JumpEarth Around the World Adventure

This is it. The trip is over. After saying goodbye to Savta, Oved, Israel, and finally France, we were greeted by the majestic flatirons of Colorado, USA. More importantly, though, we were greeted by Trixie. We left Israel with many bags; four backpacks, four duffel bags, two large suitcases, and two small suitcases. Therefore, our friend Ling, who you may remember from Bali, arranged a van and driver for us. While I gazed out of the window, many things dawned on me. I realized that even in all the countries we have been, the mountains in our home are unique and ever so beautiful. I realized, too, that I will have a hard time adjusting. Sitting in the car, I couldn’t remember what side of the road is meant to be driven on or on which side of the sidewalk I should stand. I couldn’t remember the way home, though I recognized certain places, for many buildings and signs were changed.

As we were about to pull up to our house, the driver continued on. We’d been hijacked! Don’t worry, though, it was only to Ling’s house, where we were welcomed with a plate of homemade dumplings before we were sent on our way. It was very kind and sweet, especially because when we pulled up to our gate, there were colorful welcome signs and letters waiting for us.

Quietly leaving our bags (and food) in the yard, we crept to the back door and were met by Trixie, my angel and baby, jumping up against the glass panels. After calling to her, for we couldn’t resist, we cracked open the door and Trixie squeezed through before we could slide it further. She was rapturous. Ordinarily, upon a long-awaited return, Trixie runs in circles around the house and yard, so ecstatic that her whole body quivers. Yesterday, though, she reached a new level of joy.

She looped around us quickly, jumping up on us and licking us, even whimpering; a first. She would not run around the yard; she would not leave us. After rolling with her and hugging and rubbing her, we came inside and played with her. Then, we met Bruno.

While Trixie has shrunk not only in width but also in overall size, Bruno has gotten larger and fatter. He, in fact, seemed so changed a cat that for a few minutes I was nearly convinced that he was not our Bruno, for even his eyes were yellow instead of green. Asher, in his excitement, scared Bruno under the couch until he went away, at which point Bruno came out and watched us. It took no more than ten minutes before he allowed us to pet, kiss, and hold him, and I could see that his eyes were green.

Overwhelmed with our pets, I had almost forgotten that I was home, in our house, and so when I finally entered my bedroom and unexpectedly smiled, I was shocked. I was shocked because for the past hours and weeks I had forbidden myself from thinking of home and dreaded it so much that my mind put up a mental block against it. But I smiled, and found I was happy.

Seeing Trixie the way she was last night made the entire trip worth it. Our joy, together, was something I have never experienced and may never experience again. Trixie, though some of you, my readers, may doubt it, is the second greatest joy of my life (Asher is the first), and how quickly Bruno got used to us will, upon recollection, give me pleasure for the rest of my life.

We have flown 105,854 miles and visited 23 countries; I’ve written 72 posts; and I don’t think almost anything that can be done in this world can compare. Thank you readers, thank you friends, thank you family, thank you world.

I love you all,

Ella

Books I’ve Read This Trip (86):