Tuesday afternoon I wandered up to our cozy gazebo for a nap, knowing that my days at home were numbered. ( four more days to be exact) It was an idyllic, sunny summer afternoon. I dozed off and on. The sound of a torrential downpour caused me to surface. Matt returned from running errands and ran up to join me. A loud crack of thunder directly behind us caused us to jump and Matt commented: "Wow, that was a little too close for comfort. " We debated about making a run for the house when seconds later a lightening bolt struck the metal railing on our deck, 12 feet away from where we were seated in the enclosed, screened gazebo. The wooden post covers were instantly pulverized and splintered pieces lay scattered all over the yard. A jagged piece of wood was impaled in the gazebo door, narrowly missing the screened area. One of the metal railings was blown on its side by the impact and another one was twisted off its wooden supports.
It was definitely an oh, my god moment. My first thought was, did this really happen? Yup, the shards of wood were concrete proof. We later discovered that our phones, my computer, our router, and our garage door motor were fried too. We'd been spared what could have been a life changing moment for sure. As in, we could have been dead! It certainly begged the question: was this a sign, and what does it mean? Matt and I both subscribe to the live life to the fullest philosophy. So a little scare like this is not about to deter us from moving on with our plans. If anything, we are more committed than ever to get out there and take risks. When lightening strikes.............
Kare
K
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Home is where the heart is
"How can you leave your house for two years?", people ask incredulously, when they learn that I'm about to depart for Jamaica? I slowly smile and explain that I've been fortunate to reside in my current home for the past 27 years. I"m simply choosing to veer off in a new direction temporarily. I want to sample a simpler life with minimal possessions. I want to give back to people who have been less fortunate. I know that I have an obligation and the desire to compose my own life. I am driven to pursue a sense of purpose, as well as new channels for personal growth.
When my daughter moved to Oregon after college, she expressed feelings of homesickness in her new environs. I e-mailed her a passage that I'd read in an issue of Oprah's magazine. Oprah had shared a new, personal insight concerning her concept of home: she had suddenly realized that feeling at home was not about the house, but rather about her sense of being within its confines. So, in essence, your sense of home stems from wherever you are at the moment.
My own perceptions about my home are mirrored in a quote by Mark Twain." Our house had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see with; and approvals, and solicitude's, and deep sympathies: it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its own benediction..... We could not enter it unmoved."
My house has gently morphed into a graceful extension of myself and my family over the years. It's changed size, dimensions and personality during the various financial seasons of my life. Since I'm a person with an innate need for creative self-expression, I'd sooner go without food than pass up a nifty old piece of furniture, an art print, the opportunity to stencil a wall. I once lived in my new house for months with gray, unpainted sheet rock walls. I couldn't quite bring myself to starve my 15 month old daughter. Let's see, buy food or buy paint. You guessed it, food won that ethical dilemma.
More importantly, it was within the confines of my cozy, post and beam house that I learned how to be a wife and mother, to fine tune my priorities, to reset my values and to tackle new skills and projects. It has witnessed my personal triumphs and losses. My home has held me and nurtured me during times of ever fluctuating emotions: from intense anger, disappointment, and sadness to supreme moments of elation, joy and happiness.
Will I miss my home while I'm away for two years? Yup, I definitely will. The heart and the soul of a home is about the people who reside there and who enter it. I'm taking along my sense of self, so wherever I reside will feel like home, to some extent. As soon as time allows, I'll open the front door of my new abode with a warm smile and welcome in the new people in my life. Then, and only then will it feel like home. I'll make new memories. I'll learn how to be a Peace Corps volunteer. I'll develop new skills and acclimate to a different culture with its own set of values and customs. Yes, I'm certain that household memories from my past will hitchhike along and help to sustain me in my new home and country. And besides I know that friends and family will be there in spirit. That's all I need.
Posted by Kare at 3:17 Links to this post
When my daughter moved to Oregon after college, she expressed feelings of homesickness in her new environs. I e-mailed her a passage that I'd read in an issue of Oprah's magazine. Oprah had shared a new, personal insight concerning her concept of home: she had suddenly realized that feeling at home was not about the house, but rather about her sense of being within its confines. So, in essence, your sense of home stems from wherever you are at the moment.
My own perceptions about my home are mirrored in a quote by Mark Twain." Our house had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see with; and approvals, and solicitude's, and deep sympathies: it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its own benediction..... We could not enter it unmoved."
My house has gently morphed into a graceful extension of myself and my family over the years. It's changed size, dimensions and personality during the various financial seasons of my life. Since I'm a person with an innate need for creative self-expression, I'd sooner go without food than pass up a nifty old piece of furniture, an art print, the opportunity to stencil a wall. I once lived in my new house for months with gray, unpainted sheet rock walls. I couldn't quite bring myself to starve my 15 month old daughter. Let's see, buy food or buy paint. You guessed it, food won that ethical dilemma.
More importantly, it was within the confines of my cozy, post and beam house that I learned how to be a wife and mother, to fine tune my priorities, to reset my values and to tackle new skills and projects. It has witnessed my personal triumphs and losses. My home has held me and nurtured me during times of ever fluctuating emotions: from intense anger, disappointment, and sadness to supreme moments of elation, joy and happiness.
Will I miss my home while I'm away for two years? Yup, I definitely will. The heart and the soul of a home is about the people who reside there and who enter it. I'm taking along my sense of self, so wherever I reside will feel like home, to some extent. As soon as time allows, I'll open the front door of my new abode with a warm smile and welcome in the new people in my life. Then, and only then will it feel like home. I'll make new memories. I'll learn how to be a Peace Corps volunteer. I'll develop new skills and acclimate to a different culture with its own set of values and customs. Yes, I'm certain that household memories from my past will hitchhike along and help to sustain me in my new home and country. And besides I know that friends and family will be there in spirit. That's all I need.
Posted by Kare at 3:17 Links to this post
Monday, June 9, 2008
Arrangements made, packing begun... goodbyes being said
Greetings All!
As the title of this posting would intimate, the preparation for launch is underway. We have our airline tickets, our hotel reservations in Miami for the 2 days of training and we have started to pack. The packing is mostly a trial at this point to determine what is going to be able to go and answer the question "do I really have enough dress pants for 2 weeks without doing a laundry?". And that question is in fact what they ask.
All this makes the departure all the more real and causes within me anyway, this baseline nervous excitement - a version of the flight or fight response for travelers.
My children are hosting a party for us this Saturday and it will be grand to see our friends from all walks of life all mingling about and sending us off. If you are reading this and have not received an invite, it is from an oversight and you should feel free to show up.
We had our telephone conversation with the program director in Jamaica on the basics of what we will be doing. I honestly cannot say it is any clearer but it matters not a bit. I / we will do whatever is asked of us. Mostly at this point, I want to 'pass' the next few weeks of training and end up in a place that we can enjoy for the next 27 months. Yes, I know it is pretty far down Maaslows heirarchy of needs but there you have it.
Remember, as we go into full launch mode, your comments to our blog are greatly appreciated!
Love, Matt
As the title of this posting would intimate, the preparation for launch is underway. We have our airline tickets, our hotel reservations in Miami for the 2 days of training and we have started to pack. The packing is mostly a trial at this point to determine what is going to be able to go and answer the question "do I really have enough dress pants for 2 weeks without doing a laundry?". And that question is in fact what they ask.
All this makes the departure all the more real and causes within me anyway, this baseline nervous excitement - a version of the flight or fight response for travelers.
My children are hosting a party for us this Saturday and it will be grand to see our friends from all walks of life all mingling about and sending us off. If you are reading this and have not received an invite, it is from an oversight and you should feel free to show up.
We had our telephone conversation with the program director in Jamaica on the basics of what we will be doing. I honestly cannot say it is any clearer but it matters not a bit. I / we will do whatever is asked of us. Mostly at this point, I want to 'pass' the next few weeks of training and end up in a place that we can enjoy for the next 27 months. Yes, I know it is pretty far down Maaslows heirarchy of needs but there you have it.
Remember, as we go into full launch mode, your comments to our blog are greatly appreciated!
Love, Matt
Monday, June 2, 2008
Oh the days they do grow short...
It is now down to less than a month and the pace is quickening. I have completed the last of my near term consulting in Oklahoma and Louisiana. While that has been rewarding and even fun, my attention, like that of my wife, must now focus on the next few weeks.
As far as packing, it is a bit of wondering what I don't know since, I don't yet know it. I know that is a prime example of circular reasoning at it's best. Items I know to pack such as spare eyeglasses and various medications are easy. It is the item that I would reach over and obtain here at home that will then require a 5 hour flight to obtain from the same place that I will miss.
Be that as it may, it is a very great thing when my wife tells me several times that she is excited about this new adventure. Already this has reaped rewards...we know that at our ages we can still resuffle the deck and once again hope for a winning hand. Life is good no? We are so hugely fortunate it sometimes boggles my mind.
Our children are throwing a party for us June 14th here at our house and aside from it being great to see them, it will also see such a mingling of people from our various 'pasts' all at the same place enjoying the comraderie of everyone. My thanks to my children for their support and love during this next adventure. My ever lasting gratitude to all of our friends and family who have responded so positively in our discussions of this.
Matt
As far as packing, it is a bit of wondering what I don't know since, I don't yet know it. I know that is a prime example of circular reasoning at it's best. Items I know to pack such as spare eyeglasses and various medications are easy. It is the item that I would reach over and obtain here at home that will then require a 5 hour flight to obtain from the same place that I will miss.
Be that as it may, it is a very great thing when my wife tells me several times that she is excited about this new adventure. Already this has reaped rewards...we know that at our ages we can still resuffle the deck and once again hope for a winning hand. Life is good no? We are so hugely fortunate it sometimes boggles my mind.
Our children are throwing a party for us June 14th here at our house and aside from it being great to see them, it will also see such a mingling of people from our various 'pasts' all at the same place enjoying the comraderie of everyone. My thanks to my children for their support and love during this next adventure. My ever lasting gratitude to all of our friends and family who have responded so positively in our discussions of this.
Matt
Thursday, May 15, 2008
An Inspiring Read
A friend had recommended that I read Mountain Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. I had reserved the book at the local library and my time to pick it up came and went. Lo and behold, my son showed up unexpectedly, the night before Mother's Day with the book in hand- his gift to me. He had no idea that the book was on my list of must reads. Ben has an uncanny knack for choosing just the right gift for the people in his life. He is an astute observer of mankind-- a kind, caring person who has taught me lots about being non-judgemental. Ok, so I'm still in the early learning stage. He's only had 24 years to work with me! I'm making progress, though!
The book is the story of Paul Farmer, a doctor who has worked in Haiti to eradicate TB. He's quoted as saying:" the only real nation is humanity". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is about to enter the Peace Corps. I hope that I can maintain my focus and vision, in spite of the challenges, frustrations and lifestyle adjustments that lie ahead. Whenever doubts surface, I'll think of Paul Farmer and his unrelenting energy and commitment to making a difference, one person at a time.
The book is the story of Paul Farmer, a doctor who has worked in Haiti to eradicate TB. He's quoted as saying:" the only real nation is humanity". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is about to enter the Peace Corps. I hope that I can maintain my focus and vision, in spite of the challenges, frustrations and lifestyle adjustments that lie ahead. Whenever doubts surface, I'll think of Paul Farmer and his unrelenting energy and commitment to making a difference, one person at a time.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Kare's Turn to Ruminate About Impending Departure
I have spent the last two months submerged in Peace Corps prep details. I've ordered tech gear suitable for use with/without electric power, read Patois, and purged my home of non- essential items. And then spring arrived at breakneck speed-- I found myself planning gardens, dreaming of kayaking and hiking with friends, spending time at the lake and the ocean. Then it struck me! I'm not going to be home for the summer. And I have to remind myself once again that I'll be headed out on June 30.
I'm suddenly awash with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and loss. I'm not sure whether to succomb to the inevitable feelings that are bound to surface as the time nears. I know on some level that I must and I will. Being able to choose a new path is an empowering thing and for that I am grateful. I'm ever willing to admit that many of the zany turns my life has taken have been fueled by my life partner, Matt. Matt is the idea person in our relationship, the visionary. I'm the "in the moment, let me meditate" part of our duo. I love helping people and taking on new, creative ventures. Once I'm sold on an idea, I become a full participant.
Yes, ready or not----I'm revved up and ready to learn new skills, meet new and energized people and live in a new culture. Is Jamaica and the Peace Corps ready for me?
I'm suddenly awash with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and loss. I'm not sure whether to succomb to the inevitable feelings that are bound to surface as the time nears. I know on some level that I must and I will. Being able to choose a new path is an empowering thing and for that I am grateful. I'm ever willing to admit that many of the zany turns my life has taken have been fueled by my life partner, Matt. Matt is the idea person in our relationship, the visionary. I'm the "in the moment, let me meditate" part of our duo. I love helping people and taking on new, creative ventures. Once I'm sold on an idea, I become a full participant.
Yes, ready or not----I'm revved up and ready to learn new skills, meet new and energized people and live in a new culture. Is Jamaica and the Peace Corps ready for me?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Down to three months...
The time is starting to speed up as the spring slowly crawls into NH. We are tired of being cold but we no sooner say that when we realize that cold will be a 'four letter word' shortly in Jamaica.
To give a small idea of the details involved in this kind of adventure consider the following:
1. Get a government passport and Jamaican Visa [different from the standard passport that we already have]. This required finding and ultimately replacing birth certificates [very easy and I think too easy] and going to two different US Post Offices. Rochester folks were great!
2. Write an owner manual for the house and care of the dog. This is hugely more complicated than I thought it would be when I started. Basically it involves condensing 26 years of home ownership into writing. Every house has quirks and then add the silly dog...
3. Arrange coverage for the house with our Niece Devin and her BF/SO Rich. Set up accounts for them to use for major repairs. Make a memo of understanding.
4. Attend to financial details like letting the bank know not to cancel our credit cards when they see charges from Jamaica.
5. Set up trust and financial power of attorney for our son Ben to act in our stead if need be.
6. Actually get around to doing the 5,000 repairs I have always meant to do...
7. Connect with family that I know I will not see for a while and frankly maybe ever again considering the age of a few of my relatives. Very powerful and poignant moment.
8. Sign off on a few projects that I have taken on as a part of various boards.
9. Sell the car.
10. Arrange / transfer insurances so that everything is covered for the right people.
Well you get the idea...I won't belabor it here [too late to say that?] And this list does not include things like learning Patois [Jamaican African language], researching everything we can about Jamaica and even planning a Christmas for the family in Jamaica!
All for now but more as we go along.
Love to all,
Matt
To give a small idea of the details involved in this kind of adventure consider the following:
1. Get a government passport and Jamaican Visa [different from the standard passport that we already have]. This required finding and ultimately replacing birth certificates [very easy and I think too easy] and going to two different US Post Offices. Rochester folks were great!
2. Write an owner manual for the house and care of the dog. This is hugely more complicated than I thought it would be when I started. Basically it involves condensing 26 years of home ownership into writing. Every house has quirks and then add the silly dog...
3. Arrange coverage for the house with our Niece Devin and her BF/SO Rich. Set up accounts for them to use for major repairs. Make a memo of understanding.
4. Attend to financial details like letting the bank know not to cancel our credit cards when they see charges from Jamaica.
5. Set up trust and financial power of attorney for our son Ben to act in our stead if need be.
6. Actually get around to doing the 5,000 repairs I have always meant to do...
7. Connect with family that I know I will not see for a while and frankly maybe ever again considering the age of a few of my relatives. Very powerful and poignant moment.
8. Sign off on a few projects that I have taken on as a part of various boards.
9. Sell the car.
10. Arrange / transfer insurances so that everything is covered for the right people.
Well you get the idea...I won't belabor it here [too late to say that?] And this list does not include things like learning Patois [Jamaican African language], researching everything we can about Jamaica and even planning a Christmas for the family in Jamaica!
All for now but more as we go along.
Love to all,
Matt
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