The Upside

As we sit at the airport waiting for our flight to Bangkok to start boarding, we have had some time to reflect on the many months that have passed since we started teaching abroad from the comforts of our childhood homes. As we planned out the move, we have created a carefully curated list as to why we are leaving: moving in together in our own place (and effectively moving out of our parents houses), teaching at a normal time, and getting started on our own lives.

At the same time, we aren't two people to only look at the reasons we wanted to leave. We have also been thinking about all of the things that have made the last phase of our lives so amazing.

So, this was the upside.

We have had an opportunity that we never thought we would have. As we drove back and forth from each other's childhood homes, we've been able to learn what it was really like for the other person to grow up. We are no longer just pleasantly cordial with each others families. We have become fully integrated members of them.

At Nolan's house, Jessica now knows what he means when he says that his mom makes the best fried rice and chicken tortilla soup in the world. Because, it really is. And, there is no better way for her to end the week than margaritas and a puzzle with Traci. But above all, the Cope's are

really the most talented cookie makers on the planet. Jessica had never been the biggest cookie fan in the world, but that all changed when she would arrive in Santa Barbara and Ross would pull that cookie tray out of the oven. Nolan's friends have quickly become hers, as we tried to go out disc golfing together at least once a week (Jessica's disc golf game has also enjoyed the practice).

In Woodside, Nolan has been able to indulge in the full realm of Rodine's cooking, along with my homemade hummus and coronavirus-inspired sourdough pancakes. He has also been able to experience what life is really like living on this micro-farm that my dad has created. He has definitely enjoyed the benefits of fresh chicken eggs, and almost too many zucchinis and tomatoes. My extended family has welcomed him in with open arms and we've been able to spend ample time with my grandparents at the cabin. While he was here, he had also been able to teach

almost every member of my family how to disc golf as well. After all of his time spent in the Bay Area, he had two budding rivals for the title of his New Best Friend: Jessica's little sister Paige's boyfriend, Chris, or our cat, Toby (when Nolan would return home after work at 2 am, Toby would always make sure to walk him to the door, ensuring that he got home safe).

One of the most special things about this adventure from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara every two weeks, is that we got to drive through San Luis Obispo each time. From moving in Nolan's brother Ian into his new college house, to seeing old friends, and eating at our favorite restaurants, we couldn't be happier that we got some extra time in the place that made us so happy for so many years. We were able to reminisce about all of the experiences we had, and see how SLO is a constantly changing and ever improving place.

We could not be more grateful for these experiences. Although it isn't the starry eyed experience of moving-in-together-for-the-first-time that we thought it would be, it is a different type of magic that we never knew we would experience. We got to celebrate things that we would have missed, like Ian's 20th or my Papa's 74th birthday. We got to be a part of Paige going through her virtual Senior year, and applying for college. We've been able to see family and friends that we thought we would have left months ago. Through all of the hardships that this year has thrown our way, I am happy that we had been able to figure this out in a way that ends up being positive at the end of the day. And now, as we board our flight to Bangkok, we are incredibly grateful for the experiences we've been able to have at home. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.