A Holiday Wish from Mike and Shelley

It is with a sense of amazement that Mike and I send out this holiday greeting from France. For years we saved for this experience and, as we near our ninth month, it has been far more than we expected (and there’s a little more yet to come). During this holiday season, Mike and I continue to take it all in – whatever life has to offer – like my first Advent calendar (we had the wisdom to buy one that is full of chocolates!), decorating our tiny tree (thanks to the ornaments that Siena Scott left for us), and participating in village festivities like the Christmas chorale, the Fete des Lumieres and the many Marche de Noels.

But no matter what event we have planned, each day starts the same, checking for emails. I scroll through the junk to find the emails from you. Every day there’s something, and it always brings a smile. And when Mike gets up, it’s the first thing he asks, “Did we get any emails?” A letter in the mailbox creates a flurry of excitement as we rush for the mailbox key. For each of those emails, calls, cards or letters, electronic or paper, and for the thoughts sent our way, we thank you. It has mattered.

We’ve had the chance to see things, go places, and meet people that would fill a lifetime of vacations. But, it’s not been about a lifetime of vacations strung end to end like pearls. It’s about the thread that connects them. That thread is made of relationships – two-way relationships with friends and family. We’ve come close to having it all – a life here and a life in Annapolis (and Texas, too). That’s only because of your effort at keeping our connections alive with calls, emails, letters, newspaper clippings and such. Mostly, you’ve held us in your thoughts.

To our friends – You’ve read and listened to our tales, but you also shared your life with us and that makes all the difference. For those who visited, we got to know you better – more so than is possible with emails, phone calls and occasional dinners.

For all those at DOT, you’ve carried on our work without missing a beat – as it should be. I could not be more proud.

For our family – We thank you for your support and love, and for shouldering responsibilities that we could not possibly have managed from here.

To our new friends in and around Cotignac, we thank you for your openness and hospitality. You’ve made us feel welcome and comfortable in a place that could have seemed foreign. Your hospitality with stay with us wherever we go.

Through all of our experiences, we have deepened our thankfulness for life, friends and family. You have been with us as we dreamed this dream. You have been constant companions on our journey – whether you realized it or not. While we will always cherish our time in France, it is each of you whom we hold most dear in our hearts.

So, for now, we send you our holiday wishes from afar and we thank you for your love and friendship. We wish for you the fulfillment of all your dreams.


Shelley and Mike