Being Present
The girls were fairly upset with me when they realized our Christmas card did not feature a photo of them this year. So to make up for my abhorrent behavior, here is a picture of the Salem family that perhaps I would have sent out on a normal year. Bookended between the parents are Maya (10), Jolie (9), Zara (14), and Halle (14).
I have to admit, I am slightly concerned that the one thing missing from the packing list is a doctor. In the last 30 days we have been to see the orthodontist 6 times, the dentist 7 times, travel clinic for 20+ shots, knee doctor 2 times, 1 foot x-ray, 1 sprained thumb, 1 ear infection, 2 fainting episodes and a partridge in a pear tree. (Two of those were today, 24 hours before boarding.)
I get asked the question, “What are you looking forward to the most while you are on this trip?” It’s not one country, or one activity, but the opportunity to be present, maybe for the first time in a long while. Certainly the previous paragraph illustrates just one small piece of the chaos that is having a family of 4 girls, but the greatest gift we have in front of us is quite simple. Life is short, spend your time wisely. Time, with just the 6 of us, without distractions and interruptions. Time, to leave our happy bubble so we can see what goes on around us every day in the rest of the world.
A special thanks to our friend Dana White, for making this dream a reality.
We are reading your Christmas greeting as the earth in the northern hemisphere turns back towards the sun. Birds are chirping and snow is melting. Being in the present is a good daily practice. Thank you for reminding us of the now. Happy travels, Anne & Sean
Navyn,
Merry Christmas and happy New Years to you and your family ! , have a lot of fun and safe on this journey.
You look the same, you are like sisters and brother ,I like your smiling face,
,Happy new year to you and to all who love you. Bon voyage vous etes benis
Happy New Year Salems! Hope all is well in El Chalten…..Love the pics xo
Keeping you all in prayers and very excited about seeing pictures and reading your posts. Maya, Zara, Halle and Jolie…Kathleen and I took our girls on a much simpler version of your adventure when they were about your ages and they still reflect on it twenty years later. Blessings to you all.
Safe and healthy travels for all the Salems. Enjoy your adventure!!
Excited to watch your adventure unfold. Be safe, have loads of fun and take memory photos that last a life time.
Hi! Have lots of fun! See you soon!
Adventure is a path… Leave a TRAIL Salem’s!!
Safe travels, The Mashburn’s
I am smiling from ear to ear just thinking of all the wonderfully memorable experiences, conversations, laughs and more that you will have on your adventure. Wishing you the very best of times, germaine
Hi! Hope you have lots of fun! Stay safe and happy!!!
Look forward to all the photos and blogs.
Be safe, Have fun, and have an AMAZING adventure.
Today’s the day! BON VOYAAAAAAGE! ✈️
Safe travels, Salems. Take good care of eachother every step, train, plane, rickshaw, camel, boat and bungee of the way. xo! The Theberges
Your sentiments are spot-on. That is indeed the biggest gift of this adventure. I am honored to be part of an incredible family experience. Enjoy!
Probably the best family photo ever!! Wonderful, thanks for sharing, and wonderful journeys await you all!!! Xxxoo
Have fun salem family, we will miss you
Send lots of pictures