And so it begins

(written on 6/6/11)

Trip of a lifetime.  A trip that will 99% for sure not happen again.  A gift from Dad.  Seven of us flying to another country.  Another universe. Camera has been bought and I’m ready to make the most of this opportunity we have been given. A blessing and something Erwin and I would never have thought we would be a part of.  From the beginning I have been hoping and praying for this trip to be a lesson of many things cultural.  My kids and my husband were going to be given a hands-on lesson of their culture. They will know more about their grandparents’ upbringing to the point of leaving the place they called home for 20 years for a piece of the “American Dream”. The “American Dream” that Ethan and Abby have come to know as “anything goes” at Grama & Papa’s house. Desserts and favorite home cooked meals and especially unconditional love. Alongside their Dad, Ethan and Abby will see how hard Grama and Papa worked to get where they are today. The difference of the two worlds. My kids have the chance to see what it is they really have back at 1545 Applegate Street.  I have relayed my wishes for this trip to many friends who have taken their kids at one point or another. I was told that this will definitely happen. We will be here for 14 days plus or minus 24 hours. (Time change has truly warped my sense of time.)