A sad day

We must embrace pain and loss and burn it as fuel for our journey. ~Kenji Miyazawa

We got word today that Rachael's great aunt Mimi passed away.

We're lucky to be sharing this adventure and certainly aren't taking it for granted. But we are reminded every day that we are far from home, far from our comfort zones and far from the people we love. Today was particularly difficult. The passing of a loved one often brings families and communities together and the awareness of being so far away from it all makes it difficult to cope with loss. When you leave all you know behind, you leave with it your support network and familiar comforts. This void can often be filled with McDonald's French fries. Believe us, we tried, but to no avail. Regrets are as plentiful as the good memories in which we take solace. Her presence was uplifting. She was wonderful, fun, and a bubbly spirit and will be missed dearly.