“One week to go!” I tell middle man. His little face lights up to match my excitement. We are heading back to the UK for the British summer. I’m taking Middle man and Baby Blue by myself on the two day journey back. Yes I am very nervous about the trip but am very excited about going home. (Husband and Lego Boy are meeting us there later.)

I have never been excited about going home before. I have always been sad to leave a new place but I guess living somewhere other than your “home” changes you. Maybe it is because actually going to the UK this time isn’t going home? Is home now here in Zambia? It is where I live. For now I am going to claim both places as home…

Why am I excited?…. So many reasons.

Foremost I can not wait to see my family and friends! See my pregnant sister, meet my new nephew, see how my nieces and nephews have grown, hug my parents, be surrounded by mine and my husbands family. One of the hardest things I have found about been an expat is a feeling of disconnection with day to day family life. Its not that i feel disconnected with my family (Skype, whatsapp and facebook all help with that) but that I miss the day to day things, the pointless chats about unimportant stuff, the Sunday dinners and the regular contact. I apologies in advance if I accidentally tackle any member of my family as I rush to hug them. It is so true when they say distance can make the heart grow fonder.

Second I can not wait for life to be that bit easier. No power cuts, shops selling what I need, parents support with the boys, roads that don’t destroy cars and less crazy driving.

I am looking forward to the variety in entertainment options, going to the park, going to softplay, going to restaurants and the cinema, walking around country houses and visiting tourist spots. Visiting the beach and going surfing ( probably in my winter wet suit).

I am worried I am going to come back the size of an elephant due to the different foods I am looking forward to! Mum can we have Chinese for the first meal please? 🙂

Despite all the things I can not wait for, there are of course things I am going to miss about my Zambian home! The life style for one.. the sun, the outdoor life, living with doors and windows open wide, the freedom my boys have, the new friendships I have made. In the end despite all the UKs comforts I am sure the need for adventure will bring me home to Zambia.