Back in Belize and Jumping Right Back In... Kind Of

Before we left Belize, we were in the final weeks of the dry season. Leaves were curling, the ground was cracking, and the plants and wildlife were all searching for a long-awaited drink. We were definitely ready for the clouds to return and bring their gift to the land.

In just 17 short days, everything had transformed.

We came home to lush green gardens, knee-high grass, and plants that seemed to have grown feet while we were away. We were greeted by blooming passionflowers, our first harvest of pineapples and papayas from plants we had planted ourselves, and, of course, our little dog, Willy, who was more than happy to see us.

Since being back, we've jumped right into life here.

We tried roasting cashews—unfortunately, for a little too long—but every lesson has its value. Once we got the yard back under control, it was time to tackle the house again.

We've found someone to build our doors, sealed the last of the windows, finally had our patio door fixed properly, installed a toilet (it's amazing how exciting plumbing becomes when you're building your own home!), completed the plumbing for the guest kitchen, painted the kitchen table and chairs, and even made a few cutting boards.

Somewhere in between all of that, we've settled back into the rhythms of daily life. Laurie starts each morning with journaling, while Corey begins his day with a walking meditation alongside Willy. We keep our kombucha brewing, started a new batch of sourdough starter, care for the animals, harvest from the garden, and make the occasional market run for supplies. As the day winds down, we end with meditation and have returned to sitting together with our sound healing instruments. These familiar rituals bring balance to the projects and remind us that home is found not only in the place we live, but in the way we choose to live each day.

As I looked back over everything we'd accomplished in just over two weeks, I realized something.

None of it felt like work.

It felt like choice.

One of the things I love most about this life is that it's the life we chose to create.

If I feel like making muffins, like I did this morning, I can walk outside, pick fresh bananas, gather eggs from my ladies, and bake banana muffins. If I feel inspired to organize the office—or finally tackle the ever-growing catch-all corner of the house—that's what I do.

Of course, not every day is easy. There are projects that take longer than expected, things that don't go as planned (just ask our over-roasted cashews), and plenty of moments that test our patience.

But even those moments feel different because they're part of a life we've intentionally chosen.

For me, that's the real gift.

It's not just Belize. It's not the monkeys, the tropical gardens, or even the house we're building.

The gift is waking up each day knowing we're creating a life that reflects what matters most to us.

And after just over two weeks away, coming home reminded me just how grateful I am that this is the life we chose to create.