This year has been fabulous. Changing countries every three months has its challenges, but it is also has been amazing experience. Three months in each country has been just enough time for me to get used to a place, to figure out how things work, and to gain insight into the local culture. To see and learn so much in three months and then to uproot myself and my family to an entirely different place is an eye-opening experience. At its base, it is an incredible sensory adventure: each place smells, feels, tastes, sounds, and looks different from the last.
When we first arrive in a place, we have had to figure things out quickly: school for the kids, public transportation, where to live, where the grocery store is, and how to get my research set up. In Brazil, research, school, and a house seemed like an unattainable trinity, but it eventually worked out. Once all that is done, we settle into our new life and try and make sure we take advantage of the best each locale has to offer. Living like this, life is full of surprises, of new experiences, of adventures, and challenges. Admittedly, fourteen months is probably enough of living on the edge.
A few days ago, my husband and three kids went back to Kansas. I stayed behind in Negril to finish up my work here. My Fulbright-Hays award started on August 13, 2009, so I have to stay out of the United States until August 12, 2010 to finish the full 365 days abroad. It turns out that my last few days of solitude have been a very good thing for me.
As my family was planning to leave Jamaica, I was worried about how I would feel once they left. I anticipated missing them tremendously and being lonely during my last few days in Negril. I thought I might overwork myself because of boredom and return to the United States frazzled. However, it did not work out that way. When they left, I was on the phone constantly with my husband helping him get settled and doing online research and transactions for them. The constant phone contact helped me to miss them less.
When my husband and children left, I expended quite a bit of energy getting them packed and then making sure they would be able to get settled back into Kansas. They left on Tuesday. I spent nearly all day Wednesday online and on the phone doing things for them. Thursday and Friday were a bit less intense, but I was still involved. By Saturday, I had recovered from their move and had done most of what needed to be done. Now, I have Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday to reflect on life and take care of myself. I will dedicate Wednesday to getting ready for my own move. Thursday morning, I am on a plane to Atlanta for a five day conference. Then, back to Kansas for the start of classes, meetings, and more meetings. My upcoming very busy schedule means that I really do need these next few days to relax, recover, and recuperate.
Having ten days in Negril to myself has meant that I have been able to relax and recuperate, as well as to prepare for my return. As we have already been in Negril for two months, I already have things figured out and have settled into a routine. Now that I have fully recovered from the family’s move back to Kansas, I can enjoy my last few days of this amazing year. I need and deserve a break, so am glad to have one!
