I was in Oman. Michael was visiting, and we went to the sunrise service because I had been told that was the service everyone goes to. It was so full that they held it outside, in a dusty field between two churches in the “Christian Complex”. Oman allows the practice of religions other than Islam, but they designate where churches can be placed. In Muscat, they are all stuck in a cluster together a little outside the city. So we drove out there and sat outside while the sun came up behind the mountains and went from freezing cold in the darkness to the warmth of early summer in the Middle East. Afterwards the ladies put out cookies and Dixie cups with juice and we had some and I felt kind of awkward in a crowd of people probably a lot more religious than I am. We probably went home and took a nap after that, I can’t remember.

Soon after Michael and I went on our amazing trip to India and Nepal, I came back to Oman horribly ill with something mysterious, and I went home two weeks later still too sick to fly, but I did it anyway, and I was happy to be leaving Oman. It was the right adventure at the right time, and taught me for the first time in my life that living a full 24 hours of flying time away from my family is just too far. It finally scratched that wanderlust itch that I’ve always had to just go off and do something/anything, as long as it’s different and interesting. It implanted a major bug in my ear (is that an expression? I think?) to trek to Everest Base Camp, which I am determined to do, though probably not this year. It made me realize the kind of work I want to do and put me on the path that I’m on now, which feels 100% right all the time, which makes a huge difference when I’m tired and/or feeling burnt out. It confirmed my long-held suspicion that following my instincts and excitement level is the best way to find my path – even when people I love think I’m being crazy and irresponsible and short-sighted.

So to whatever that is that leads me around by the nose and tells me what to do when the path is foggy: I love you. Life is good. Thanks for putting me in Colorado.

Yes, this is a real Omani sign.