You always had this in your plan, didn’t you?

They say the grass is always greener on the other side.

SonShine week was always the most-anticipated week of my year growing up. A local community centre ran the week-long program of events in my village. The purpose was simple: Love the village. Bless the community. Get to know the community.

It was powerful; the experience of love instead of judgement.

It transformed me. My experiences during those times, of being on teams working alongside friends and strangers, changed my perceptions of this place.

Then came my escape route: university.

Glasgow scared me to start with. My first week there was a challenge; a country bumpkin adapting to the fast-paced city life.
Now I can’t imagine living without it.

And here I am. Back with my parents. Back in the countryside.

This is the last place I ever thought I’d be again.
This was always in your plan.

Coming back.

Everything’s the same, but it’s not.
People move on. I moved on. Regulars change.
Friends get married. Have kids. Move away.
I’m different too. My perspective is different.

Same streets, so familiar.
Same people, but we’re all so different now.

They say the grass is always greener on the other side.