Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Seven Years and Counting

Seven years ago today, I arrived on these shores to start a new chapter of my life. I had flown through the night from the southeastern United States to this lovely island where I live now.

This is a picture of the beautiful blossoms that I left behind back home in Georgia. They were at the edge of a field that I had played in all of my life. So right before I left I took a picture of them so that I could freeze them in time and remember them just as they were right before I left. I guess it was my way of holding onto a bit of my roots as I was preparing to move so far away. Also, we had just lost my mom so it seemed like I was leaving everything behind and it was a tough time. When I saw these beautiful pink flowers I felt happy and calm because nature can always do its work on me in times of stress. It's hard for me to worry about anything when I see God's beautiful work right in front of my face :-)

I knew that I was setting off on a journey in more ways than one and I was intrigued to see what would come...

***

When I flew over here to England, I left in the dark of night on one side of the Atlantic Ocean and arrived on the other side of the ocean in the light of the morning. I was glad to see Brit Boy and I was glad that I had arrived safely. We drove home from the airport and I walked into our little yellow house here. The first thing that I did was to go and look out of the window and this is what I saw in the backyard.

There were beautiful pink flowers here to greet me on the other side of the world and I smiled.
 
As always, nature brought me peace :-)

It's been an eventful seven years. I can hardly believe that that much time has passed. I've gained some things, I've lost some things, but I can honestly say...it's all good. I can't complain. I'm grateful for life and I can't wait to see what the next seven years will bring and the next and the next...

5 comments:

Amanda van Mulligen said...

What a poignant post - love it! Here's to lots more happy expat years!

A said...

Seven years can go so fast. Are you picking up a British accent Dori?

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

As an ex pat myself (of over 30 years now!) I know how you feel. How clever to take a photo of that lovely pink flower to remember your first home. Happy Easter. Minerva ~

Jean | Delightful Repast said...

Loved the pink flowers and the story that goes with them. I've been reading your blog for three years now and look forward to the next three (or seven). All the best to you and Brit Boy!

Dori said...

Amanda,
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and thank you for your kind wishes. Have a great day! :)

A,
Yes, it has gone by so quickly! No I haven't picked up a British accent. I do find that I say certain words or English expressions though :)

Minerva,
Wow, I know that you must have a myriad of reflections after 30 years. How intriguing! :) Yes, at the time I took it as a good sign to find similar beauty in two different places. Happy Easter to you too!

Jean,
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for your continued support of my blog. I appreciate it so much. And thank you for your good wishes to me and Brit Boy. I send good wishes right back :)