You know you think that you did this 10 years before and it was hard, this time it will be easy....it's NOT, not by a long shot, if anything it was harder for all of us because now there were children involved. Little hands holding tightly and crying into our necks, begging us not to leave...cries of "I love you I'm going to miss you" and watching my grandmother fall apart and sob before me. It broke my heart and it made me more determined than ever to return next year, because time with your family is precious and it flies by, before you know it, another 10 years have past.
It was a hard day for us all, we tried to be strong, we sat around eating (that's what portuguese people do best lol), we tried to get caught up as quickly as we could and then we were at the airport, boarding an airplane headed to Amsterdam.
It was a weird bitter/sweet moment. On the one hand you see the faces of your loved ones and your heart breaks and you want nothing more than to turn around and run into their arms again, then on the other hand, you have your home, your dogs and your own life waiting for you at the end of the trip.
One thing is for sure, today we're all agreeing that in the end we still left so much unsaid, so much undone. A true reminder that time DOES fly when you're having fun.
After saying goodbye to the family we checked in our bags and headed to the gate....the way the photo looks depicts exactly how I felt at the moment.
Amsterdam Airport, that was the KLM flight that brought us from Johannesburg
Anxiously anticipating the flight to St. Paul...it would be another 8 hours and 40 minutes but at least there's movies and individual tv's with video games for the kids etc.
Flight was taking longer than usual....boredom abounds
All settled in and ready for the long flight...
Miss Jasmine getting her tv set up to watch movies
The last few shots are views of Amsterdam from the airplane, it's absolutely gorgeous and I would love to go back and visit some day
How bittersweet for all of you,Good that you're be able to go back next year.I imagine that your Grandma was very happy to have all her grandchildren and great grandchildren all around her.I've just loved seeing all the pictures of Johannesberg.Thank you for taking all of us loyal blog readers along. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see the end of your trip, but the memories will last a lifetime! I love you pictures from the plane. You always do a good job with the camera.
ReplyDeleteAt least they'll have the memories and something really special to look forward too - reconnecting the next time. This was a great series of posts Sandra.
ReplyDeleteI can relate, it is always hard when we leave family, and we see them at least once a year. But I am torn, I like to get back to my house and bed and routine... definitely bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteToni
How hard to say "goodbye", but you have brought back so much with you, pictures, closeness, memories, love and so much in life that is to be great full. Looks like such a wonderful adventure for your family Sandra!! And what an opportunity to go to S. Africa. I am so happy for all that you were able to travel and take this meaningful trip!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Pictures!!!
Love, Jeannene
Bittersweet moment. It is always difficult to say "good-bye". But you, Curt, Jasmine and Nicholas have wonderful memories of your trip and that is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Eden
I can't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye. I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed the pictures and descriptions of your trip home Sandra. Thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day :)
Sandra, the way you described the final goodbyes...oh my...just heartbreaking....I wish you could all be closer together......
ReplyDeleteI really do hope you can go back next year...do not let another ten years go by between visits...
The children crying on your neck really brings the point home....
I hope you had a comfortable flight...
Beautiful pics! I know it was hard for you to leave! Sending big hugs your way!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder why we say "good" bye when we are leaving a place and people we love? Perhaps it is because the good is rolled up in the memories and love we take with us; and is part of the belief in the future good-times which we can look forward to.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these wonderful days and extraordinary pictures.
Glad you are back home safe and sound...your life here is so enriched by this South African Journey of the heart May you be able to return next year.
Looking forward to your at-home blogging...you always have so many things going on!
Sending Smiles.
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThis is Donald from Bumbo International in South Africa.
I do not believe I came across your site by accident. I took the time to peruse some of your adventures and just thought of sharing something for your and your followers and all those who visit you. Perhaps you have read the words of Desiderata before but if not its good to digest these beautiful words.
Here we go:
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
You can visit us here: http://www.bumbo.co.za