You have a great plan, Justin, but how you manage to fit in all the creative endeavor and hold down a teaching job is beyond me. Your story today really rings true to me. Living in another culture for a time - even six months, changes you forever, and it is hard to "come home again". It is a special form of anomie, this not knowing precisely one's place in the world any more. Thanks for the new 50-word prompt. Does it have a photo?
Thank you, Sharron! I have no idea if this book will take me three months to write or three years, but either way it’s okay. I really want to make it happen. I needed a little more flexibility right now because I’m hitting a very busy stretch of the school year (annual reviews and IEP writing). Honestly, I need this creative outlet/need to write in order to stay sane. It helps me in more ways than one.
I’m excited for the prompt...currently speaking with John about a photo. 😊 Looking forward to reading your work!
Hi Charlotte! Sadly I’ve never lived there, but I know someone who has. When I wrote this story I could sense that she longed to go back. Ironically enough, just a few weeks ago, she returned to Uganda. 😊
Hard to return to modern complexity after three years of such beautiful simplicity and gratitude. Love it.
Thanks so much, Clancy!
Well put - the simple pleasures leave us grateful. The complex ones all too frequently leave us wanting more.
Just as good the second time. A novel? Go for it!
Thank you, Mark! Yeah, what the heck. I’m going for it. It’s been fun! 🤓
This reminded me of my brief stint in Ethiopia.
Missed those kids so much.
Sounds like the experience of a lifetime. One I’m sure you’ll never forget! Thanks for reading, Marc!🙏
Really enjoyed this story, Justin. Good luck with Off the Trail 👍🏼
Thanks a bunch, Daniel! It’s been a blast “going long” again and getting lost in that particular story.
Another great story!!
Thank you! 💜
Quite a rich story and understandable on so many levels - Thanks Justin
Thanks so much, Mark! I appreciate you taking the time to read it!
You have a great plan, Justin, but how you manage to fit in all the creative endeavor and hold down a teaching job is beyond me. Your story today really rings true to me. Living in another culture for a time - even six months, changes you forever, and it is hard to "come home again". It is a special form of anomie, this not knowing precisely one's place in the world any more. Thanks for the new 50-word prompt. Does it have a photo?
Thank you, Sharron! I have no idea if this book will take me three months to write or three years, but either way it’s okay. I really want to make it happen. I needed a little more flexibility right now because I’m hitting a very busy stretch of the school year (annual reviews and IEP writing). Honestly, I need this creative outlet/need to write in order to stay sane. It helps me in more ways than one.
I’m excited for the prompt...currently speaking with John about a photo. 😊 Looking forward to reading your work!
Justin, let me know when Off the Trail is done, or nearly done. Looking forward to reading more of that story!!!
I will, Andrea! Maybe once I’m halfway through or so I’ll send it your way. You can get a sneak peek! 😄
I will look forward to it!!
Did you use to live in Uganda? I lived there for 7 years. You never knew what tomorrow might bring and that’s one reason I loved it there.
Hi Charlotte! Sadly I’ve never lived there, but I know someone who has. When I wrote this story I could sense that she longed to go back. Ironically enough, just a few weeks ago, she returned to Uganda. 😊
Hahaha we says it’s a “sticky place” I was supposed to be there for 6 weeks, stayed 7 years, best time of my life and I also long to return.
I hope you get the chance to return someday!