We have begun our journey into expat life!  Even though we are not arriving in our newly adopted country for a few months, the preparations for such a move are at once daunting and exciting and will (seem to!) take an eon to accomplish.  On the beach at the cottage in late August, I noticed that the Monarchs have come back. This was a thrilling discovery as we have missed them in any great numbers over the past few summers.  I’ve been a great advocate for the milkweed, saving it countless times from being “weeded” out of the sand, so that it may live to provide food for our fluttering friends, who make that ridiculous, yet awe-inspiring thousands-of-miles journey each summer to Canada from Mexico.  It occurred to me that we are not unlike this remarkable creature in our choice to open a new chapter in Mexico City, where our story will continue for the next few years.  We will go, but each year find our way back to Canada.  We will journey many thousands of miles away from family, friends and familiarity.  It will not be without hardship and challenge.  However, we hope to gain many things when we are away: acquisition of a new language and to grow strong as a family as we experience a new culture together.  We will always find our way home to Canada; we have an internal compass in our hearts that will always point us north, towards maples and trilliums, towards fresh water lakes and extended family and dear friends. Many cherished memories will journey with us, with the great potential for more to be made!