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Wednesday
Apr142010
At the Taipei Airport
April 14, 2010
I'm sitting in this ultra modern, chic transfer area, which styled in shades of grey and taupe, with white stamping of birch trees on the wall. Everything is rounded and retro-modern.
Today I am thankful. I am thankful that I will see my family in a few hours, that we will jump up and down and hug each other. I'm thankful that we were able to spend time with Cate in Bangkok. I'm thankful that I'm traveling with this big amoeba-like mass of children who are my own, wriggling and crawling over everything.
For a small magnolia farm, glimpsed through tall buildings on the way to the airport this morning. For inflight movies and the peace they so technologically enforce. For comfy seating.
For the gift of these two years away, for the simplification, the self denial, the way I've been shaped into a tougher person.
Psalm 116 talks about a sacrifice of thanksgiving, which is a funny kind of sacrifice, except when you think that perhaps sacrifice is something that doesn't just pour out, but something you have to rustle around in your deep pockets for. In my case, it's not that I'm unthankful, but that I'm preoccupied by so many questions. Nothing stills my heart like sacrifice; the pebbles I take out and smooth in between my fingers.
One random thing: Nori-flavored potato chips are a new favorite thing. The best chips ever, chips from heaven. I'm thankful for them, too. And flip-flops and my two new comfy t-shirts and water when you're really, really thirsty. And anything green. And a few hours in an airport to simmer down and contemplate. (And chase after Solo.)
Today I am thankful. I am thankful that I will see my family in a few hours, that we will jump up and down and hug each other. I'm thankful that we were able to spend time with Cate in Bangkok. I'm thankful that I'm traveling with this big amoeba-like mass of children who are my own, wriggling and crawling over everything.
For a small magnolia farm, glimpsed through tall buildings on the way to the airport this morning. For inflight movies and the peace they so technologically enforce. For comfy seating.
For the gift of these two years away, for the simplification, the self denial, the way I've been shaped into a tougher person.
Psalm 116 talks about a sacrifice of thanksgiving, which is a funny kind of sacrifice, except when you think that perhaps sacrifice is something that doesn't just pour out, but something you have to rustle around in your deep pockets for. In my case, it's not that I'm unthankful, but that I'm preoccupied by so many questions. Nothing stills my heart like sacrifice; the pebbles I take out and smooth in between my fingers.
One random thing: Nori-flavored potato chips are a new favorite thing. The best chips ever, chips from heaven. I'm thankful for them, too. And flip-flops and my two new comfy t-shirts and water when you're really, really thirsty. And anything green. And a few hours in an airport to simmer down and contemplate. (And chase after Solo.)
in Traveling
Traveling 
Reader Comments (10)
Rae, I think I may have a woman crush on you. I just think you write so beautifully and your thoughts make me feel grateful for what I have too. And sometimes when I'm feeling sorry for myself, I think of you raising four kids in a remote part of th world without the amenities I have access to, and I smarten up. Thanks!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..http://thechild-kim.blogspot.com/2010/04/for-me.html" rel="nofollow">For me =-.
My goodness, you're posting from a transfer area at Taipei Airport. Thanksgiving indeed. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with Psalm 116 and nori-flavoured chips and quick....Solo's running away again.
Safe travels.
.-= Eleanor´s last blog ..http://eleanorfromthecommentbox.blogspot.com/2010/04/quickly-running-in.html" rel="nofollow">Quickly running in =-.
Really ... posting from a transfer area ... only you I guess would do that, considering how you've been feeling.
Thank you sweet Rae. Clear skies for you all the way into your dear ones' arms.
Wonderful as always. Look forward to jumping and hugging friend.
safe travels
I will miss your being overseas. Not as much as you will miss it.
Your list is a good reminder to me today. I have to dig a little deeper for my gratitude right now.
.-= green girl in Wisconsin´s last blog ..http://melissawestemeier.blogspot.com/2010/04/midweek-update.html" rel="nofollow">midweek update =-.
This is a random commentbox:
In today's Sydney Morning Herald "Style" section an entire page is dedicated to "The Cuff", and I quote:
"From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel, ancient Greece to India, the cuff has formed part of a suite of jewellery through the ages...[it has now] surfaced as part of the female urban-warrior armour, adding a glint of raw glamour to your look."
You are a trendsetter my dear. Gosh, I hope your remembered to pack them!
.-= Eleanor´s last blog ..http://eleanorfromthecommentbox.blogspot.com/2010/04/quickly-running-in.html" rel="nofollow">Quickly running in =-.
Safe travels! Good visits! I love hearing about you and yours.
.-= blackbird´s last blog ..http://blackbird17.blogspot.com/2010/04/we-say-this-all-time.html" rel="nofollow">we say this ALL THE TIME =-.
I love to view the travels through your lens and lovely words. Can't wait to hear more from North America, eh? Hoping Solo spends some of that air time in a deep state of comatose for you!
.-= Christine´s last blog ..http://homemadeinchina.blogspot.com/2010/04/bookworm-wednesday-cry-beloved-country.html" rel="nofollow">{book}worm wednesday :: cry the beloved country =-.