My midlife adventure in Aceh

Hai Rakan, Steemit friends.
My name is Lila, I live in Aceh, Indonesia.

They say the middle of life is the testing ground of character and strength. Since my move to rural Aceh, I have to say it's so true. I spoke very little Aceh and lived in a small caravan for a year with a two cats. I was left by my partner at the start of this project, so after selling up and moving from Medan to Aceh, thinking I would be sharing my dream, I found myself alone.

My friends and family thought I was mad, and many thought I would never achieve my goals and would soon move back to Medan or the Sumatera Utara. It's not been an easy journey, but it's sure been an interesting one. I have learned to be self-reliant and enjoy my own company.

How did I get here? I grew up in Medan in a working class background. My dad was a "Jack of all trades, master of none" but could turn his hand to anything. He was hard-working and loved his family. I guess this is where I get my "Jill of all trades" from. I miss him every day here in Aceh.

I had many adventures along the way. Modeling and traveling the world I lived in Medan for twenty-two years. I had an eye for design and opened a retail store in Medan where I sold bed linens and offering design services. Divorced and single in a large city like Medan, I missed my homeland and family. I moved back to MEdan, purchased my first home and started to make my nest. Time passed and before I knew it I was in my fifties mid-life. I am not sure who said, middle-aged is later than you think and sooner than you expect.