It’s been a full and rewarding first week back in the USA. We’ve had a fantastic time reconnecting with friends and family. What’s really stood out to me is the effort Maggie’s friends made to come down to Lake Charles, some driving long hours just to be here with us. It’s been heartwarming, to say the least.
This week has felt like a wholesome gathering—lots of laughter, memories being made, and a ton of kids running around, which is new for many of us. It’s funny how life shifts in ways. The kids kept us all on our toes, and I know we did our best to keep them entertained with trips to the beach, picking seashells, visiting observation points (we even spotted an alligator!) That was one of the highlights. The observation point is known for alligator sightings, but you never really know if you’ll spot one. Seeing this “pre-historic dinosaur” slowly swim toward us was a thrill. And around the house, we found ways to keep the kids busy with activities like coloring, reading books, and swimming in the pool. One of the favorites, even for me, was playing with the kids’ Magna Tiles—they’re surprisingly fun!
Once the kids were in bed, the evenings were ours to unwind. It’s been relaxing, sitting around with friends, sipping drinks, and catching up in a way that only feels possible when you’re surrounded by people you’re comfortable with.
Fire Stations, Food, and Quiet Moments
One of the more memorable days was when we visited the local fire department with the kids. Surprisingly, it wasn’t just the little ones who enjoyed it; we adults learned quite a bit too. I love how moments like these—small, almost incidental—end up being highlights. It’s a different kind of joy, watching kids light up with excitement and discovering things alongside them.
Maggie’s parents has been wonderful as well. They’ve been taking great care of us with amazing food keeping everyone well-fed. One day, Brandon brought over an assortment of sausages—deer, beef, and boudin—which added a flavorful twist to our meals. We also had gumbo one of the evenings, a Louisiana classic that just hits the spot in a way only local cuisine can.
We’ve also had a few quieter moments by the pool, soaking up the sun and just relaxing between activities. There’s something special about these pockets of calm during an otherwise bustling trip.
Reflection: What the First Week Felt Like
There haven’t been any major surprises or shifts in perspective this week—everything has unfolded more or less as expected, but that’s not a bad thing. I came into this trip knowing it would be a mix of activity and relaxation, and so far, it’s been just that. It’s been busy with everyone visiting, and at the same time, we’ve had our peaceful moments to unwind. I’m grateful for the chance to catch my breath before the next leg of the journey.
Looking Ahead: A Week of Transition
As we head into the second week, I’m looking forward to spending a few quieter days with Maggie and in-laws before we head off to Baton Rouge. There, we’ll be meeting up with another batch of friends, and I’m expecting things to pick up again in terms of energy and activity. But I’m ready for it—I feel like I’ve had the perfect balance of family time, friend time, and “me” time. I’m excited to see what this next week holds.