Reconnecting with friends is a form of soul food – you come away feeling better for it.  It’s especially enjoyable when it feels just like yesterday that you were together, even though big chunks of time may have passed.

So far on our trip we have reconnected with friends from childhood days, including my faithful pen pal of 35+years; a work colleague from corporate days in Ford of Europe; mountain biking buddies of Kirk who helped us quickly adjust to Essex life; ante-natal class mates with whom we shared the journey through pregnancy into parenthood; a teaching colleague of Kirk and his family who treated us like whanau; a friend from high school days in Whangarei and a friend we’ve known since uni days.

These individuals and their families have made us feel welcome and set aside time to be with us.  Reminiscing, laughing, sharing stories, catching up and rekindling our connection – precious.