Shifting up what we can change is key in an overwhelming season where there is lots we cannot change. I am learning this matters- especially this year. With almost everything (work & school) still remote our family decided to change up things this year and head south for warmer weather and to visit historical sites and learn about our past as a nation.
To be real -all of our issue sand problems came with us but what was life giving was a change from the ground hog day many of us feel like we are living in for the past 10 months. Having sunshine and space to process and think a bit more also led me to know it is time to go back to therapy. Doing the hard work of unpacking ad leaning into healing is good work even when it costs me. The internet was not great but we let a lot go and focused on being together, being outside, and learning together.
The time spent talking about history and the voices that have been historically excluded from many narratives was so important for us as a family.
I am grateful for this time.
I'm answering some questions about what and where you asked and sharing a little about our time there.
History matters and I am forever and unapologetically a history nerd. We made the trip to visit several important Civil Rights sites during our time in Alabama. As a transracial adoptive family we are always seeking to learn how to create a safe space in raising white and Black children in the same home. Allowing our kids to all question, feel safe, and not be exposed to trauma while learning about history is difficult. It requires much thought and prayer and lots of conversations; early and often. It also requires action- to make sure my children are listening to voices often excluded. Our time in Selma and Birmingham was about learning. And we are continuing to ask what John Lewis meant by "when we pray we move our feet."
See more about the specifics about what we did to intentionally learn more history over at Hawa Images. I linked resources there for Black History month as well!
This letter is so important to listen to each year and sadly could have been written today. Dr King wrote, "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."
We headed to Pensacola, Florida one day!
Honestly mostly we just spent time at parks or bike riding outside. Because when you can be outside in January you do not take it for granted.
Our Air B&B was so great- a few tips: If you are staying for a longer period of time negotiate- you never know if you do not ask right? We had a river in the backyard with kayaks! The internet connection was definitely an issue but we made it work.
We took the opportunity to BE OUTSIDE every second we could!
Best local coffee shop in Foley, Alabama is
Beach Girl Coffee! I went WAY too much.
Abishai is a whole vibe. It was definitely not super warm beach weather but these kids did not care and sitting on a beach is good for the soul so we went often.
It was a blessing to have Anni's bestie visit us for a week during our time. This friendship is beautiful.
Tell me about your family- what are you doing to thrive in remote life?
Happy adventuring and learning and making memories together,
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