Time of my life

I’ve been trying for weeks to put into words how I feel about leaving SH. It’s been two months of goodbyes, last time at this restaurant or last date night or last friend coffee, and I have to say I am exhausted by it all. We have had some truly memorable moments over the past few months ever since we found out where we’re headed next, but at some point, you just need to get on the plane and fly off into your future.

However, as I was getting breakfast ready for my kids the other day, a song came up on the playlist that stopped me cold. It was the anthem of my senior year of high school (which tells you that I’ve been out of school a long time!) and one that has always rang true for me. I don’t think anything else could better sum up my feelings on our time here in Asia, the entire 180 degree turn that this assignment has taken on our lives, and the way I hope our kids view decisions they make themselves in the future.

Without a doubt it was an unpredictable outcome, and the choice to say yes was fraught with uncertainty. But looking back I can see that it was exactly what was meant to happen. Coming here was the best choice we could have made for our family, even though it was hard at times. Even though there is sometimes isolation and loneliness in expat life, I wouldn’t change the experience for anything.

I hope our boys get to come back here some day so we can show them where we lived and revisit the city that we all love so much. SH is always changing, but its energy stays present no matter what.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it’s worth it was worth all the while

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

–Good Riddance (Time of your Life), Green Day