If you know me at all, you know that summer means another travel adventure. As a teacher, I take full advantage of my summers, trying to take in and explore new parts of the world, learning about cultures and seeing breathtaking landscapes. So where to this year? Well, please bear with me as I backtrack for a moment.
For the past twelve years, my travel buddy, Jessica, has put up with my Type A quirks and annoying habits as we’ve globe-trotted together. It’s rare to find a friend who can put up with you 24/7 for up to six weeks each summer, so I know how incredibly lucky I am! As she lives in Denver, it is rare that we see each other aside from the summers.
We met thirteen years ago through the Fulbright Teacher Exchange where we were both fortunate to be placed in beautiful villages in England. That year only enhanced our desire to see more of the world. We have been spurred on by the goal of our dear friend Niki to visit 50 states and 50 countries by the time we are 50. Jessica has reached her goal for states, and I have reached mine for countries. Last year, we enjoyed a road trip through Canada and Montana National Parks. Although we didn’t add any new states or countries to our lists, we marveled at incredible beauty closer to home. So we knew that this year would be a big international trip.
Fourteen years ago, I began volunteering for an inspiring organization called Girls on the Run. It’s a nation-wide program that encourages elementary and middle school girls to grow in their self confidence, develop positive ways to interact with others, and create life long healthy habits, all while feeling good about exactly who they are. It culminates with the girls completing a 5K which is absolutely one of the most inspiring moments to see these young girls, who didn’t think they could, cross that finish line. Anyway, I digress…
The program is run by volunteers, most of which are fellow teachers. About ten years ago, Rebecca, the Girls on the Run director at the time, called me and said she was adding a community volunteer to our coaching crew. “She’s a runner, she has two young kids, and she’s looking to find a way to give back.” I had no idea how big of an impact that simple placement would have on my life!
Samantha joined our coaching crew full force and having her with us was a joy! We got to talking and realized we were both enjoying Game of Thrones. She invited me to join she, her husband, and another friend, JR, on Sunday nights to watch Game of Thrones. Thus began a Sunday night tradition that still continues (for JR and I) to this day, although we’ve watched a lot of other shows since the tales of Westeros.
During this time, an adorable kitten wandered up to the farm, where my parents live, and I was raised. He purred upon touch, wandered gently, quickly jumped into laps, and thoroughly peeved the cat of the house, Miss Kitty. My own “only child,” Elizabeth Bennett, also wanted nothing to do with another furry being. Thus, I began to try to find him a home. Samantha and Rob jumped at the opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This meant I still got to see the kitten, thoughtfully and aptly named Mr. Darcy, and know that he was loved.
After several years of this delightful routine, Rob accepted a job with NCIS (the real one, not the TV show😉). The family moved to Virginia. JR and I visited one New Years, then I went up one summer to visit as well.
Then, they got the call of a lifetime and moved to Sicily! I got the chance to visit them where I got to enjoy the beautiful area, eat the divine foods, and hike on a volcano. What I loved most though was getting to see them, and their life there. I went to a meeting at school, visited the library with them, went for a run with Samantha, shopped in the commissary, and of course got to snuggle with Mr. Darcy.
Then, a year and a half ago, the family of five, plus two pets, moved to Japan! They have loved life there so far, and I cannot wait to experience their life!
I’m typing this while on the fourteen hour direct flight to Tokyo. I’ll get to spend about a week with some of my very best friends, and then Jessica will join us as well. After that, Jessica and I will continue our travels throughout Japan, into South Korea, and Taiwan.
So, thanks for following along with me, this Girl on the Run, once again as I explore, catch up with dear friends, and cuddle that jet-setting cat from New London, Alabama. Volunteer for good organizations, y’all, you never know who you might meet or where the adventure may take you!
