Around the Bend

"When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it.  I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes-what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows-what new landscapes-what new beauties-what curves and hills and valleys further on." -L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables

It was over a year ago that Dana and I started planning our trip to Europe. What started as Dana telling me that we were going back to Austria has now become a past experience full of memories, learning, and fun. At the beginning of the trip, six months seemed like such a long time and we focused solely on being present and getting the most out of the time we had together. The end of the trip seemed like a bend in the road - just like Anne, we didn't know what lay around that bend.  

After being in nine different countries, staying with twelve different hosts, and simply having the most wonderful time, Dana and I are working our way along that bend in the road. We arrived back to the US at the end of September and enjoyed a few days with family. It was so super to see everyone especially our niece and nephew as they have grown and changed the most! Dana then returned to Oregon and I started work! The bend on the road is clearer for me than Dana - I am working in our hometown at a construction company as a sales secretary while helping on our family's farm. Dana is loving being back with her boyfriend and is job searching. I'm sure she'll find her dream job soon! 

Life back in the States is certainly different than traveling in Europe but we're doing our best to continue with some European traditions. For example, I can't say pants without it sounding funny to me and I often say "mahlzeit" before a meal. Dana is lucky enough to have a German deli near her and was able to get some "würst und volkorn brot" like we enjoyed in Austria! We love saying "Remember that one time...." and reminisce on the adventures we've had.  

We are so thankful for our remarkable experience and for the many people who made our trip possible - whether it was our family and friends who supported us from home, our hosts, or other new friends we met along the way. We will not forget the time we had together when we went abroad on our exciting adventure. 

For now, we will enjoy walking the bend in the road and embrace whatever is around it!