There are days when pockets of contentment swirl around my little domestic realm. Happily plonking themselves for a substantial sitting, they take me by surprise.
Not to say that the rest of the time life is unbearable and full of dissatisfaction.
But, I think you know what I mean. It’s those little capsules of time when life goes exceptionally well; when the kids have slept well, fed well and loved-up.
Hence, you are too.
For me though, it turns somewhat bittersweet. Difficult to describe the feeling, it can only be narrowed down to homesickness.
I start to wish that – along with all this domestic bliss – my little family and I could somehow immediately transport ourselves to my birth country.
How these precious moments would, not necessarily mean more, but definitely hold a different dynamic if we were in Indonesia.
I miss it.
And since being married, the longing to return has somewhat intensified, turning into a small ache.
The last time we went, was a trip to Bali 4 years ago. A memorable holiday that also marks our engagement.
And this very special country, that makes up the essence of who I am – my values, my strengths, my vulnerabilities, the comforts within my own identity – is missing out on the major chapters of my life.
It’s like I need to get back in touch with a long lost relative.
These first couple of years of raising twins has meant that travelling has been limiting. Even more so when one has egg and nut allergies.
So, while we’ve been able to enjoy domestic family holidays, the islands of Indonesia have been waiting patiently for us.
Full of natural lush green beauty, heart warming hospitable people, it’s also been crippled with natural disasters, civil unrest and terrorism.
But now we’ve developed our skills as confident parents. We realise that trying to predict the risks and dangers can’t stop them from actually happening; taking all possible precautions can only protect us in so many ways but in the end, life is what it is.
Full of unknowns and adventures.
Beyond a holiday, this is a homecoming.
The familiar, welcoming scents of sandalwood, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Roosters crowing at the crack of dawn.
The big, wide friendly smiles of my people.
I know as soon as the airplane doors open, and I embrace that sauna-like humidity, my heart will be racing, unable to contain the excitement. I will finally be home and introducing my new family to its surroundings.
It’s my first opportunity to show the twinlets a little of their heritage. To help them start understanding that it is possible to belong to two broadly different countries. To witness them make significant cultural discoveries in a land so new and foreign, yet strangely familiar.
We leave four years to the day we got engaged.
We will arrive exactly three to the day we got married.
It’s finally time to return home. Its timing is impeccable.
Joining Jess for IBOT
Beautifully written post Grace! You can feel the love you have for your birth country!
Enjoy an amazing trip home with your family!
Mel xx
Mel @ House of Powell recently posted..The one where he faked his own death…
Wow Grace. What a fabulous homecoming awaits and what a wonderful experience to return home as a family. I’m so excited for you! xx
Shari recently posted..I am Woman. Hear me roar …. or aherrmmm multitask
Sounds amazing!!
Holidays are exactly what everyone needs every now and again, but a trip back home is worth ten holidays!
My son has extensive allergies too, you’ll be fine, take all your precautions and medications with you and you’ll be surprised afterwards just how much ‘you didn’t need to worry’
Love to hear all about it when you get back!
xxx
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..Road Trip
O Grace, I’m so happy you get to take your beautiful family back to see your beautiful home land. I hope it eases your homesickness some. Xo
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..Pros, Cons & Tips for eBay
I totally TOTALLY know how you feel. From the homesickness to the excitement of returning HOME!
Julia recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Then & Now
Beautifully written Grace. I want to come!! Having your heart firmly planted in two different countries and cultures sounds like a bit of an emotional tug of war, but I truly think you are blessed, (as are your kids).
I look forward to hearing about another one of your adventures x
kirri recently posted..Rockin Mamma interview with Tat from Mum in Search
Great! I’m sure you will have an AMAZING time. Look forward to hearing all about it.
Julie recently posted..When a parents’ heart gets broken
Gorgeous post Grace 🙂 Rachel xx
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..My new obsession and a “Call the Midwife” giveaway worth $120
How super exciting for you all. I am sure it will all be wonderful
Rhianna recently posted..Bullies bully the bully?
Oh I know how you feel, it will be a long time before I get to take my son home but so I look forward to showing him that part of my heart. I’m sure it will be a wonderful trip.
Kyla @ Three Quarters Full recently posted..Toilet Training – Part Two
What beautiful photos! I remember studying indonesian through primary school and part way through high school and thinking what a beautiful country it would be. I’m so happy you get to take your boys home to experience it!
Chrissie xx
Chrissie at Me and My Munchkin recently posted..A Letter to 17 Year Old Me
oh grace! how beautiful are your photos – not to mention your post! I’m so glad you get to go home with your beautiful family – have the most fabulous time xx
Lyndal recently posted..don’t know if i’ll fall, or maybe i’ll fly
How wonderful Mama Grace! 🙂 Joyful joyful indeed!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Bub & Me: U Picnic at Marina Barrage
Oh wow Grace, so beautifully written that you make ME want to go to Indonesia!
My heritage is here, I’m related to the very first settlers in this country. My husband on the other hand, is first generation Australian, his family originates from Italy. So although there is no homesickness for me, I’d love to experience the home towns of my in laws and to give my kids a glimpse into their wonderful culture
x
Kelly HTandT recently posted..Be Still My Beating Uterus
Homesickness has no better cure than a homecoming! Even for just a holiday. How exciting to be able to take your twins for a visit for the first time. They may still be little but you’re planting a seed in their minds that they’re part of something big beyond these shores. I’m sure it will be an enriching experience for all!
What a beautiful post. I am In love with Bali, but obviously I only see it through tourist’s eyes. It must be magnificent for it to be a homecoming. Enjoy your time there xx
Lovely post Grace! 🙂 xox Enjoy your trip with your beautiful family. 🙂
Jodi recently posted..I fell off the wagon…..
Beautiful Grace. I love Bali and miss it, and it isn’t even my home…Have a beautiful trip home. xx
Zanni, Heart Mama recently posted..Guest post: Kylie Purtell from A Study in Contradictions
Oh Grace! what a beautiful beautiful post! you made me cry. I am so homesick right now 🙁
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..Frock me!
How gorgeous Grace. I can understand how you miss your folks. What a beautiful reunion it will be, and so important for your twinlets to see other aspects of their family x
Bachelormum recently posted..Her old man and the sea
Great post – I’m jealous of the time that you are going to have there. And your kids are going to love having friends and family around to spoil them.
Kevin recently posted..to find out or not to find out…
Can I come with you? It’s been years since I was over there, and reading this, I would love to go back.
I’m so excited for you you get to take the twin lets there to see the extended family. What an exciting time for all of you!
jess recently posted..Greg’s Anatomy
What a beautiful post Grace! I totally understand you and just today I was talking about how much I do miss Montreal… I think it’s very important also for your kids to discover from where their mum come from… I’m happy for you! Have a wonderful trip!
Rita recently posted..The K subject
Nothing better than a shot of humidity into your system. You sound super excited! I’m sure you all will have a ball, if you manage to get the passport shots!
Prue x
Prue recently posted..Escaping On Weekends
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday back in your homeland. I wish to take my kids to our families homeland one day when I stop having kids lol.
Salz recently posted..Camping Central Giveaway ~ Tropicana Hammock
Beautiful Grace, and it is such a beautiful country with beautiful people. I hope you have a wonderful time. x
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Selective school of hard knocks
My husband and I travelled overland from Jakarta to Lombok via Bali, 3 years ago. It was a wonderful experience, what a country. I too am an expat (British), haven’t been back in over 3 years. Australia is our home now, but home country is indeed different thing. I no longer wish to live in the UK but I would so love to go back for a visit and introduce my daughters to my family. I wish you a wonderful trip!
Pam recently posted..Grateful for…a healthy pregnancy
Sounds awesome Grace! I couldn’t imagine living so far away from my home. I live 40 minutes from my Mum and the house I grew up in and I literally hang for our weekly trip home for family night and if it’s not on for some reason I just don’t feel right. So to live so far away from your homeland must be incredibly hard. I hope you have an absolute ball while you are away and it fills up your tank to get you through however long it will be before you go back home again.
Kylez…aka…Mrs.P recently posted..Toast Monster
So beautiful. My husband is from England and I know that he feels the same way. It’s so hard when you know that you’re partner has to choose between his home and his loves. But it certainly makes it extra special when you get to go back. What a beautiful post. I want to go there now too xxx
Renay@mummysmiracles recently posted..Keeping Your Cool…
I could feel the pull of “home” through your words Grace, a beautiful story. Have a fantastic homecoming xx
Natalie recently posted..Did you have a good day at work?
I’m excited for you, and I can just imagine how excited you are to take your family with you. It will be like seeing it with new eyes as you show them. Have a safe and happy holiday 🙂
Alicia O’Brien recently posted..Bloody Hell! – Open Slather
Beautiful Grace, just beautiful. Interesting isnt it? Home is always home. There is no one place that can substitute. I wish you and Mr S, along with the cutest two year olds a very relaxing and safe holiday at home. Love you lots. Denyse x
Denyse Whelan Education Specialist recently posted..Second Blog Is On Its Way.
Your words are so lovely, Grace.
I’ve now lived here for longer than I did in England, and while I’m at peace here and rarely get homesick, it’s still a place I would love to introduce to the girls.
Enjoy your homecoming 🙂 x
Jayne recently posted..Poppin’ the protest cherry
This is beautiful, Grace! I hope your trip will be everything you’ve been dreaming of and so much more x
Beautifully written, Grace. The emotions are so honest and tangible. I can relate a little being a transplant in some way or other myself. It’s hard to get rid of those things that pull our hearts.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – September Snapshots
I have been to Bali a few times and can understand your missing it. I also have a love for this country (my birthplace) and can understand the homesickness when you are away for a long time.
You have described those feelings very well, the contentment of what you have as well as that longing for things held in your heart. I enjoyed the read. Thank you Grace.
Becc recently posted..My roller coaster ride
How wonderful for you to take the boys to see their heritage, and the gorgeous things they will see!
iSophie recently posted..Not any bed will do. (Highly Sensitive Child)
Enjoy Grace. What a wonderful experience it will be to show your birth country to your children and be able to see it through their eyes anew.
Danya Banya recently posted..Fabric Letters & Numbers
How exciting Grace! I love that you love and treasure your heritage. Can’t wait to see the photos.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Leanne@Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1103 – And the winners are …
Impeccable. That’s the perfect description. As homesick as you are, all I can think is how lucky it is you have a “home” elsewhere. It makes longing so much more rewarding. Have fun, mama.
Nami recently posted..Where Ever We Go, Amigo
Oh my, Grace. I have tears in my eyes. And tingles up my spine. I can’t believe I missed this post. WOW. This is such a HUGE trip for you and your boys. The way you described the scent of sandalwood, the roosters at dawn, the sauna-like heat… I could feel it too. I understand the need for you to go there. This was the loveliest post to read. So beautifully expressed, Grace. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip. xxx
Deb @ Bright and Precious recently posted..Real Men Wear Skirts