Homeless

So here we sit, in airports.  Waiting for flights, watching throngs of people coming and going, and guarding our luggage with our life. And then it sinks in – we are homeless.  All of our worldly possessions are sitting on a cart somewhere, in overstuffed suitcases.  Over 100 lbs of clothes each, and little else. We have no car keys, no address, no phones – utterly homeless.  It is a terrifying and exhilarating experience all at once.  We are embarking on the most amazing experience – the most amazing adventure – of lifetime.  Breaking new ground for our college, and accomplishing something that few get to.

“A year abroad” sounds no nonchalant.  It sounds neat, but really doesn’t resonate with a lot of people.  It doesn’t express the enormous undertaking underlying those words, it doesn’t express the gravity of what “a year abroad” means. But as Chad and I sit here reflecting on how we got here – how we came to be sitting in the crowded hub of the LAX international terminal – it really takes my breath away.  It really is an accomplishment!  It really is something to marvel at! 3 years in the making: we were told “no” numerous times, and resigned to spend our final year unhappily working in the west US.  But somehow, what started as a tiny little spark of an idea, a simple query about working in Australia, became a possibility, a reality, that fell into place piece by piece at the very last minute.

And so, as things went, our walls became bare.  Boxes became full. Our garage became stacked, and our mattress became one filled with air.  We said our goodbyes, and shared some final days with family and old friends. Hugs were given, and tears were shed.  It may only be “a year”, but to say it means nothing. We really don’t know when we will be back, or be able to see all of our loved ones again! We don’t know for sure what our year in Adelaide has in store for us.  Hell – we aren’t even sure where we will be sleeping tomorrow night! But I guess that’s what they mean by “Adventure” – never knowing precisely what lies around the corner.  And you know what?  I really wouldn’t have it any other way…