Before beginning my journey around the world, I made it a point to make sure I spent time with my family and loved ones. Though the adventure I am about to embark on is exciting, it is not lost on me that I will not have the next 500 days with them. Thankfully, they are also my biggest cheerleaders and are just as excited as I am about my journey! My daughter, Corrine (who has a travelers spirit herself), was an important visit before beginning my voyage. I had such a great time visiting her and her lovely family at their new home in Bellevue, Nebraska at the end of July.
Elliot is quite the chef as of late! Donned in an apron and chef’s hat, he prepared pancakes for us two days in a row. As any serious chef does, he threw in a few dashes of extra love to accentuate the flavor. Topped with an excessive amount of butter and syrup, they were a hit!
One of Omaha’s cherished gems is the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Touted as one of the world’s best zoos, this outing did not disappoint! It was the Kahl’s first visit as well, so we rode the tram around the zoo to explore our options. This zoo is massive, so we knew we had to pick and choose which attractions to explore. We were able to get in quite a few before the zoo closed– the Desert Dome, gorilla habitat, and bird sanctuary were some of our favorites. Trent captured some awesome footage in the gorilla habitat, including a special moment where he connected with a gorilla through the glass.
Urban Air park was my grandsons fun outing pick of the week. Offering various trampolines, VR headsets, a ropes course, bumper cars, a ninja course and even rock wall climbing, the boys tore through every attraction in the park! It was so much fun to see Corrine on the trampolines, and ropes– I loved seeing her child-like spirit come alive with her sons, even if she is terrified of heights! There is something truly special about watching your child raise children of her own. Channeling my own inner-child, I bounced around on some trampolines and gave the bumper cars a whirl!
Watching over Route 80 in Nebraska is the Holy Family Shrine. This beautiful tribute to the Holy Family includes a chapel (offering Mass on Saturday’s), gift shop/visitor center built into a hill, and a walking trail detailing The Way of the Cross. The Chapel and gift shop feature beautiful details of running water throughout the floor, rocks, and stone. The chapel, built of massive wood beams, glass and marble, features a beautiful etched-glass portrait of the Holy Family. This refuge offers travelers a place to pray and rest in the Holy Spirit during their journey. Though it was too hot to walk the trail, we reveled in the sanctity, peace and beauty of the chapel and shrine grounds (first photo of this post). To explore the shrine, please visit www.holyfamilyshrine.com.
It was so nice to spend almost a week with Corrine, Andrew, Trent and Elliot. I had fun catching up with everyone, finding out what the latest kid trends are, and seeing what each boy is into these days and how they are expressing themselves. Trent is a Marvel fan and his bedroom reflects his passion for superheroes, gaming and music. Trent and Elliot are both growing up so quickly! Elliot is still the active, all athletic, no fearing child I remember. His room also reflects his favorite passion: the great outdoors. I was thrilled to be called the “cool Grandma who plays Roblox with them”, a coveted title. Andrew made Indian food one night, which was delicious. Corrine and I spent time hanging out and catching up on our lives– priceless, cherished moments. I missed my daughter so much, and it felt so good to pick up right where we left off from the last time we saw each other. Time passes, ever so quickly, but the bond we have remains.
My paternal grandmother has always been a role model all of my life, even after her passing in 1997. When my grandmother retired from being a school teacher, she took up painting. Over the years, she filled the walls of her home in Hershey, PA with her artwork. As the years went by she began giving pieces of her art to family when they visited. I am fortunate to have several of her paintings. Before I moved to China in 2010, I left this painting with Corrine. Trent was an infant and I wanted to give Corrine something to let her know I was thinking of her when I couldn’t be there in person. My grandmother, Bea Elder, was so influential in my life and continues to be a guiding light in my passion for volunteering and having an impact in the world. So, now as I’m about to embark on another adventure, it was so special to see this painting hanging in Corrine’s home. It was a reminder that although I won’t be physically close to my family for a while, they stay in my heart and travel with me– just like I have my grandmother’s spirit guiding me, even after she had passed away many years ago.
The circle of life continues; family continues, because of the unending love we share.
And with that, my journey around the world begins! I look forward to sharing the next 500 days around the world with each and every one of you. Your presence and support is appreciated beyond words, and I carry you all in my heart!