Homeward Bound
Today, 408 days after we first set off, heading east around the world, we return home to Pittsburgh.
The big, fat, black raincloud that we picked up back in Malaysia followed us to Hawaii, showering seven inches just on Sunday alone and flooding parts of Kaua’i. The bad weather this past week thwarted much of our plans, giving me way too much time to think. I feel like I’m running in place, treading water. The feeling I have can best be described as bittersweet – more sweet than bitter, more bitter than sweet. It’s the end of the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it is time. I’m ready to move on from moving on.
My thoughts race forwards, to excitement at seeing my friends, my family, my cat; to what I’m going to do this weekend; to tasks I need to take care of to reintegrate into everyday life.
My thoughts are in the present, but they’re all in terms of lasts, to the last Iced Mocha at Small Town Coffee; to the last Aloha; to the last tropical fruits; to the all too brief moment of sunshine on my face and sand between my toes, to the last pretty flower.
My thoughts race backwards, to the butterflies I felt sitting in JFK, waiting to embark to Barcelona; to fleeting memories of the past year; to disbelief that it is all over. Other than my memories of New Zealand, the rest of it – all of it – is already fading fast. Things like being in Ireland with my friends seem like an isolated vacation I took a long time ago.
Overall, I’m full of anticipation, because I don’t feel like my journey is over. Sure, the perpetual physical motion is over, but the spiritual and mental motion in some ways is just beginning. Even after college, I’ve never felt like my life is so open, so full of possibility, as it is now.
Future, what do you hold for me? Only time will tell.
Good luck to you guys as you step back home. Just as nothing could prepare you for being on the road, nothing can prepare you for coming home. Remember to continue being generous and kind with each other…it can be a bumpy re-entry. But enjoy all the joys of being home and surrounded by love. I can’t wait to see what your next GiantStep will be!! Enjoy!
Hey guys, I’ve enjoyed your blog and travel path. I will be visiting a friend in Pittsburg in September just wondering you would want to meet?
Welcome home! 😀
I can’t tell you how much Jessica and I have been enjoying following along with your adventure around the world. I hope the storytelling won’t end anytime soon. 🙂
Love that phrase: “move on from moving on.” It’s bittersweet for me too to see my blogging friends finish up their trips and get back into the mode of stability. I’ll miss reading about your adventures but I hope you’ll still stay in the blogging community!
Welcome home! I can’t wait to see you soon!
Don’t mind the weather here! It has been worse than usual. I hope you understand how all of us who grew up in sunnier places feel. Welcome back world travelers!
So happy to have you home! The world is full of possibilities for you both, and you’ve only broadened your potential by accomplishing this major feat. You guys are so talented, intelligent and creative, I’m sure everything will fall into place. I really believe you can do anything you want, as you’ve proved by taking this trip. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog all year, because it made me feel like I was right with you, experiencing it as well. Best wishes for the both of you. You’re successful at everything you do.