Have you ever heard of the Aran Islands? They are a set of three small islands off the west coast of Ireland, famous for their rich wool sweaters and being a heart of Irish cultural preservation. When we lived in Ireland, we could see these islands from our living room window—when it wasn’t raining, anyway. Folk used to say, “If …
Back in December, I posted this on Instagram: We had been back in the States for about 4 months, with zero clue as to what we were doing next. We had no idea if we would head back overseas or stay here in the U.S. I remember during that time, however, I had so many, many moments like the one …
Our family is embarking on a new adventure. After over a journey of over ten years of overseas life, we are daring to believe we can start over. This time, we’re starting over right here in the United States! What are we doing? We don’t know. We just know, we sensed the Lord closing the doors to our overseas life. …
You know, it’s funny, this expat life. So much time spent longing for things and people in far off places. And never is that longing so palpable than Christmastime. When overseas, the heart yearns for family, familiarity and the Tim-the-Toolman-Taylor-esque light displays. You go to great lengths (and financial cost) to procure the specialty import items – like canned pumpkin and chocolate …
We sit in our living room watching a YouTube video of fireworks while we reminisce about the Fourth of July we spent in America two years ago. Two years! Before that it had been four years since we had celebrated American Independence Day in America. And I never quite know how to feel about it. As Americans, we are often …
I love people. I always have. My nickname in elementary school was Hug-a-bunch. Yeah. For me, the more people I’m around the better (within reason…huge, massive crowds like those found in Times Square on NYE freak me out), but in general give me people and I’m a happy camper. I enjoy doing workout videos in the comfort of my own …
I’m standing in the heart of the city, trains whirring past. Dogs barking. A hundred languages mingle in the chilled, pre-spring air. I’m in the middle of a vibrant, metropolitan city but my heart is a million miles away. It roams far green fields, sits on rock walls and watches the fog roll in from the ocean. It’s in a …
Someone once said that Paris is a woman, London is a man, and New York City is a transvestite. Granted, I haven’t been to New York outside the airport, but after my visits to Paris and London, I must say I find that statement to be shockingly true. It always amazes – and delights – me how each major European …