Mr. & Mrs. Vandebilt + kids

Sometimes this whole process is really overwhelming. There are a lot of steps and it’s very much a hurry up and wait game. We started receiving contracts almost two months ago now and things are still not finalized. I jump through my last immigration hoop today: a webcam interview with the Korean consulate. If all goes well we’ll be completely ready to go. I’ve given my notice at work, we’ve bought Jacob’s one way non-refundable plane ticket, and I have a year’s worth of prescription medication. There’s no turning back.

1. If we don’t do it now, we never will. It’s now or never.
2. We get to truly experience another culture for an entire year before traveling the better part of the world. I think, and hope, this will not only give us a better appreciation for how the rest of the world lives, but also how lucky we are to be Canadians and appreciate where and what we come from.
3. While we’ll miss all of our friends and family at home, we’ll have a really great opportunity to meet new people.
4. If all goes well we’ll be able to help someone out. Jacob and I hope to be able to spend some time volunteering in Africa.
5. It’s easier to regret going than not going.
6. In a strange way, our decision to leave has brought us closer to a lot of friends and family.
7. Adventure. Who doesn’t want to backpack across South East Asia and ride a train across Russia?
8. I get to do a lot of planning and at the same time throw a lot of everyday planning out the window.
9. I’ve always been jealous of people who take time off and travel around (Kelly, Jeannine, this means you). But I’ve realized that the only thing stopping me was me.
10. What do I have to lose?
11. And finally, and most importantly, we’re going to try and live up to Paul McCartney’s lyrics: “Down in the jungle, living in a tent. You don’t use money and you don’t pay rent. You don’t even know the time but you don’t mind.”