As we speak, McKenna is in Paris... Yeah, I know. I hate her too. 😁
For this year's spring break, McKenna is on a trip with her high school choir to perform a series of vocal concerts throughout Paris and surrounding areas. But as of a few months ago, McKenna had not really traveled alone, much less owned a passport or traveled internationally.
Did we consider jetting off to Paris to accompany our daughter???
The first morning arrived in France with a hummingbird gently tapping at McKenna’s hotel window. It’s a beautiful day out, but I receive a text from McKenna saying that she’s “kinda lonely right now.” Then my phone rings. It's McKenna... We chat for a few minutes, but I end our pep talk with this little bit of advice, “McKenna. Today and throughout this trip. Be adventurous. Engage those around you. Look for opportunities. And when an opportunity presents itself, TAKE IT! If you do this, you will indeed have the Best Trip Ever!!!”
In response, I got the patented teenage daughter response, “Okay Dad.”
Hours later, Lily and I receive this text, “R U guys up? I had a fun day. I want to tell you!”
McKenna proceeded to tell us multiple stories about her “fun day”, but the one story that really struck me was this one:
After spending the morning touring Chateau De Fontainebleau, the choir kids were given permission to explore the local Farmer’s Market. While all the other students split off into their respective friend groups in search of souvenirs, trinkets, and snacky foods, McKenna and her friend Alex quietly slipped away. As they strolled the cobblestoned streets together, they stumbled across a local group of tiny children doing some sort of craft activity on the street corner.
Alex was oblivious and walked right on by, but McKenna wasn't having it! That's when she clutched his arm with a gleam in her eye and said, “Alex, I have a great idea! Let’s join the group of tiny children and make awesome crafts!”
“Are you serious?” Alex exclaimed.
“Yup! Let’s go!”
And so they did…
Saying “Hello” and meeting the teacher’s eyes as they approached the table, McKenna grabbed a crafting sheet and pointed to herself in hopes that the teacher would understand that they would like to join in on the fun! The teacher smiled and beckoned the two high school juniors to join the group of tiny children. As McKenna began crafting away on her bona fide masterpiece, she befriends a 5 year old girl sitting next to her. The little girl knows no English, and McKenna knows no French. But through energetic pantomiming, they become fast friends…
After McKenna and Alex were finished with their masterpieces, they stood up to leave when the little girl grabbed McKenna's hand. The little girl then placed a brightly colored chocolate egg into her hand, presumably because tomorrow is Easter! At first, McKenna was unsure if the 5 year old was giving or just showing her the candy egg. But through more energetic pantomiming, McKenna finally came to understand that this chocolate egg was the little girl’s parting gift to her newfound friend…
These are the kinds of priceless stories you get from traveling abroad and letting your kids fly on their own. And I didn’t even tell you the story of how McKenna and Alex walked into a florist shop solely to pet two cute dogs, but walked out with bouquets of flowers to give to their teacher and tour guides in appreciation for their efforts.
Today was an Epic Day One on this episode of "McKenna In Paris." And I can only imagine what will happen on Day 2!!!
