It is little surprise that one of the most lamented drawbacks to living abroad is the distance from loved ones. While Skype and Facebook have revolutionized the way we stay connected from afar, nothing trumps a heartfelt chat from the same time zone and, for the luckiest, a quick bite on a Sunday afternoon. There are moments, like recently, where I ache for Philadelphia and a food-filled afternoon with friends in the city. Then I remember how fortunate I have been to be able to return home (usually) two times each year, three with clever planning. My family and hometown are, in fact, relatively close and the reality is that a six hour time difference isn’t an insurmountable setback; I never feel too far.
But when I do occasionally bewail the hardships of this distance, I’m reminded of those who come from much further afield. Australian photographer Sarah Gardan came to Paris with her husband with a plan to experience their shared French heritage and travel throughout Europe for one year. Six months into their adventure, Sarah learned she was expecting her first child which kept them grounded in France. Fast forward three children and their one year dream evolved into seven…
