An Open Letter to Our Workaway Hosts

To all the families we’ve loved and left,

It’s been nearly 5 months since we left home and embarked on this journey around the globe. Back then, you existed only in our minds as a few scattered photographs we had seen online. We hoped you would be kind, welcoming, and remember to pick us up from the train/bus station. We had our moments of doubt, but eventually, you all showed up.

When we decided to sign up for Workaway, we thought it would help to prolong our travels, provide an opportunity to learn new skills, and encourage us to explore cities we would have otherwise skipped. What we didn’t anticipate, was the lasting impact a group of complete strangers would leave on us.

From our first Workaway experience in the mountains of Spain to our most recent stint in Umbria, you have exceeded our expectations beyond imagination. Each time we were faced with meeting a new family, our anxiety ran high. Would you like us? Would we like you? My husband feared we would be slave labor, eating nothing but white rice for weeks on end. I would gently remind him that if they (you) “sucked” and we weren’t happy with our accommodations, we would simply leave. Fortunately, once you picked us up, those thoughts evaporated from our minds.

You welcomed us into your family and made us feel comfortable in any way you could.

Do you remember, Hellemai, making Matt oatmeal that morning he felt too sick to join the family for the cookout in the mountains? We do. When we nearly froze to death in Ireland, Anna was there to save me with her warm jumper and the offer of an electric blanket. That time I suffered whiplash in Valentia Island, Jackie made sure I had heating pads for comfort. And Klaartje? You never let our wine glasses go empty.

We learned from you, when you didn’t even know you were teaching.

I still regale others with that time you, Stig, taught me to saber a bottle and how to properly cut an orange into perfect rounds. You may have been joking, but I’ll try to never have “pointy” oranges ever again. Thanks to you Torben, I will whine a little bit less and always try to argue my point until I convince whomever that I DO deserve that “extra cookie.” Eamon, your work ethic wasn’t lost on either of us. We watched you, after a long night at work, come home and get started on the yard work and giving the horses their medication. You were a true inspiration. We also learned that there is so much happiness to be had in the simplicity. You were evidence of that, Jackie and Brian, with the life you built for yourselves on the island.

You gave us purpose.

In a year where we have quit our jobs, and have no real aim other than to enjoy ourselves, meet new people, and see new places, you gave us a reason to get out of bed. To set an alarm and to make a difference with our day. We had chickens waiting on us to be fed, and a sprinkler system to install. If we failed, the plants might not survive the coming hot summer and the chickens may have refused to lay eggs in protest.

In Italy, we were challenged to exercise our brains and formulate new menus each week. We didn’t have to, but we saw the happiness spread across your face when we did. That was the only motivation we needed.

In Offaly County, you marveled over the transformation of your property. We imagined the time you spent with your girls growing up there and the possibilities for its future after you sell. Would another family take up residence and fill your large home with their own stories? Maybe it would become a wedding venue. Either way, we saw that you were grateful for our help and we were more than happy to give it.

You reminded us to eventually go home.

Most importantly, you showed us that there is no place like home. We enjoyed our time with each of you immensely. But also, that home is where the heart is and that family is the most important thing we have. So thank you, to each of you, for welcoming us into yours. Thank you for letting us celebrate with you when the acceptance letters to university and professional rugby arrived. Thank you for letting us step in and help when you needed an extra hand in the kitchen. Thank you for being the kind of people who make saying goodbye so hard.

Whenever we settle down, and wherever we end up, there will always be a seat for you at our table. We can’t promise it will come with the mountain or ocean views we were treated to at your homes. What we can promise is more laughter, more stories, and making sure your cup is always full.

Cheers to you,

Megan + Matt

To anyone reading who is considering a Workaway opportunity, GO. You won’t regret it.