They know how to do a few things right, here. Like have a thunder and lightning storm. Two days ago the kids and I were out running a couple errands. We soon started to drive through some serious rain. We could hear a little thunder and see some lightning in the distance. But what continues to catch me off guard here is, where there is one storm there are often several others in the area or about to be. The first clap of thunder close to us made us all jump out of our seats. It took my brain a few long seconds to determine that the loud noise and cause of the car shaking was indeed thunder and we were not just hit by something. The storm was so bad by the time we got to the grocery store that the kids all had their hands over their ears. They were afraid to get out of the car. They were afraid to stay in the car. Ryland thought for sure the lightning was going to hit us. And his fears were not completely unfounded. Lightning hit the ground here just a couple weeks ago.
I looked around the parking lot and did an internal debate. We were out of a few critical items and needed to make a stop. Right or wrong, I took a cue from the locals who were still going and coming from the store, albeit quickly. I reassured the kids that we were going to be ok – it wouldn’t be as loud in the store. We made a run for it.
It was quieter in the store and electricity managed to stay on, despite several threats to cut out while we were there. The storm was still going pretty strong by the time we got back out, though it had moved out of our immediate area. Several traffic lights weren’t as lucky as those in the grocery store, but we got home safe and sound.
The tropical environment makes you pause in awe of nature between storms as well, even when you live here year round. Last Sunday evening Paul and I put the girls in the double chariot, Ryland on his bike and went for a run along the nearby coastal trail. At each picnic table there were locals (not many tourists in the wet season) eating with family and/or friends. There were kids playing on the grass and sand, adults sitting in camp chairs having a chilled glass of wine, and others just sitting on the grass with book in hand and camera at the ready. All were waiting for the approaching sunset.
As we ran along, taking in our surroundings, Paul and I looked at each other with understanding. These are a few of the reasons why we are here. To learn to stop and pause more often; to breathe the ocean air deep in our lungs and allow it to replenish our souls; to make more time to just have a picnic; to pause long enough to let the powerfulness of nature reach our conscious brains and to teach our kids to make this a way of life.
Just catching up on your Blog. Arrived at our home in Florida Wednesday past. And although I can't compare it to your odyssey, when you bring your "life" with you for five months, there sure is a lot to do when you arrive ! Sounds like you are all immersing yourselves in the culture and environment - or I should say the environment is immersing itself in you ! Glad you survived the TStorms ! I especially liked your comment about how you and Paul felt validated about your reason for going to Australia as you rode along the beach with the children. Just came back from a bike ride ourselves - now on to supper ! Be happy. Will check in later. xx Aunt D.
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