Why On Earth...

We’re a week out. In 7 days I will be getting on a plane with my husband of 20 years and three teenagers. I won’t set foot back into my house for 5 ½ months. I’m nervous and jerky and nauseous, but not out of fear of going – out of fear that something will prevent it.

Being a direct descendent of gypsies and horsetheives, it is my nature to wander. But this is a wander in the extreme - even for me. And though we have traveled together many times in the past, an argument could be made that this trip is, at best, ill-advised.

Mike (hubbage) has, in the past, been referred to as “sound sensitive", and suffers from the 4pm itchy, cranky, nasties.

It was once suggested by teachers, doctors, and experts that I keep a tidy schedule and predictable routine for the benefit of child number two.

Youngest child can be rashy and prone to motion sickness.

Our oldest, has known the exact combination of education and employment necessary to achieve his goals, along with the accompanying time table, since early in his second year of life.

We have a dog.

So why do it? Because we believe that the best way to change the world, to get people to stop hating and killing each other is to meet them - to see the grandmothers and the babies and fathers and mothers - to eat with them and laugh with them; play music with them and worship with them.

Do I think this trip will change society? No. But I do believe it will fundamentally change us. And that’s all that I need for now.