During my trip to Iceland, I had the privilege of meeting distant relatives. One particular relative had his own sheep farm, Oskar. Oskar was so happy to meet us and tell us all about his life, how he lives to farm sheep and all that comes with a farming lifestyle in Iceland. His wife published a book of poems which she sells to guests from far and wide who come to visit the farm. I can honestly say, I’ve never seen anything thing like this place in my life. The vibrant green fields and vast land that stretched into the rolling mountains covered by a blanket of misty rain warmed my heart so much that I felt like I never wanted to leave. Ill never forget watching Réttir, the traditional rounding up of sheep from the mountains to the lowlands. The sheep were full of panic as the herders on horses and border collies ran towards them. I felt the energy from the event vibrating through the ground into my body which filled with awe. It was such an authentic experience. The weather was miserable, but also perfect. Being at Oskar’s, I never felt more present. It is now a feeling and memory that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Seeing a hardworking family run a sheep farm full of love for each other made me feel like I should really just move to iceland, where things seem simple in the highlands. During the rest of my stay at the farm house, I laughed, drank wine, ate chocolate, and played card games with my Icelandic cousins who told me id fit right in with my red hair, I’ve never felt more at home.

I remember taking a walk by myself in some fields near the house in the poring rain. I thought to myself how incredibly grateful I was to be in such a beautiful place, I took a quiet moment to myself to take it all in one last time before we moved on to the next location the following day. Looking back, I realize you never have enough time in a place, you are bound to a type of feeling that will always be attached to that one location.

I know there’s got to be a word for that feeling, I just don’t know it.