24 Comments

Finally reading this post and realizing why you’re in Africa for a while (I was wondering if you left Portugal 😢). All great adventures you’re having and many more to come! So excited for you (and envious!). Loved your flip a coin attitude - I’ve been guilty of deciding directions to go in that way, too. 😁

Hope your husband fully heals soon in beautiful Colorado (if he needs even more sun, send him down our way to NM - tho we’re enjoying an actual snowstorm right now - woohoo!). Best of luck and adventures to you, Janelle. If you’re still in 🇵🇹 next June/July, I’d love to meet up!

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Oct 15Liked by Janelle Holden

I missed this post! Sorry to hear you aren’t in Portugal any longer. Wishing you the best on this next adventure.

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Lani - I will probably be back! Just gone for a quarter or so. I hope. :)

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It's been one hell of a roller coaster ride, but you've been holding on and making the best out of it! Your persistence in living your dream as best as possible is truly inspiring. I don't doubt that you will be back in Portugal at some point; in the meantime...the Ivory Coast! You got this! I truly believe that! Much love to you, my friend, and safe travels! xo

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I may be new to your Substack but I completely resonated with this letter! I think you are doing your absolute best given the circumstances and know that everything is falling in place for you and Doug. ❤️

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Hope you have a great time exploring the Ivory Coast.

It definitely can be overwhelming getting settled in a new country and figuring out all the paperwork, red tape, etc. I've been in Finland for a little over a year, and there are still unfinished things making me feel unsettled, like I'm weirdly in limbo or vacationing here. Soon, everything will be figured out. Glad you have people helping you. Support is so important. :)

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Sep 30Liked by Janelle Holden

You’ve got this girl!

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Thank you sooo much!

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Hi Janelle. It sounds like your life is a rollercoaster ride, which on the one hand is exhausting but on the other must be a lot of fun. I'm glad you're going to Africa, but sad that you're not staying in Portugal. Maybe that's how it has to be for someone who seems to be as open to adventure as you are. Take care

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Thank you Rolando! I will be back and I hope the ride becomes a lot less up and down.

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Sep 29Liked by Janelle Holden

I love you! You got this.

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Thank you! 🙏

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You're 100% right on feeling peace about the path/s and steps of (your) life. You do your part, and if it's bound to be or happen, it will. If it doesn't, well, correct what you can, adjust and start again. And, yeah, here Bambi rules!

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Sep 29Liked by Janelle Holden

You’re doing it. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.

In Jamaica they have an expression, “Every mickle mek a muckle.” It’s one of my favorites. It basically means all the small things add up to something bigger. Here’s to getting the small things done and new adventures. 🙌🏼

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Thank you dear friend! I love that saying! Very wise!

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Blessings and safe travels as you move on with your life. I'm only sorry not to have met you!

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Thanks Maria! I haven’t given up on Portugal so there’s hope to see you!

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Sep 29Liked by Janelle Holden

I love you, girl. 🫶🏼

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You’re the best thing since sliced gluten-free bread!

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A lot of suspense. Good introduction and prayers for your trip and safety.

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Love you 😘! Thanks for your guidance!

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Sep 29Liked by Janelle Holden

So glad everything is falling into place! Africa! Another adventure. Your are an inspiration to never give up on your dreams.

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Thank you! 🙏

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Fun times! I’m happy you get to continue your adventure.

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