Changing Times

First Airplane, little puddle-jump off Vancouver Island

On our way to Montreal

Boys being boys...... on our way to Paris

My littlest on the floor sleeping while daddy collects baggage

Late on Thursday night (GMT+3:00) we arrived back home in Tana. It was a long trip. Longer than I remembered it being. Rob and I were both feeling unwell about 3 hours into the final plane ride (a mere 10.5 hour flight). I kept telling myself that anyone can do anything for 7 more hours. We were almost there. I used all of my "mind over matter" tricks I knew of to try and distract myself away from how awful we were both feeling. Yes, I prayed. And God faithfully gave us the strength we needed. Neither of us got sick, and we both felt relatively better and ready to brave the tiny chaotic airport once we had landed. We needed this "4th wind" of energy. By this time the kids were getting pretty restless, and almost too tired to walk or stand. My littlest found his place on the floor of the airport (ew!), used my hoodie for a pillow, and fell asleep within minutes of us arriving at the baggage claim area.

It's good to be home. The smell of charcoal hangs thick in the air, noticeable after the first step off the plane. I forgot how comfortable our bed is. The dog was so happy to see us. It was fun watching the kids rediscover their rooms. Also funny to watch them try to remember where things were located in the kitchen. I reminded them to brush their teeth with filtered water again. "Yes, mom... we know."

And now we work to get over jetlag. The first night was short. The second night, found us all up at 2am, snacking, and then back to bed at 4:00. Third night, the kids have slept better, and we tried hard to stay in bed until 4:00. It will take some time.  :)

It will also take time to get the house all put back, the grocery shopping done, meal planning started, and even those first couple of school days running. I need grace in these days. I feel anxious, wanting everything to be back to normal right away. I know it takes time to unpack. It takes time for our body clocks to re-adjust. Time for routines to return. Time to find our rhythms.

Jasmine Blooming on our security wall - smells so good. A gracious welcome home, to be sure!