I recently came across a note from years ago. It was something I had saved before returning to Africa. It was appropriate then, and it seems just as relevant now as I return home. Whether it is the beginning or the end of my journey, the desire in my heart deems those longings to be the same. As much as I long to begin my travels is as much as I long to return home from them.
When you long to see the elephants
or hear the coucals sing
When the moonrise sets your blood on fire,
then you know you’ve been away too long.
It is time to cut the traces loose,
and let your heart go free,
Beyond that far horizon
home, where your heart and spirit long to be.
My heart yearns to be home.
I am aboard an Air Force C5 Galaxy and headed toward Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA. I have a few stops along the way, but I am heading in the direction I long to be.
After Malaga, we headed to Rota and connected with our friends Linda and Martin Smith. We have known them since our first sabbatical in 2009. They graciously took us under their wing and gave us our foundation for Space A Travel. We learned many things from them, but probably the most valuable was sharing what we knew. We have tried to emulate their example to us over the years.
We would meet around 7:00 in the evening over a gin and tonic, cervesa, or glass of wine and tapas as we sat outside in the plaza and watched the Spanish nightlife. After an hour or so, we would decide on the evening’s adventure. Oktoberfest? The new brewery in town? A fresh fish restaurant that had excellent reviews? We sauntered along to our choice for the evening and found we never tired of our conversations. Then, we would stop for a nightcap somewhere and usher in the new day together. Yes, I said usher in the new day. For those of you who know me, it meant I stayed up until after midnight. I was coming home at the same time I usually wake up! And I loved it.
One of the things I appreciate in Spain is the nightlife, which includes the entire family. We are careful travelers but felt incredibly safe walking home after our evenings out. Families would be heading home at the same time. Babies in carriages, grandpa in his wheelchair, and kids with their grandmothers trying to hold their hands. I was happy to see everyone in the plaza enjoying their time together. I think that’s when my longing to return home intensified.
We return to a busy season. I am excited for my time to be with you. I think most of the construction on the house will be complete when we return. I am unsure how to tell Furman, our contractor, that there is something else I want him to build for me. I will be needing a plaza in my front yard.
You are loved…
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 