Next Steps

Sorry for the radio silence, but we really didn’t have much to share.  Public health care is a blessing but also slow as molasses.  Despite referrals being submitted in June we didn’t get the appointments for Mike’s testing until the end of August.  Then we had to wait for results and a path forward. 

First things first, Mike is fine.  His testing went pretty well all things considered, but he did end up getting referred to Cardiology and we are patiently awaiting follow up.  His fitness level was exceptional, but he most likely has minor inferior ischemia; meaning reduced blood flow to the lower chamber of his heart.  It hopefully isn’t serious and it's not impacting his life in any way, but we think it’s important to follow through and make sure it doesn’t become serious.  Unfortunately, this means staying put for the time being. 

We spent the summer exploring Calgary while we waited.  We walked the entire length of the Bow River Pathway…twice and explored pretty much every community in the city and surrounding area.  It seemed ideal to stay close to home until we got the testing completed.  Now with the clock restarted to wait on Cardiology we decided to get a little more comfortable.  We’ve signed a one-year lease on an apartment and are settling into a quiet routine.  In no way are we done travelling, but the world is a little complicated right now, so we are trying to get excited about our first Canadian winter in over four years.  If we can get away for a few weeks at some point we will, but we are preparing to hibernate for the coming months.  There’s chili simmering on the stove, my books are unpacked, and we finally have a couch big enough for us to both spread out a little.

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You may also have heard that the ship we were living on is no longer operating.  To be honest, this doesn’t come as a surprise for us.  We are grateful for the experience, and we don’t regret our decisions, but we are also grateful that we left when did.  The last few months would have soured the experience and instead we were able to walk away on our own terms with epic memories and new friends.  The ending was unfortunate and we are hurting for those left in Cambodia with no direction and especially for the crew.  It was a great concept; unfortunately, the execution needed a little work.

Wish us luck on surviving winter in Alberta and send warm thoughts. We don't know what the future holds, but I'm sure Mike will come up with some new crazy adventure for us to embark on. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the quiet.