This is just a quick post on family feelings as we take off! We thought it would be fun to do a quick share of each family member’s emotions (kiddos chose to write poems). If you’re interested, our previous post from a few weeks ago has more details on logistics of the adventure!
Howie:
This is a lot all at once!
I wasn’t sure how we would feel as we’re getting ready to launch this adventure – we’ve been planning and dreaming about it for so long that it seems unreal to be waiting at the gate to take off. The family has been all over the emotional map, with packing up the house, continuations from elementary school, saying goodbyes and see-you-laters to friends, and last minute planning for the trip all competing for time and space in our minds. It has been a lot – sometimes more overwhelming than we expected, and often different than we expected, but I’m so thankful for this opportunity to explore with my favorite group of adventure buddies! We’ve got this, it’s time, off we go!
Sonya:
The last few weeks have been a blur of lovely chaos. Honestly, much more emotional than I had anticipated! In my head I had anticipated feelings of pure excitement… but packing up our entire house, kiddos finishing school, and doing last-minute goodbyes with friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relatives, have been filled with moments of tears and complex feelings. These last few weeks have reminded me again of how much we love the life we’ve built together in Colorado. What an amazing gift… putting the life we love on-hold to takeoff on an adventure we’ve dreamed of for years! I’m sure as we fall into a travel routine and the reality of a rather nomadic life without a permanent home sinks in, there will be even more unanticipated feelings to work through. The most amusing thing that’s happened so far: we’ve realized we’ll have to wear our climbing helmets on our first several flights – as there’s definitely not room for them in our packs! Additionally, we’ve had to carabiner a few pairs of shoes to the outside of our backpacks – I’m sure the airlines and fellow passengers are going to love all of this. Ha!
MB:
House is empty,
Mind ablaze
With possibilities.
My heart beats with the idea
Of a journey all anew.
As I think,
My excitement grew and grew
The night before the flight,
Sleeping on the floor
Thinking of all that happened before.
What will happen ahead is unknown and unshown.
As we get on the flight we squeeze each others hands,
Ready to travel to far off lands.
H:
As I play games waiting for the day
Night by night until the flight
Excitement is coming near but so is fear
I still feel sadness in my ear
Because this is my last year of the school
that I hold dear
I dance in my empty room
Play hide and seek in a bit of a sad gloom
But i still feel excitement creeping near
Because it is about to be the year of cheer
Eight Boots Abroad 
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