Yap, FSM // The Anvari Chronicles

In August my entire family took a trip back to Yap where we grew up. It was pretty amazing. My parent’s generously used all their air miles to make the trip possible. Not only was it wonderful being all together but it was extra special being together in a place that is so near and dear to our hearts and being able to share it with our spouses and children.

The trip there, which should have just been a grueling 25 hours of travel ended up being even longer due to a pesky tropical depression hovering over Guam. After being nearly diverted to Saipan, landing on the Anderson Air Force base, sitting on the runway for two hours, deplaning in a torrential downpour and being bused to the regular airport we finally made it to Yap, although our bags didn’t make it until three days later.

It was surreal being back. It felt at once like a weight was lifted and that I was finally back home and yet I was also acutely aware that my life was no longer there. It was an interesting duality to experience.

Being able to show Raf where I came from was such a gift. It was amazing, being able to show him the house I grew up in, and give him a picture to all the stories of my childhood. It was also the first trip that my whole family has all been on together since we’ve all been married and I just can’t express how grateful I am for that time together!

Reconnecting with all our friends over there was so special and everywhere we went we were greeted with love and warmth in a way that that I have yet to experience in quite the same way anywhere else.

Sorry for all the poor quality pictures, but alas the phone was just way more convenient than our DSLR.