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I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but it is our last.
Nathan’s job on the trip was to track the finances. He’s been a good accountant. Aidan’s job was to count everything else. Here’s some of his final stats:
- Total air miles traveled: 42,557
- Airline flights: 26
- Longest flight: 14 hours, Sydney to San Francisco
- Shortest flight: 15 minutes, Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
- Countries visited: 12
- Cities/Towns/Villages visited: 30
But this trip has been about far more than the number of new stamps in our passports. Below each of us has shared his/her final thoughts.
From Aidan: On this trip, I learned a lot about the world. People live in very tough circumstances. For example in Tanzania, Nepal, and Cambodia, there’s lots of poverty. It makes me feel lucky. I had a good time. Sometimes, we fought, but it was mostly fun. My favorite stop on the trip was Moorea. I liked swimming in the ocean. I also liked London, Dubai, and Koh Samui. I feel like this summer was awesome and once in a lifetime.
From Nathan: I accomplished most of my goals for this trip, but some I still need to work on.
See more countries and continents and experience their cultures.
It was great to learn about other countries and their ways of living. My favorite cultural experience was the day that we spent with a family in Cambodia.
See new and unforgettable things.
The best new thing that I saw was the temples of Angkor Wat. They’re in great condition for being so old. I also liked the architectural design, because it used a lot of symmetry.
Learn more about my world through experiences.
I learned that the world can be a tough place when you don’t have a lot. There is so much poverty. It would be nice if those people in need could get an free education and start a new life.
Expand my comfort zone.
I didn’t really expand my comfort zone that much. Sometimes, I didn’t take risks or try new things. That was true in Zanzibar, when I didn’t go snorkeling in deep water. In Nepal, I did go outside my comfort zone and went paragliding. It turned out to be the best thing that I did in Nepal.
Try exotic foods.
I did not try many exotic foods, because most of them looked or sounded terrible. In Cambodia, there was fish paste (fish guts) with red ants and rice. I don’t think that I will ever try that.
Grow closer to my family.
The biggest thing is that I grew closer to my family. I had fun with them around the world. I learned a lot about them, and I hoped they learned about me too.
Have fun.
Rain or shine, I always was having fun. How could I not? I was going around the world for 72 days! Most kids don’t get the opportunity to experience so many counties and cultures.
Now that we are at end of the trip, it is bittersweet. I want to go home to see the rest of my family and Nilla again. I also want to keep traveling around the world, seeing new countries.
From Neerav: While I didn’t get to visit all the places that Shellie and the boys toured, I was happy that I got to be part of this trip. Overall, it taught me to be more patient, go with the flow, and not stress over small details, especially with the kids.
It was hard at the start of the journey as Nilla and I were left behind. I got caught up on work, ate out a lot, and improved my golf handicap by 3 points. It was nice to spend some time alone – first time in 20 years – but reflecting on it, I really appreciate what I have with my family.
We got to experience some new cultures and people. I think the most fascinating was Cambodia. There we got to see how fortunate we really are and how we can give back. And French Polynesia was a great way to relax and refresh.
Although we had our stressed-out moments, our family relationship improved overall. I really liked the one-on-one time with Nathan and Aidan. I also enjoyed horsing around with them on the beach and at the pool. Wish Shellie and I could have spent more time together.
It was a trip of a lifetime – one that I truly appreciate.
From Shellie: At the beginning of the trip, I had a long list of goals. Several had to do with exposing my sons to a wider world and helping them become empathetic world citizens. I think that I accomplished that. The bigger, more important challenge was to improve our family dynamics and cement a loving, open, and honest relationship with them. I’d also had hopes of them doing the same with each other.
It goes without saying, I love my sons. Of course, we had our share of conflicts. I had plenty of parenting moments on foreign streets where I prayed no one around us understood the English coming out of my mouth! But I feel as though I truly know my children now. While we share characteristics, they are different from me and different from each other. They have individual needs and express themselves in different ways. By job as a parent is less about molding them and more about supporting their God-given gifts. By doing this, I’m confident each will make his mark on the world.
We’re truly blessed to have completed this journey as a family. I thank God for the opportunity and delivering us home safely.
Thank you to the Burns family and Cooper’s Dogpatch for caring for our dog, Nilla. (Poor Nilla. While we were gone, he suffered a sore hip, bruised tail, ear infection, and hot spots.) Thank you to Mike Fousie, who fixed all the things that I couldn’t on the blog. And thank you to Neerav, who – not only earned the hotel and airline points – but let the boys and I use them without him.
Finally, we’d like to thank all of our readers for sharing this adventure with us. Knowing that you were out there made us feel closer to home.
We leave you with the words of Ernest Hemingway: βIt is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.β
We hope that you find your journey.
I don’t know your family personally, but have faithfully followed your journey after I read about it on KATU. What a wonderful experience your family has had the opportunity to have. I applaud you all for posting the good and the bad and for having such candor. Welcome back to Portland!
Thanks so much for reading!!
Shellie,
Don and I enjoyed and looked forward to each new post. You are brave and it is great that you could all experience so much. Happy to hear you all are home safely (stopped to visit your Mom just today!). Thanks for sharing!
I’m sure she was happy to see you! Thanks for reading! Say hi to Jeff and Amy.
I’m finding myself a bit melancholy as I read you last post; it has been such a joy to read of your many adventures this summer! Thank you for sharing your story…
Thanks for reading, Amy. Wish we were going to see you at today’s Argon game, but I’m sure we’ll run into you soon!
It has been so enjoyable taking your 72 day journey right here in Michigan. What an amazing way to educate your family on so many things. Thanks, Shellie, and I am so going to miss my daily inbox treat. Safe travels home.
Thanks so much for reading, Nancy!
Shellie, Neerav, Aidan and Nathan – Thank you for sharing this great adventure with us. I loved how the kids contributed to the blog and shared their ideas. I have a friend that took a series of great adventures around the world when his sons were young and their lives were forever impacted – I am sure that this will be the case with Nathan and Aidan as well. Loved the stories of the people, food and cultures. Not sure how you are going to return to everyday life.
I’m not sure either. Let’s get together before I go back to work!
Yes Home ward bound. Good job to all. Terry
Thanks Terry. Thinking of you.
I have really enjoyed your trip – makes me yearn to travel!. Welcome back to the good old U.S.A. Fun to get to know your family! from your 2nd cousin in Boyne City, MI. Sue Carlston. Come and visit us!
Thanks Sue. Good to hear from you and thanks for reading!
I wholeheartedly agree with Frannie, you need to put this in a book, I too would be buying it. What a wonderful adventure and lesson your family got from this. I feel like I was on this trip with you and I appreciate your sharing. I know you all will be happy to be home and able to sleep in your own beds and see your family, friends and pets. Welcome Home.
Ready for home, Cooki. We miss our dog!
Followed all 72 days! What an amazing trip! But at the end of the day, there is no place like home! Travel well done!
Thanks so much for reading, Rebecca!
Shellie,
I’ve so enjoyed the trip!! What I good time I had reading about the good time you all were having. You and Neerav are fabulous, adventurous parents and your boys will be all the better for having you guys to teach them about life and love!! Congratulations on your 72 journey!! Welcome home!
Thanks Sharon. Hoping everything went well with your procedure.
Thank you for sharing all it was nice to take the trip also.
Thanks for reading, Don!
You must be very proud of your boys. They got it.
It wasn’t just traveling the world, it was understanding how the people of this world live in different circumstances, and how they adapt to what they have. It was about seeing that we come from an amazing array of beauty, different cultural experiences and different places and yet we have a common bond.
They saw that some have so much more than others, and perhaps realized we have an obligation to make it better, to share.
I hope so, Joy. Thanks for reading!
Joy, I do think the boys got the message. That was very gratifying. Thanks for reading!
Have enjoyed “our” adventure. Thank you for sharing your family with us. They are all great looking guys! Loved hearing what the boys thought were the highlights. Being a teenager during the time of the Killing Fields, I was interested in how Cambodia was rebuilding. Being in that country seemed to impress everyone. While I’m sure there indeed were conflicts along the way,(this WAS a family vacation after all), you chose to highlight the positive. Well done mom! Rest up.
Thanks Barb. I do need a good nap!
Thanks, Barb. I think the boys did a good job reflecting on their experience. Now we’re all ready for a nap!
I just got back today too. We missed you and Aidan at camp. I am glad you are safe. I hope to tell you funny tales of the week!
Let’s plan to get together before school starts. Can’t wait to hear about the boys’ adventures.
I only learned of your blog about half way through the trip, but have thoroughly enjoyed every day of that. Thank you so much for sharing. I’d love to see your journey in book form!
Thanks for reading, Bonnie!
I need to catch up…
Such a fantastic trip . . . I have enjoyed every moment of your journey. My friend and I have followed your posts, we get together for coffee once in awhile, and we chat about your trip, we are in awe and so inspired.
I’m happy to hear that you and your friend enjoyed it. Can’t wait to visit my local Starbucks. I’ve been suffering withdrawal.
We adored having Nilla and would take him again in a heart beat! He will be so so so happy to see you guys tomorrow- 24 more hours! I am so happy you were able to experience such an amazing journey as a family. You guys rock!
He may prefer you now! We’ll be home in a few hours to pick him up! π
Hi Shellie,
I have enjoyed following your travels. Please think about compiling words and pictures in a book, it would sell for sure. I would buy a copy! Safe travels to you and your family in the future.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to think about that… after a good long nap!
I have enjoyed your trip from the very beginning. I thought what an awesome way this was for your family to bond together after your fight with breast cancer. I have enjoyed seeing countries and places that I will probably never see! Thank you very much for sharing your trip and your thoughts as you traveled around the world. It has made this a memorable summer for me as well.
Happy that you could come along with us! Thanks for reading, Tammy.
I’m going to miss reading about all of your adventures. It feels like finishing a good book that I don’t want to end. You have an amazing family. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
Thanks Wendy. Even though you’ve never gotten to meet the boys, maybe you know them a little better now! Crazy kids…
Shellie, have followed your adventures all 72 days…thank you for sharing the good, the bad and the wonderful.
Loved all of it!!! Sometimes we forget the greater picture! The boys were fabulous!
Thanks Linda. That made them smile.
please, please write a book or put all these comments together as a book, I would be the first to buy it , donations to your favorite charity would be a fun way to sell it!
Thanks For the vote of confidence. Sounds like a big project! I’ll have to think about that.