There and Back Again

​It’s time to bundle up again! My feet have barely seen the inside of shoes in the last 2 years. These days they are constantly wrapped in a layer of wool socks and boots. It feels strange to wear my old clothes again. I can’t help but feel like I am stepping into a costume of sorts. Who is this woman in long sweaters, scarves, hats and thermal underwear? I find myself acclimating to Utah’s desert cold climate, physically just as much as mentally. 
 

So we’ve decided to move back to Salt Lake City! Because this is where my husband and I met. Because we both have family and friends here. Because it is breathtakingly beautiful. Because this feels like a good place to build a home. Because after we were evacuated from our home a second time (on different islands, in less than 6 months), I began to take things personally. Maybe the Islands don’t want us here?
 
The decision to move came quickly. Imagine pushing over a domino that influenced an entire chain of events. So now, here we are! Our tanned skin hidden underneath layers, our noses bleeding, and our lips cracking. Our entire lives have been reduced to fit inside two suitcases each. We even managed to bring along our set of copper pots! This is our time to begin again. Feeling a little battered, a little unsure where and how to move forward, but extremely grateful for the opportunity to do it together.

Salt Lake City, UT