Long-term travel is tiring. And at times difficult. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a support system that is reliable and encouraging. My mom came to visit me in Rome and be there for my first marathon of the trip. We had a great time! But as they say, all good things come to an end, and she had to go back home. Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I was visiting a friend in a rural village where I could not get service, so no phone call home. I tried to call my mother again from Nairobi today and the call wouldn’t go through. I just made it a quarter of the way through my trip, and I have already missed my mom’s, my dad’s and my brother-in-law’s birthdays. Being on the road is a wonderful opportunity but it does come at a cost. I really hate missing out on things back home. I had to hear my sister talk about the food they were grilling out for a birthday celebration while I was eating a daily diet of bread, maize, and beans.
So yes, travel can be tough at times. But my wonderful friends and family are so supportive. This post actually would not have been up today if it weren’t for my dad reminding me that I hadn’t posted anything. I’ve had my mind so wrapped up in my current Sole Purpose project and my upcoming travels to Rwanda, that I forgot it was Monday! Happy Mother’s Day Mom and thanks to everyone who has supported my travels. I’m heading to Mombasa in just a few hours. Bon voyage!
Awww, this is a beautiful tribute to your loved ones!!! It’s definitely difficult to leave them behind, but it’s only temporary and it’s so important to do something for yourself. They’ll always be there when you return and they’re only 1 or 2 flights away! :)
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Andi, I definitely agree. Don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets for my trip! I’m also getting home around the holidays, so I think sitting around the table and eating a turkey with the fam that I haven’t seen in 8 months will be more valuable!
Yes – it is hard to be away from family – however I found that through my travels my relationships with my family members really became stronger than they ever were when I was working in NYC! Remember – thanks to you blog they probably know more about what your doing now more than ever!
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Sherry, You’re exactly right. I’m much better at keeping in touch and keeping people ‘in the loop’ on what I’m doing than before. Of course, life is much more interesting these days so people are more likely to listen too :)
Laura was glad to receive an e-mail and the pictures are awesome!
I know you were happy to see your mom. We keep you in our prayers here and now that summer is here and life is slowing down I will keep track of you more often.
Take care
Cathi Luncford