It Takes A Village

Starting Point: May 16, San Diego

Today: May 19, Kitsap County, Washington

Miles: 1065 miles by plane

There is a point at which a person feels so loved, they cry. I've been lucky to experience this 4 times now in the weeks leading up to this grand adventure.

We've all heard the saying "It takes a village..." usually referring to the raising of a child... but I've recently realized that this saying generally applies to life. I am fortunate to be a part of two very solid, very amazing villages.

My village in San Diego was one that I came into both by luck of biology and then later luck of location. I happen to be from San Diego, so I have a lot of family and old, good friends there. The luck of location came in the form of moving to the dumpy apartment complex Chad and I have called home the last 2 years and finding jobs for some amazing local companies. In fact, the rest of our village found us.

Chad wasn't around for the move, so I found myself moving all of our things "by myself." The weight was totally on my shoulders. I even packed all the boxes so that I could lift them... but looking back... I most certainly didn't do ANYTHING by myself! Everyday, someone was there with me, not always physically moving items, but definitely supporting me, keeping me company and providing encouragement. For the first time in my life, goodbye parties were thrown just for me, and not just one - but three! I have honestly, never felt so much, non-obligatory love being directed towards me. 

That was until I flew to Washington, and visited my other village, the first leg of my epic journey. Where again, I felt so loved, I cried.

From the moment I stepped foot back into Kitsap County, I have found myself in a world of wonderful. All of my friends have come to see me! People from every side of my life when we lived here. We've gathered! We've laughed! We've eaten and drank! Visited amazing places. Just hung out and talked. Everything and anything. Its been SO MUCH FUN! All of the sudden I woke up this morning and thought "I JUST got here! How can I be leaving tomorrow already!?" I was even presented an award (from 2012 right after we moved away) that the community had given me for being part of this village, for helping out my favorite local trail system.

I can't believe how fortunate I am. Tomorrow it's going to be like leaving home all over again.