to go back for a short time and then leave again.

There's the challenge of how to possibly catch up with any one of your dear family or friends in a short time (I avoided some of that because of the California wedding). There's the fact that life and people have moved on, which comes as a bit of a shock as you remember everything as you left it. There's not really fitting in back at home in addition to feeling that way abroad. And then there's the homesickness and trying to pick up things all over again when you arrive back abroad.

On a brighter note, the weather is turning here! Hallelujah. The poinsettia trees (see photo) are still blooming, but so are the spring trees and plants. The air is filled with a sweet and pungent fragrance of the Oromo trees, which would give even Minnesota lilacs a run for their money. Its great seeing the California poppies and nasturtiums growing wild right along the street on our walk to school. I think Terry would have loved it.

-Laura