Q-Blog

It began as an idea…just a quick question my Uncle asked... “So how much does a flight cost to and from South Africa?”… Little did I know that 6 weeks later I would be getting on a flight from South Africa to Austin, Texas…

And little did everyone else know…Totally unprecedented…the biggest surprise I’ve ever been a part of began.

My sister was 35% surprised—which, apart from just scaring her in a dark room could be the most surprised I could hope forJ My Dad was great to watch as he tried to process how his son answered the door before he rang the doorbell and why was he there anyway…And my aunt cried (that’s good)…My Mom, grandmother and grandfather just couldn’t believe it…and neither could I really… The flight was painfully long and included some legendary layovers (40 minutes in an international terminal and I made it…with my bags). However the holiday was probably the best we’ve had as a family.

“A family that cooks pizzas together stays together…” Okay, it wasn’t the home cooked food or the cool house my sister owns…It was just great to see everyone. I met my niece—what a cute little four-legged animal! I’m a very proud uncle I have to admit…I couldn’t have done better (she doesn’t bite and is house trained)—the best niece so far!

On top of all the family and a miniature reunion—I had a chance to see my friend Trey get married to a beautiful woman. I marveled at the event with a group of friends from university. I alone marveled at how many people my age are married and have children…It was good to see everyone and the randomness helped the whole thing seem set in some movie—we were just part of one scene…

That is: The scene where a small-town Texas guy gets married to the love of his life—a Chinese gal he’s met while working and learning language in China…all this is to take place in a Baptist church in East Texas…You can only imagine the mix of characters which gathered in that chapel.

And another real treat! There is nothing like speaking Turkish in random places and eating Turkish food with great friends—IN DALLAS…Yes, in a whirlwind trip that took over 10 hours of driving I was able to attend a wedding in Linden, Texas, eat Turkish food with Ryan and Daniel in Dallas, Texas and then fall asleep in Austin, Texas…The only thing I really have to remember the whole thing is a collage of random pictures…

I apologize to my friend Katie. The second time I’ve blown through Dallas and not said hello…And to my long lost friend Rebecca Mayfield...Her and Stevie…and it would have been great to meet the man she married (his name isn’t Stevie but I bet he’s a wonder)…Another scene out of a movie…

All the traveling, friends, family, and I’m glad to be back…Its strange to call this place home but I rested well after the whirlwind of flights, reunions, long drives on highways, and eating until I couldn’t breathe…That is, after all, what Thanksgiving is all about…right?

By the way, Joey, I don’t know who you are but if you look like Audrey Hepburn you’re invited to South Africa.