The Motherland

We have arrived again in the true north, strong and free complete with snow drifts, howling winds, and closed roads. I feel like a figurine in one of those shake n' snow glass jars stranded in the midst of a winter wonderland. If this sounds like complaining, I would hasten to add that we are absolutely loving it!
Reuniting with friends and family has been the best part about coming home. We have not had much time to simply "be" since we have many people to see and little time to do it. The infamous four is no more with Erick's move to Cambridge. He is living in a bachelor pad with friends from Summit for the next month. He will be sure to update soon and let you all know what his plans are for the next year.
Hilko, Annette and I head to the Dominican Republic, Lord willing, tomorrow. If this Candian weather keeps up we may be forced to extend our stay. (Could this be an answer to your prayer yesterday, Matt?)

It is very hard to sum up what the past 6 months have been like for us. I have a feeling that our memories will come as snapshots spreading over years to come. Encountering a smell, song, or accent will, inevitably, transport us back to a time in our trip. Right now it still feels like a dream.

Someone asked me what the most significant lesson was that I learned on this trip and I told her that it was the kindness we encountered in every place we went. Often we are fed information that the world is all evil but what I learned is that there are still many good people: Angels of mercy. We have all agreed that we want to be kind to travelers wherever and whenever we come in contact with them. We realize that our trip would have been impossible without their kindness and we are more than ready to return the favor.

We love you all and cannot wait to see you face to face.
Your prayers, e-mails, comments, letters, and interest in our lives and trip have literally overwhelmed us. Thank you sincerely~*

~Grace-Emma