back to reality

I'm back from just over 2 weeks in India.  And all you have heard is true: India is fabulous and loud and chaotic and colorful and complex and the people are just amazing.  It was the first time in 7 years I had that much time to myself to think and create and JUST BE.  Sure we were shooting a ton and up early and up late and traveling around and I got sick because I ate everything (including some seriously sketchy but TOTALLY worth it street food) but action packed is how I like it. This journey was about so much more than photography for me. On the plane I read a quote in my journal from long ago "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware" (Martin Buber) and that proved true for me on this trip.  I discovered and rediscovered a lot about the 'me' I have forgotten.  She was buried in the daily grind of Mama-hood and reality of life.  I realized that the pursuit of making sure she does not continually take a back seat to the immediate is important and that God created me with creativity and using and growing those gifts is not selfish if I pursue it for His glory. I realized I feel more alive when experiencing and learning new cultures and places. I realized I missed my family and husband but being alone gave me space to remember me.  I remembered my husband always has my back and life is richer because I get to travel side by side with him. I realized my kids are exhausting and simultaneously such a gift designed just for me; for my growth, joy, challenge, and blessing.  And while I frequently feel like I might go crazy in the daily my family and friends are my tribe. My tribe for which I am grateful. With thousands of images to edit, pages of scribbled journal entries to process, and life charging ahead I am not sure when time will allow me to properly reflect and post but I just wanted to express my gratitude for the people who prayed and helped me take this step. I'm so grateful for the color India added to my life and excited to share more with you all soon.