Sitting Still

Expat life demands exploration. Not knowing how long we'll live in a place forces us to recognize the impermanence of this chapter in our lives. Although the end of our stay is vague and for most of the time unknown, one feels one has to take advantage of just being here. So, in theory, every long weekend should have a plan to do something new.

In Zimbabwe, one has a mental list of must-sees: Kariba Lake, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe ruins, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos. The list expands, getting more specific the longer one stays: tiger fishing on the Zambezi, rafting in Nyanga, camping in Chiredzi, horseback riding in Mavuradonha.

And then sometimes plans fall through. C'est la vie. We find ourselves home in Harare for days, no school, no activities, and suddenly, it is a different kind of holiday.

Once I let go of the sense of failure (there are only so many long weekends!), I can relax, sit still, read a book, or do something special with the kids, or go out to dinner with my husband.

As much as I cherish our trips together, they are stressful: planning, packing, paying...the dangerous roads, the remoteness of Africa with your kids. It's work. And sometimes the family just needs down time.

learning a new song

watching a movie and playing games on the iPad

reading a book

playing guitar with Miles