Saturday November 24th, 2007
Adaptability.
I am learning how easy it is to adapt. To change. To get used to something new. Like driving on the other side of the road. I’ve only been here for a week, but already it seems half-way normal. Even on the pavement when passing somebody, it seems polite to walk to the left rather than the right as we are used to in America.
Even in my runs here, I’ve began to jog hugging the left and not the right side of the path. I did it without thinking this morning when I passed another woman jogger (the ONLY one I have seen since I’ve been here): she ran to the right and I the left. It just seemed to work; and it also worked in my brain.
The baby eventually got used to the time difference (just in time for us to go home) and both of the girls have adjusted well to travelling (being on a train or in a car or plane for long stretches of time). There have been some whines, but for the most part, they seem to have adapted well.
It makes me wonder if there are other habits in my life I could easily drop if I just tried; things that I could live without if I merely made the effort. I could adapt. I surely could adjust.
I am packed up. We are ready to go. Our last adventure begins tomorrow morning as we travel home. Door-to-door our trip will begin at 7am Cambridge time and end at 7pm California time, roughly 20 hours of different legs of our journey. I know that once again, tomorrow will be a day of adjustment, some tantrums, but an adventure nonetheless.
I love how you look at this as an adventure. That positive outlook is wonderful! And a great lesson to the rest of us!
I’ll be praying for you guys tomorrow! My mom has been too… last week she said “So have they arrived yet?! I’ve been praying for them!”
I can’t believe we miss each other on both ends by just a few hours. I’m leaving tomorrow morning too 
. Can’t wait to see you at Christmas!
What a wonderful adventure you have had! So true how we can adapt to things when we have to and there are things in our lives we could change or make adaptations if we just put our minds to it. Have a safe trip home! I will be praying for you!
Over Thanksgiving weekend, when I had a quiet moment or two in the shower or whatever, I found myself wondering if you were in England… I remembered that you were going this month. So, when I got home today I had a good time catching up on your ENTIRE TRIP! That’s like waiting to see the movies until the last sequel is made and watching a marathon, or reading all the books in a series in order, one after the other, because you waited til the rush was over.
Sounds delightful and cold. England and cold do seem to go together, though. My girls would love to see all of that, after studying the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation in history over the last 3 years. And me? I’m drooling. Can’t wait. One day…
Happy holidays,
Jen
Ahh! I’ve loved reading about your adventures, England, cold weather in the old world, cozy chats & meals with family (hi to Tiffany!) and a whole new world opening up to your girls, particularly Hope. What a trip she’ll never forget. I love how you encourage her to take it all in, & how you give her some adult insight & history but then let her see all those amazing sights, big & small, through her own child-eyes of wonder. I hope your trip back goes as smoothly as possible, as well as the adjustment period once home. Enjoy the last leg of your adventure!!
Welcome home!!