For the last week and a half there has been a dark cloud hanging over us as we became more and more concerned about our visas
to return to Bhutan. It began with me hearing that visas were not being
approved due to the large number of unemployed Bhutanese B. Ed graduates. OK I
get that. At first we responded by just continuing to believe it would happen.
We had already leased an apartment and set it up, outlaying funds to ensure
that on our return we could comfortably arrive and get straight into the
routine of resuming work and teaching.
Ian’s recent news that his school had
secured his visa inspired me to believe that it would also be possible for me
and helped us to make the decision to continue with our plan to travel to
Bangkok as the transit point for our return. My visa has since been refused
but there is one final hope. Throughout this entire process I have remained
optimistic, positive and hopeful and I am still am but this has given me cause
to contemplate and really look at what is important to me.
So, what do I appreciate and feel grateful
for …….
2. ….the blessing of a soul mate, who shares
my hopes and ambitions, enjoys my company and many of the same hobbies and is
committed to travelling to expand our worldview and just happens to be my best
friend and husband.
3. …..the extraordinary good fortune of having
been born in a country that is diverse, democratic, resource rich and often
considered lucky and always having lived in non-violent conditions and peaceful
times.
4. ….the free government education that
gave flight to my dreams.
5. ….the challenges and opportunities that
have shaped my life because I have chosen to follow my heart and always grown
from each of them.
6. ….the privilege and honour of not just
working but being passionate about the work that I do and feeling that I truly
make a difference.
7. ….always having food on the table and
enough respect to take an active interest in what I eat, how it is prepared and
what impact that can make.
8. ….the good health, active lifestyle and
happiness that have enabled me to remain optimistic, and confident about both
myself and the outcomes of my endeavors.
9. ….the joy of having touched a great many
lives, in an incredible number of countries and societies and allowed them to
enter my heart.
10. ….the unmistakable pleasure of having
made strong and lasting connections to a hugely divergent cultures ……. Right
now that tie to Bhutan and the need to return is so urgent I have nothing but
faith to guide me into the future and on our journey.
As I await the bureaucratic decision which
will determine our next step I can only believe that that faith will be
rewarded and we will be given one last chance to contribute to the Bhutanese education
system and expand the already strong bond we feel to former students and to
include more in that circle of love and understanding.
