I'm on my way home and I should be happy, but I'm not. I even feel a little sad. Sad that this most beautiful and special year in my life is over. Of course I am happy to be able to hold my loved ones in my arms, but I also have confirmation of what I said before leaving: I can miss them, because they are always with me in my heart and within reach through my phone.
When I left a year ago I had a pretty good idea of what the journey I was about to take would look like, but I had no idea what it would do to me. I do now. I am still the same person but my view of the world, especially of the people living in it, has changed. People who own nothing and struggle to make a living without thinking share their latest possessions or ask if they can help you with anything. All encounters, friendships and conversations made this trip a special life lesson.
Everything I hoped for has come true, with the highlight of this trip and of my life being the month of traveling with my sons Pim and Rik. It makes me happy and proud to be the father of these two champs and to experience this together with them.
I now know which direction I want to steer my life in and feel privileged that my cradle was in the Netherlands, so that I can even make choices that change my future.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has traveled with me by following me or commenting on my reports. That also meant that I was traveling solo, but never alone.
