Heading for the Outback

For me, an international departure is always an interesting time and somewhat of a testing period. More than anything, however, it is a time for reflection. In a weird way it is a time to evaluate what you have become as a person. There is just something powerful, or moving, or whatever, about leaving your homeland. I often wonder what soldiers who are flying into a war zone think as their flight takes off… I am overwhelmed by the thought of never returning ‘home’. What did Grandpa or Papa feel? What did my cousin Tom Jones feel?

Right about the time I get to deep into these thoughts and recollections, the buzzer goes off indicating that we have reached cruising altitude. I grab my laptop to try and capture my thoughts, as raw/unedited as possible. I no longer fear the unknown adventures and challenges ahead of me, worry if I packed enough socks, or care about what kind of car I used to drive . The thoughts that inundate my mind are of the friends and family that have graced my life each day.

I wish I could have seen my friends Raul and Troy before heading out, or my neighbors Michael and San and Lisa and Bobby… could use another day in Bermuda with Drew at the Grand Slam of Golf; golf, beach, steam? What about another day at the lake with Pete? I wish for another few hours with Carol and Justin, and their son Cole, or maybe another day with Lee and Jeanmarie and their daughter Kiya. What about another day in Montgomery with Mom, and the family? If only I could be there to help Grandma and Mom move into their new house… that would mean the world to me. Another round of golf with Dad and Tyler would have been nice. My attention turns quickly to Stephanie, and I again am overwhelmed by what-if scenarios. Was it really important to put together those shelves last night and replace the toiler seats today? Uh, no. Another few hours together would have been special. How will we handle the months apart? The only way to justify it, for me, is to think about the wonderful opportunity we have before us. Thinking about the incredible days we have ahead brings me peaceful thoughts.

Australia has always been on my mind since my haphazard visit back in the fall (fall for the US) 2000. For that trip I found out on a Friday, and left the following Monday for Australia. That was a 5 week trip. It seemed so easy then to pack my suitcase and jump on a plane heading down under. Maybe I expect more now out of myself, more out of the experience, more out of making the best out of this opportunity. Obviously the length of stay, 12-18 months, has a big difference.

I hope this blog will help Stephanie and I stay connected with those that fill our thoughts each day. We hope you enjoy the adventure with us. Here’s to good beer, good people, and unending adventures. Australia, HERE WE COME!!!

Cheers mate,
Matt


p.s. I am reading this book (“90 Minutes in Heaven”) and wanted to call attention to an interesting learning in Chapter 10 (“More Miracles”). Quick background synopsis: Preacher injured critically in a car wreck, survives in a series of miracles, and is confounded to a long/painful recovery. In this chapter, the preacher is confronted by a fellow preacher about his ability to let people help him. I think that a lot of us fall into trap. When we don’t allow others to help us, or show us good will, or do us a favor, we are stripping them from the satisfaction of helping out someone in need. It isn’t bad to let someone help you.