What few understand is this year was not simply a year for us to go travel the world, see the sites and have some good experiences. This was a year of surrender for both of us. This was a year to lay down our rights, sense of entitlements, freedoms, comforts and pride. We went where we were asked, we slept in whatever we were given, we ate what we were served. We agreed to make due, be comfortable, and adjust quickly even if food was scarce, temperatures were high, and bed bugs were present.
The things we thought that we would miss the most, we didn’t. Yes, big beds, and fluffy towels are nice, but we managed well without either. Mexican food, mom’s food, and cheesecake were still at home waiting for us, there was no rush.
Comfort was so relative. How could we complain sleeping in tents and warm sleeping bags in freezing cold temperature in South Africa when kids were going to bed with no blankets and perhaps no mats. How could we complain when the India Summer hit 117 f. with no AC and hardly power to turn on a fan, when families were cramming into one bed in the same heat as us. In Cambodia, we survived on 100 dollars a week for food for 7 of us. We learned what a luxury it is to have meat, fruit and fresh veggies. We learned to not waste food, not take meals for granted and be creative with rice.
Sacrifice was seen all over the world this year by so many as people gave up their beds, their homes, their food, their time to serve us. We were humbled and forever changed.
The things we brought home with us, the things we cherish and remember the most are the FACES. The people we met, the people we loved and the people that loved on us. This year was worth it all for the ones we carry in our hearts.
This is why we did it. This is why we choose to be comfortable on the concrete floor with no blankets or mattress, why we spent days on buses, trains and airplanes, why food wasn’t a necessity. They were worth it.
Would we do it all again, knowing what we know now, ABSOLUTELY.
