Live in the moment.
By Tessa
Trying to fit our life in a suitcase…
The planning for our trip began in earnest a year ago. We had the idea to take a few weeks of vacation and volunteer at the Mariposa Center for Girls in Cabarete DR. Two weeks turned into a four month research leave for Tessa, a break from flying for Ryan, and the opportunity for Cameron (age 11) and Makena (age 9) to attend school, learn Spanish and most of all, be immersed into the diverse Dominican culture.
Along the way, we decide to renovate our house, rent it out, and move into sister Katie’s house, all while trying to fit our lives and careers in a suitcase (10 to be exact plus carry-ons, a surfboard and a ukulele). Easier said than done.
We only got this done with the help of some amazing family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Too countless to name, they were idea generators, organizers, packers, cleaners, cooks, party hosts, general problem solvers and shoulders to lean on.
Life was hectic over the last few months, but those people helped us to keep focused on our purpose, and most of all, to live in the moment.
And by the way, you can’t put your life in a suitcase, because life is really the people around you.
P.S. Most of those suitcases were full of items purchased for the Mariposa Center for Girls through the generous donations from all of you!
The Getchis Family Blog 