It’s 1:45 a.m. and I have just finished packing. I feel too wound up to sleep. So I’m in bed, under the mosquito net, with Sophia fast asleep next to me, trying to sort through my thoughts as we embark on our final day during this “Long Stay in Africa,” as the Inquirer calls it.
The feeling that most strongly rises to the top is gratitude. For the past week I have been carrying this thought foremost in my mind – and am constantly amazed by the good fortune we have encountered at every step of this trip. None of us got really sick; we have always felt safe; the kids had excellent school experiences; our volunteer efforts were profoundly meaningful to us and we have found ways to sustain some of the work; we’ve met so many amazing people that I need to organize my notes to list all of them; we’ve made some truly close friends; and we’ve learned so much about this corner of the world that we are just starting to realize how much we don’t know.
A whole tome about gratitude needs to be written to begin to describe the patient, forgiving, wise, and generous hospitality of Sherry and Bozorg and the family who facilitated every aspect of the care and comfort for us boisterous girls.
I’m also grateful for writing this blog. Philly.com and all your comments (to the blog and especially, the countless ones directly to me) gave me the impetus to force myself to sit down and write my take on the sights, sounds, and feelings evoked each day in this different & not-so-different place. Once I’m home, I hope to really-actually-no kidding keep up this momentum and take my book to the next step. (Any comments or thoughts on that are WELCOME.)
As we were in the thick of packing this afternoon, Layla approached me with a serious question: “When do you think we can come back?” They can’t wait – but next time, we’re coming with daddy!
We’ll be home in about one week (after a long stop-over in England and France) and I’ll keep up with the blog for a while to record our transition back. I look forward to seeing many of you then, and will miss so many of you across the ocean.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
3 comments:
Homa, I can't wait for you to come home. - Jennie
Thank you Homa and to your beautiful family, for all your wonderful comments. We will miss reading it, but look forward to haer all the experiences from you in person! Safe trip home!
I can't wait for your book.... The subject of world citizen is exactly what I hope to provide my two children.
Can I get on a email list?
richmarino@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Rich
Post a Comment